King James Version

What Does Hosea 6:9 Mean?

Hosea 6:9 in the King James Version says “And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdne...” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdness. by: Heb. with one shoulder, or, to Shechem lewdness: or, enormity”

Hosea 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. men: or, Adam

8

Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood. polluted: or, cunning for

9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent : for they commit lewdness. by: Heb. with one shoulder, or, to Shechem lewdness: or, enormity

10

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

11

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

Read Hosea 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.' Priests acting like robber gangs - ambushing travelers, committing murder 'by consent' (unanimous evil). 'Murder in the way' (derek) might reference road to Shechem (v. 9b context) or generally indicate violent crime. 'Commit lewdness' (zimmah) means planned wickedness. When spiritual leaders become criminals, society faces total corruption. Jesus confronted similar corruption (Matthew 21:13): 'you make it a den of robbers.' Only Christ provides perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:26), holy and unstained by corruption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's priesthood had abandoned spiritual duties for violent crime - using sacred office for predatory gain. Specific historical details aren't preserved, but pattern is clear: systematic priestly corruption. This recalls Eli's sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17) who treated the Lord's offering with contempt and committed sexual sin. When priests murder and rob, entire society loses moral foundation. Modern parallel: clergy who abuse authority for personal gain, sexual exploitation, or financial fraud. Such corruption demands both exposure and reformation. Only return to scriptural qualifications for leadership restores integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when spiritual leaders engage in criminal or immoral behavior - both personally and institutionally?
  2. What accountability structures help prevent ministry from degenerating into 'troops of robbers'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּכְחַכֵּ֨י1 of 11

“of robbers wait”

H2442

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

אִ֜ישׁ2 of 11

“for a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

גְּדוּדִ֗ים3 of 11

“And as troops”

H1416

a crowd (especially of soldiers)

חֶ֚בֶר4 of 11

“so the company”

H2267

a society; also a spell

כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים5 of 11

“of priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

דֶּ֖רֶךְ6 of 11

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יְרַצְּחוּ7 of 11

“murder”

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

שֶׁ֑כְמָה8 of 11

“by consent”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

כִּ֥י9 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זִמָּ֖ה10 of 11

“lewdness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

עָשֽׂוּ׃11 of 11

“for they commit”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 7:1Proverbs 1:11-19Zephaniah 3:3Hosea 5:1Luke 22:2-6Jeremiah 7:9-10

Places in This Verse

ShechemSettlement · Modern: Tell Balatah · 32.21°N, 35.28°E45 verses across 10 books
View all places in Hosea 6 →

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