King James Version

What Does Hosea 5:6 Mean?

Hosea 5:6 in the King James Version says “They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn hi...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.”

Hosea 5:6 · KJV

Context

4

They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD. They will: or, Their doings will not suffer them frame: Heb. give

5

And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.

6

They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

8

Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seeking God without turning from idols: 'They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.' The irony: they seek YHWH with sacrificial animals, maintaining outward worship forms while hearts remain idolatrous. God's response: withdrawal (חָלַץ, chalats—depart, remove Himself). Proper ritual without heart transformation cannot secure divine presence. Isaiah 1:10-15 similarly rejects sacrifices from unrepentant hearts. Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6: 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice' (Matthew 9:13, 12:7). This teaches that God desires obedience over mere religious performance (1 Samuel 15:22). Only through Christ's once-for-all sacrifice do we access God (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel maintained sacrificial worship even while practicing idolatry—syncretism rather than abandonment of all YHWH worship. They brought offerings to northern shrines (Bethel, Dan, Gilgal), performing rituals while hearts were far from God (Isaiah 29:13). This mirrors medieval Catholic corruption: multiplying external religious performances (pilgrimages, penances, masses) while tolerating moral corruption and doctrinal error. The Reformation's emphasis on heartfelt faith over works-righteousness addresses this issue. God's withdrawal represents ultimate judgment: the living God becoming absent, leaving only dead ritual. This occurred literally when Shekinah glory departed temple before Babylonian destruction (Ezekiel 10:18-19, 11:23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious activity become substitute for genuine relationship with God, and what indicators reveal the difference?
  2. What does God's withdrawal in response to hypocritical worship teach about the necessity of heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּצֹאנָ֣ם1 of 10

“with their flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבִבְקָרָ֗ם2 of 10

“and with their herds”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

יֵֽלְכ֛וּ3 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ4 of 10

“to seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת5 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלֹ֣א7 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמְצָ֑אוּ8 of 10

“but they shall not find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

חָלַ֖ץ9 of 10

“him he hath withdrawn”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

מֵהֶֽם׃10 of 10
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hosea. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hosea 5:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hosea 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:28John 7:34Micah 6:6-7Lamentations 3:44Isaiah 1:11-15Proverbs 15:8

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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