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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hosea 5:4 Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/5-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/28_Hos_05_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 5:4 - God's Judgment on Israel and Judah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hosea/5-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hosea/5-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hosea/">Hosea</a> > <a href="/hosea/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hosea/5-3.htm" title="Hosea 5:3">◄</a> Hosea 5:4 <a href="/hosea/5-5.htm" title="Hosea 5:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hosea/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hosea/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hosea/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Your deeds won’t let you return to your God. You are a prostitute through and through, and you do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hosea/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hosea/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hosea/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms <i>is</i> in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hosea/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“They do not direct their deeds Toward turning to their God, For the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, And they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hosea/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds will not allow them To return to their God. For a spirit of infidelity is within them, And they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hosea/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Their deeds will not allow them To return to their God. For a spirit of harlotry is within them, And they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hosea/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Their deeds will not allow them To return to their God. For a spirit of harlotry is within them, And they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hosea/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Their deeds will not allow them To return to their God. For a spirit of harlotry is within them, And they do not know Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hosea/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Their [immoral] practices will not permit them To return to their God, For the spirit of prostitution is within them And they do not know the LORD [they do not recognize, appreciate, heed or cherish Him].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hosea/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their actions do not allow them to return to their God, for a spirit of promiscuity is among them, and they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hosea/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their actions do not allow them to return to their God, for a spirit of promiscuity is among them, and they do not know the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hosea/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Their doings will not suffer them to turn unto their God; for the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hosea/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your evil deeds are the reason you won't return to me, your LORD God. And your constant craving for sex keeps you from knowing me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hosea/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Their doings will not suffer them to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hosea/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"The wicked things that the people have done keep them from returning to their God. They have a spirit of prostitution, and they don't know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hosea/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The evil that the people have done keeps them from returning to their God. Idolatry has a powerful hold on them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hosea/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Their actions hinder them from turning to their God, because a spirit of fornication is in their midst, and the LORD they do not know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hosea/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hosea/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Their wicked deeds do not allow them to return to their God; because a spirit of idolatry controls their heart, and they do not acknowledge the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hosea/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds won't allow them to turn to their God; for the spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hosea/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They will not frame their doings to turn to their God: for the spirit of lewdness is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hosea/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds won’t allow them to turn to their God, for the spirit of prostitution is within them, and they don’t know Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hosea/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They do not give up their habitual doings, "" To turn back to their God, "" For a spirit of whoredoms [is] in their midst, "" And YHWH they have not known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hosea/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They give not up their habitual doings, To turn back unto their God, For a spirit of whoredoms is in their midst, And Jehovah they have not known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hosea/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They will not give their doings to turn back to their God, for the spirit of fornication is in the midst of them, and they knew not Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hosea/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They will not set their thoughts to return to their God: for the spirit of fornication is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hosea/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They will not set their thoughts to return to their God, for the spirit of fornication is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hosea/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Their deeds do not allow them to return to their God; For the spirit of prostitution is in them, and they do not know the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hosea/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they do not know the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hosea/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Their evil devices will not permit them to turn to their God; for the spirit of whoredom is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/hosea/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Their devices do not let them turn to their God because of the spirit of fornication within them, and they have not known LORD JEHOVAH<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/hosea/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Their doings will not suffer them To return unto their God; For the spirit of harlotry is within them, And they know not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/hosea/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They have not framed their counsels to return to their God, for the spirit of fornication is in them, and they have not known the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hosea/5-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=711" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hosea/5.htm">God's Judgment on Israel and Judah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>I know all about Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, O Ephraim, you have turned to prostitution; Israel is defiled. