King James Version

What Does Hosea 8:11 Mean?

Hosea 8:11 in the King James Version says “Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.” — study this verse from Hosea chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.”

Hosea 8:11 · KJV

Context

9

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. lovers: Heb. loves

10

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. sorrow: or, begin a: or, in a little while

11

Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.

12

I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.

13

They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt. They sacrifice: or, In the sacrifices of mine offerings they, etc

Read Hosea 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Multiplying altars for sin: 'Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.' The irony: multiplying מִזְבְּחוֹת (mizbechot, altars) לַחֲטֹא (lachato, to sin/for sin), they become לְחֵטְא (lechet, for sinning). Intended for atonement, they multiply transgression. More religion produces more guilt when heart is wrong. Jesus similarly condemned Pharisaic multiplication of traditions (Matthew 15:1-9). Proliferating religious activity apart from genuine faith compounds rather than removes sin. Only Christ's once-for-all sacrifice truly atones (Hebrews 10:10-14); multiplying religious works adds nothing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeroboam I established altars at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-29); subsequent kings added high places throughout Israel. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous 8th century Israelite worship sites. Each altar/high place theoretically enabled worship, yet divorced from Jerusalem temple and proper priesthood, they facilitated syncretism. The more places established, the more corruption spread. What began as accommodation (northern accessibility) became multiplication of idolatry. This demonstrates that wrong worship multiplied remains wrong—quantity doesn't sanctify falsehood. Church history shows similar pattern: multiplying religious works apart from gospel faith produces bondage not freedom (Galatians 5:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can multiplying religious activities and practices compound rather than remove sin?
  2. What distinguishes genuine worship pleasing to God from proliferating religious forms that multiply transgression?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּֽי1 of 9
H3588

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

הִרְבָּ֥ה2 of 9

“hath made many”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֶפְרַ֛יִם3 of 9

“Because Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִזְבְּח֖וֹת4 of 9

“altars”

H4196

an altar

לַחֲטֹֽא׃5 of 9

“shall be unto him to sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

הָיוּ6 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֥וֹ7 of 9
H0
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת8 of 9

“altars”

H4196

an altar

לַחֲטֹֽא׃9 of 9

“shall be unto him to sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 12:11Deuteronomy 4:28Jeremiah 16:13Hosea 10:8Isaiah 10:10-11Hosea 10:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Hosea 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHosea Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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