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And do not swear, &#8216As surely as the LORD lives!&#8217 <a href="/nlt/hosea/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Though you, Israel, are a prostitute, may Judah not be guilty of such things. Do not join the false worship at Gilgal or Beth-aven, and do not take oaths there in the LORD’s name. <a href="/esv/hosea/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Though you play the whore, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty. Enter not into Gilgal, nor go up to Beth-aven, and swear not, “As the LORD lives.” <a href="/bsb/hosea/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ <a href="/kjv/hosea/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth. <a href="/nkjv/hosea/4.htm">New King James Version</a> “Though you, Israel, play the harlot, Let not Judah offend. Do not come up to Gilgal, Nor go up to Beth Aven, Nor swear an oath, saying, ‘As the LORD lives’— <a href="/nasb_/hosea/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, Judah must not become guilty; Also you are not to go to Gilgal, Nor go up to Beth-aven And take the oath: “As the LORD lives!” <a href="/nasb/hosea/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Though you, Israel, play the harlot, Do not let Judah become guilty; Also do not go to Gilgal, Or go up to Beth-aven And take the oath: &#8220As the LORD lives!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/hosea/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Though you, Israel, play the harlot, Do not let Judah become guilty; Also do not go to Gilgal, Or go up to Beth-aven, And take the oath: “As the LORD lives!” <a href="/lsb/hosea/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Though you, Israel, play the harlot, Do not let Judah become guilty; Also do not go to Gilgal Nor go up to Beth-aven And swear the oath: “As Yahweh lives!” <a href="/amp/hosea/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Though you, Israel, play the prostitute [by worshiping idols], Do not let Judah become guilty [of the same thing]; And do not go to Gilgal [where idols are worshiped], Or go up to Beth-aven (House of Wickedness), Nor swear [oaths in idolatrous worship, saying], “As the LORD lives!” <a href="/csb/hosea/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Israel, if you act promiscuously, don’t let Judah become guilty! Do not go to Gilgal or make a pilgrimage to Beth-aven, and do not swear an oath: As the LORD lives! <a href="/hcsb/hosea/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Israel, if you act promiscuously, don&#8217t let Judah become guilty! Do not go to Gilgal or make a pilgrimage to Beth-aven, and do not swear an oath: As the LORD lives! <a href="/asv/hosea/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-aven, nor swear, As Jehovah liveth. <a href="/cev/hosea/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Israel, you are unfaithful, but don't lead Judah to sin. Stop worshiping at Gilgal or at sinful Bethel. And quit making promises in my name--the name of the living LORD. <a href="/erv/hosea/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-aven, nor swear, As the LORD liveth. <a href="/gwt/hosea/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Israel, you act like a prostitute. Don't let Judah become guilty too. Don't go to Gilgal. Don't go to Beth Aven. Don't take the oath, 'As the LORD lives....' <a href="/gnt/hosea/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Even though you people of Israel are unfaithful to me, may Judah not be guilty of the same thing. Don't worship at Gilgal or Bethaven, or make promises there in the name of the living LORD. <a href="/isv/hosea/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Even though you prostitute yourself, Israel— let not Judah incur guilt— don't go to Gilgal, or visit Beth-aven, or swear an oath using the LORD's name. <a href="/msb/hosea/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ?As surely as the LORD lives!? <a href="/net/hosea/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Although you, O Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty! Do not journey to Gilgal! Do not go up to Beth Aven! Do not swear, "As surely as the LORD lives!" <a href="/nheb/hosea/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, yet do not let Judah offend; and do not come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, 'As the LORD lives.' <a href="/wbt/hosea/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Though thou, Israel, playest the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye to Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-aven, nor swear, The LORD liveth. <a href="/web/hosea/4.htm">World English Bible</a> “Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, yet don’t let Judah offend; and don’t come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, ‘As Yahweh lives.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hosea/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Though you [are] a harlot, O Israel, "" Do not let Judah become guilty, "" And do not come to Gilgal, nor go up to Beth-Aven, "" Nor swear, YHWH lives. <a href="/ylt/hosea/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Though a harlot thou art, O Israel, Let not Judah become guilty, And come not ye in to Gilgal, nor go up to Beth-Aven, Nor swear ye, Jehovah liveth. <a href="/slt/hosea/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If thou Israel commit fornication Judah shall not transgress; and ye shall not come to Gilgal, and ye shall not go up to the house of vanity, and ye shall not swear, Jehovah lives.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hosea/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If thou play the harlot, O Israel, at least let not Juda offend: and go ye not into Galgal, and come not up into Bethaven, and do not swear: The Lord liveth. <a href="/cpdv/hosea/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If you commit fornication, Israel, at least let Judah not commit offenses; and do not be willing to enter into Gilgal, nor to ascend to Bethaven, and neither should you swear, “As the Lord lives.” <a href="/nabre/hosea/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Though you prostitute yourself, Israel, do not let Judah become guilty! Do not come to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, do not swear, “As the Lord lives!” <a href="/nrsvce/hosea/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Though you play the whore, O Israel, do not let Judah become guilty. Do not enter into Gilgal, or go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear, “As the LORD lives.