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4611.htm" title="4611: ma·‘al·lê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A deed, practice. From alal; an act.">Their deeds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tə·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">permit them</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lā·šūḇ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">to return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">their God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">a spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/2183.htm" title="2183: zə·nū·nîm (N-mp) -- Fornication. From zanah; adultery; figuratively, idolatry.">of prostitution</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qir·bām (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">is within them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and they do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏā·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-23.htm">Jeremiah 5:23</a></span><br />But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3</a></span><br />“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-10.htm">Jeremiah 6:10</a></span><br />To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a></span><br />Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/11-19.htm">Ezekiel 11:19-21</a></span><br />And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. / But as for those whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-24.htm">Jeremiah 7:24</a></span><br />Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-8.htm">Isaiah 48:8</a></span><br />You have never heard; you have never understood; for a long time your ears have not been open. For I knew how deceitful you are; you have been called a rebel from birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-6.htm">Jeremiah 9:6</a></span><br />You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Romans 8:7-8</a></span><br />because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. / Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a></span><br />For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a></span><br />Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They will not frame their doings to turn to their God: for the spirit of prostitutions is in the middle of them, and they have not known the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">They will not frame their doings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-1.htm">Psalm 36:1-4</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, <i>that there is</i> no fear of God before his eyes… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Psalm 78:8</a></b></br> And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation <i>that</i> set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19,20</a></b></br> And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil… </p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12</a></b></br> My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused <i>them</i> to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-38.htm">Jeremiah 50:38</a></b></br> A drought <i>is</i> upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it <i>is</i> the land of graven images, and they are mad upon <i>their</i> idols.</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1</a></b></br> Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because <i>there is</i> no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12</a></b></br> Now the sons of Eli <i>were</i> sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-10.htm">Psalm 9:10</a></b></br> And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/2-20.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/hosea/4-9.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">False.</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-2.htm">Frame</a> <a href="/hosea/4-9.htm">Habitual</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Harlotry</a> <a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/daniel/9-27.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/psalms/55-22.htm">Permit</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/daniel/6-2.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Whoredom</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Whoredoms</a> <a href="/daniel/11-20.htm">Within</a> <a href="/hosea/2-7.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/daniel/9-14.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/hosea/7-1.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/hosea/6-7.htm">False.</a> <a href="/exodus/25-25.htm">Frame</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Habitual</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">Harlotry</a> <a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/hosea/11-9.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Permit</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/joel/1-18.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">Whoredom</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Whoredoms</a> <a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Within</a> <a href="/hosea/5-6.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">The judgments of God are denounced against the priests, people, and princes, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/5-9.htm">both of Israel and Judah, for their manifold sins.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">An intimation is given of mercy on their repentance.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hosea/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hosea/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God</b><br>This phrase highlights the concept of sin as a barrier to reconciliation with God. In the context of Hosea, Israel's actions, particularly idolatry and social injustice, have created a separation from God. The deeds refer to the persistent sinful behaviors that have become habitual, making repentance difficult. This echoes the biblical principle found in <a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>, where iniquities create a separation between people and God. The historical context of Hosea involves a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, where the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities was prevalent, leading to a departure from the covenant relationship with Yahweh.<p><b>for a spirit of prostitution is within them</b><br>The "spirit of prostitution" metaphorically describes Israel's unfaithfulness to God, akin to marital infidelity. This imagery is consistent throughout Hosea, where Israel is often depicted as an unfaithful spouse. The term "spirit" suggests a pervasive and controlling influence, indicating that idolatry and spiritual adultery have deeply infiltrated the nation's heart and mind. This reflects the cultural and religious syncretism of the time, where the Israelites adopted pagan practices, compromising their exclusive devotion to God. The concept of spiritual adultery is also seen in <a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a>, where friendship with the world is equated with enmity against God.<p><b>and they do not know the LORD</b><br>This phrase underscores the lack of true knowledge and relationship with God. In the Hebrew context, "to know" implies an intimate, covenantal relationship, not merely intellectual awareness. Israel's failure to know the LORD indicates a breakdown in their covenant relationship, characterized by disobedience and ignorance of God's laws and character. This is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where knowing God is equated with living in accordance with His will (<a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a>). Theologically, this points to the necessity of a heart transformation, as seen in the New Covenant promise of <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33-34</a>, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people, enabling them to truly know Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea</a></b><br>A prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim in Hosea, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The one true God, who desires a covenant relationship with His people but is grieved by their unfaithfulness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/spirit_of_prostitution.htm">Spirit of Prostitution</a></b><br>A metaphorical expression indicating Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, likened to spiritual adultery.