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hosea/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> As for you, O Israel, you shall not condemn Judah; nor shall you go to Gilgal, neither come up to Beth-aon; nor shall you say, The LORD lives. <a href="/hpbt/hosea/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But you, Israel, you shall not condemn Yehuda, and you shall not go to Galgala, and you shall not go up to Bayth Awan and you shall not swear: ”Living is LORD JEHOVAH!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/hosea/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, Yet let not Judah become guilty; And come not ye unto Gilgal, Neither go ye up to Beth-aven, Nor swear: 'As the LORD liveth.' <a href="/sep/hosea/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But thou, O Israel, be not ignorant, and go ye not, men of Juda, to Galgala; and go not up to the house of On, and swear not by the living Lord. <a href="/parallel/hosea/4-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpPG1oLnpGk?start=628" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hosea/4.htm">God's Charges Against Israel</a> …14I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. 15<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Though</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2181.htm" title="2181: zō·neh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To commit fornication, be a harlot. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry.">prostitute yourself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">O Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">may Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">avoid</a> <a href="/hebrew/816.htm" title="816: ye’·šam (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To offend, be guilty. Or mashem; a primitive root; to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish.">such guilt!</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: tā·ḇō·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">journey</a> <a href="/hebrew/1537.htm" title="1537: hag·gil·gāl (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Circle (of stones), the name of several places in Pal. The same as gilgal; Gilgal, the name of three places in Palestine.">to Gilgal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ta·‘ă·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">do not go up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1007.htm" title="1007: bêṯ (Prep) -- Beth-aven -- between. From bayith and 'aven; house of vanity; Beth- Aven, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1007.htm" title="1007: ’ā·wen (N-proper-fs) -- Beth-aven -- between. From bayith and 'aven; house of vanity; Beth- Aven, a place in Palestine.">to Beth-aven,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: tiš·šā·ḇə·‘ū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swear on oath,</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.">‘As surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives!’</a> 16For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/amos/4-4.htm">Amos 4:4</a> “Go to Bethel and transgress; rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. <a href="/amos/5-5.htm">Amos 5:5</a> Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a> After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. <a href="/2_kings/17-21.htm">2 Kings 17:21-23</a> When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. / The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam had committed and did not turn away from them. / Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day. <a href="/jeremiah/3-6.htm">Jeremiah 3:6-10</a> Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there. / I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. / She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well. ... <a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">Jeremiah 7:12-15</a> But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. / And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, / therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers. ... <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">Isaiah 1:10-15</a> Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! / “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? ... <a href="/isaiah/31-6.htm">Isaiah 31:6</a> Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel. <a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Ezekiel 23:4-8</a> The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem. / Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors / clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. ... <a href="/micah/6-16.htm">Micah 6:16</a> You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations.” <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a> ‘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.’” <a href="/john/4-20.htm">John 4:20-24</a> Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ... <a href="/matthew/10-5.htm">Matthew 10:5-6</a> These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. / Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. <a href="/luke/10-13.htm">Luke 10:13-15</a> Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. / But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! <a href="/john/1-45.htm">John 1:45-46</a> Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” / “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Though you, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not you to Gilgal, neither go you up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD lives.play.<a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12</a> My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.<a href="/jeremiah/3-6.htm">Jeremiah 3:6-10</a> The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot… <a href="/ezekiel/23-4.htm">Ezekiel 23:4-8</a> And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah… yet.