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/deeds.htm">Deeds</a></b><br>The actions of the Israelites that reflect their rebellion and prevent them from returning to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Sin creates a barrier between us and God, preventing us from returning to Him. We must recognize the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_adultery.htm">Spiritual Adultery</a></b><br>Just as Israel was unfaithful to God through idolatry, we must guard against allowing anything to take God's place in our hearts. Idolatry can take many forms, including materialism, pride, or self-reliance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_knowing_god.htm">The Importance of Knowing God</a></b><br>True knowledge of God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it involves a personal relationship and obedience to His will. We must strive to know God intimately and live according to His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a></b><br>Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance is a crucial step in restoring our relationship with God, requiring a change of heart and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>While the "spirit of prostitution" led Israel astray, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live faithfully and resist the temptations of the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'love_is_patient'_mean.htm">What does 'Love is Patient' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'whoremonger'_mean.htm">What does 'whoremonger' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/hosea_5_7__proof_of_israel's_unfaithfulness.htm">Hosea 5:7 - What proof exists that Israel literally bore 'illegitimate children' due to religious unfaithfulness rather than political alliances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_self-control_in_the_spirit.htm">What is self-control in the Holy Spirit's fruit?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) The margin, "Their deeds will not suffer (them)," requires the introduction of the word "them," not in the Hebrew. It is favoured by the Jewish commentators, Schmoller, and others, but it is better to render, with the Authorised version, <span class= "ital">They frame not their doings,</span> &c. The knowledge of the only true God is life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - In this verse their evil doings are traced to an evil spirit of whoredoms that is, of idolatries, which impels them blindly and resistlessly to evil, while at the same time it expels the knowledge of God. The first clause is differently rendered. The textual rendering of the Authorized Version, viz. they will not frame (literally, <span class="accented">give</span>, <span class="accented">direct</span>) their doings to turn unto their God, denotes their total and absolute refusal to repent or to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. The actions are an index of the state of the heart, but neither the thoughts of Israel at this time, nor their deeds which indicated these thoughts, were in the direction of repentance. In heart and life they were impenitent. This rendering is supported by most of the Hebrew commentators. Rashi says, "They forsake not their evil way;" Aben Ezra," They perform not works so as to turn." Kimchi also gives an alternative sense: "Or the sense of the words is thus: They cling so closely to their evil works, that even should they for once conceive in their heart the idea of turning, they immediately repent them of it." The marginal rendering also yields a good sense; it is, <span class="accented">Their doings</span> <span class="accented">will not suffer</span> (allow) [<span class="accented">them</span>] <span class="accented">to turn unto their God</span>. The pronominal suffix for "them" is wanting, yet it may be dispensed with, as the appending of it to "doings" and "God" makes the sense sufficiently explicit. It is favored by Ewald, Keil, the Targum, and Kimchi, who explains: "Their evil works do not allow them to return to their God, as if he said, To such extent have they multiplied transgression that there is no way left them to return, until they receive their punishment." Such and so great was the power of their evil habits that they could not break them off or break away from them by repentance; or so intimately connected is a change of heart with a change of life that, in the absence of the latter, the former is impossible. According to either rendering, the reason assigned is contained in the next clause: <span class="cmt_word">For the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord.</span> So overmastered were they, as though by some fiendish spirit that held them in check and exercised despotic power over them, that they rushed headlong down the steep incline, like the Gadarene herd of swine, which, when the unclean spirits entered into them, ran violently down a steep place into the sea. Neither was there any counteracting force to turn them back or reverse their course. Such a force might have been found in the knowledge of God, of his covenant mercy, of his power, love, grace, and goodrich. But this was wanting, and the absence of this knowledge at once increased their impenitence and aggravated their guilt. It was Israel's privilege and Israel's duty to know the Lord; for he had revealed himself to them as to no other nation; he had given them his Law, he had made them depositaries of his truth and the conservators of his living oracles; their ignorance, therefore, was altogether inexcusable, while it evinced greatest ingratitude to Jehovah, who had taken them into covenant with himself, and declared himself to be their God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hosea/5-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Their deeds</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֣עַלְלֵיהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘al·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4611.htm">Strong's 4611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deed, practice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">permit them</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְּנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to return</span><br /><span class="heb">לָשׁ֖וּב</span> <span class="translit">(lā·šūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֤וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of prostitution</span><br /><span class="heb">זְנוּנִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(zə·nū·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2183.htm">Strong's 2183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adultery, idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is within them,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקִרְבָּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qir·bām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדָֽעוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏā·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hosea/5-4.htm">Hosea 5:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hosea/5-4.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 5:4 Their deeds won't allow them to turn (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/5-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 5:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 5:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/5-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 5:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 5:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>