<a href="/hosea/11-12.htm">Hosea 11:12</a> Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.<a href="/2_kings/17-18.htm">2 Kings 17:18,19</a> Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only… <a href="/jeremiah/3-10.htm">Jeremiah 3:10,11</a> And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD… Gilgal.<a href="/hosea/9-15.htm">Hosea 9:15</a> All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.<a href="/hosea/12-11.htm">Hosea 12:11</a> Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.<a href="/amos/4-4.htm">Amos 4:4</a> Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:Beth-aven.<a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Hosea 5:8</a> Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.<a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5,8</a> The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it… <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28,29</a> Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt… nor.<a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1</a> Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.<a href="/jeremiah/5-2.htm">Jeremiah 5:2</a> And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.<a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Ezekiel 20:39</a> As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/30-17.htm">Aven</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-6.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Bethaven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Beth-Aven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Beth-A'ven</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/daniel/12-13.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-29.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/hosea/1-11.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/daniel/9-11.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-7.htm">Offend</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Play</a> <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/daniel/2-47.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-7.htm">Swear</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Aven</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Bethaven</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Beth-Aven</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Beth-A'ven</a> <a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/hosea/9-4.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/hosea/9-15.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/hosea/4-16.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/hosea/5-5.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/amos/4-2.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-11.htm">Offend</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Play</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/hosea/5-9.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/hosea/10-4.htm">Swear</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 4</div>1. <a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">God denounces judgments on Israel, for their aggravated impieties and iniquities.</a> 12. <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">He exposes the ignorance and wickedness of the priests, </a> 13. <a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">and moral dissolution of the people, </a> 14. <a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">he will leave their wives and daughters to commit lewdness, without present punishment.</a> 15. <a href="/hosea/4-15.htm">He warns Judah, not to imitate Israel's crimes, which are still further reproved.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel This phrase uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. In the Old Testament, idolatry is often depicted as spiritual adultery. Israel's worship of other gods is akin to a wife being unfaithful to her husband. This imagery is consistent with the broader theme of Hosea, where the prophet's own marriage serves as a symbol of God's relationship with Israel. The nation has turned away from the covenant relationship established at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), choosing instead to follow the practices of surrounding pagan nations.May Judah avoid such guilt! Here, the prophet Hosea warns the southern kingdom of Judah not to follow in the footsteps of the northern kingdom of Israel. At this time, the kingdoms were divided, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The warning implies that Judah still has the opportunity to remain faithful to God and avoid the consequences of idolatry and disobedience that Israel is facing. This reflects the biblical principle that God desires repentance and faithfulness from His people (<a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a>).Do not journey to Gilgal Gilgal was a significant location in Israel's history, initially a place of worship and remembrance (<a href="/joshua/4-19.htm">Joshua 4:19-24</a>). However, by Hosea's time, it had become a center for idolatrous practices. The prophet's admonition not to journey there indicates that the site had become associated with false worship and corruption. This serves as a reminder of how places and practices once dedicated to God can become corrupted when the people turn away from Him.Do not go up to Beth-aven Beth-aven, meaning "house of wickedness," is a derogatory name for Bethel, which means "house of God." Bethel was another significant religious site, originally a place where Jacob encountered God (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-19</a>). However, it had become a center for idol worship, particularly the worship of golden calves (<a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-29</a>). Hosea's use of "Beth-aven" underscores the transformation of a holy place into one of sin and idolatry, highlighting the consequences of turning away from true worship.And do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ Swearing an oath by God's name was a serious act, signifying truth and commitment (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a>). However, in the context of Israel's unfaithfulness, such oaths had become empty and hypocritical. The people were invoking God's name while living in disobedience, which is a violation of the commandment not to take the Lord's name in vain (<a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a>). This phrase calls for sincerity and integrity in one's relationship with God, emphasizing that true worship involves both words and actions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The northern kingdom, often depicted as unfaithful to God, engaging in idolatry and spiritual adultery. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom, warned not to follow Israel's sinful ways. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gilgal.htm">Gilgal</a> A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with idolatrous practices during Hosea's time. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beth-aven.htm">Beth-aven</a> A derogatory name for Bethel, meaning "house of wickedness," highlighting its idolatrous state. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant God of Israel, whose name is invoked in oaths, emphasizing the seriousness of swearing falsely.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_adultery.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Adultery</a> Just as Israel was warned, we must guard against idolatry in our lives, whether it be materialism, pride, or other forms of unfaithfulness to God. <a href="/topical/i/influence_and_responsibility.htm">Influence and Responsibility</a> Judah is cautioned not to follow Israel's example. We must be mindful of the influence we have on others and strive to lead by godly example. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_places.htm">The Significance of Places</a> Locations can hold spiritual significance, either positive or negative. We should be aware of the environments we engage in and their impact on our spiritual walk. <a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_our_words.htm">The Weight of Our Words</a> Swearing falsely by God's name is a serious offense. Our words should reflect our commitment to truth and integrity. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a> The call to avoid these places and practices is also a call to repentance. We are invited to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 4</a> <a href="/q/why_blame_them_for_judah's_sins.htm">Hosea 4:15: How can God hold the people responsible for following Judah’s sins if their fates are ultimately under His control?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_hosea_9_15_show_god's_love.htm">In Hosea 9:15, how do we reconcile an “all-loving” God with the statement that God hates His people in Gilgal?</a> <a href="/q/should_christians_join_labor_unions.htm">What is Gilgal's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what's_gilgal's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Gilgal's significance in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Israel . . . Judah.--The prophet warns Judah of Israel's peril, and perhaps hints at the apostacy of some of her kings, as Ahaziah, Joram, and Ahaz. He returns to the symbolic use of the word "whoredom"; and Judah is exhorted not to participate in the idolatries of Gilgal or the calves of Bethel. There are three different places named Gilgal mentioned in Joshua (<a href="/joshua/4-19.htm" title="And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.">Joshua 4:19</a>; <a href="/joshua/12-3.htm" title="And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and to the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:">Joshua 12:3</a>; <a href="/joshua/15-7.htm" title="And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:">Joshua 15:7</a>), and a fourth seems to be mentioned in Deut. 9:30; <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm" title="And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.">2Kings 2:1</a>. The Gilgal here referred to is the first of these, which Joshua for a considerable time had made his head-quarters. In the days of Samuel it acquired some importance as a place for sacrificial worship and the dispensation of justice. Bethel had a grand history. But Hosea and Amos call it by the altered name Beth-aven (house of vanity, or idols), instead of Bethel (house of God). The LXX. in Alex. MS. read On instead of Aven in the Hebrew, On being the name for Heliopolis, the seat of sun-cultus, whence Jeroboam may have derived his calf-worship. (See Smith's Dict. of the Bible, Art. "On.") But the Vat. MS. has ???????, in accordance with the Masoretic tradition (similarly Aquila and Symmachus).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 15-17. - In this section the prophet, as if despairing of any improvement or amendment on the part of Israel, still resolutely bent on spiritual whoredom, addresses an earnest warning to Judah. From proximity to those idolatries and debaucheries so prevalent in this northern kingdom, and from the corruption at least of the court in the southern kingdom during the reigns of Joram, Ahaziah, and Ahaz, Judah was in danger; and hence the prophet turned aside, with words of earnest warning, to the sister kingdom not to involve herself in the same or similar guilt. Rashi's brief comment here is, "Let not the children of Judah learn their ways." Verse 15. - And come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-avert, nor swear, The Lord liveth. From a solemn warning in general terms, he proceeds to a specific prohibition. The prohibition forbids pilgrimages to places of idol-worship, such as Gilgal and Bethaven; it also forbids a profession of Jehovah-worship to be made by persons inclined to idolatrous practices. Gilgal, now the village of Jiljilia, which had been a school of the prophets in the days of Elijah and Elisha, had, as we may rightly infer from passages in Hoses and Amos, become a seat of idolatrous worship. The Hebrew interpreters confound the Gilgal here referred to with the still more renowned Gilgal between Jericho and the Jordan, where Joshua circumcised the people a second time, and celebrated the Passover, and where, manna failing, the people ate of the old corn of the land. "And why," asks Kimchi, "to Gilgal? Because at Gilgal the sanctuary was at the first when they entered the land; therefore when they went to worship idols they built high places there for the idols. But with respect to the tribe of Judah, what need has it to go to Gilgal and to leave the house of the sanctuary which is in their own cities?" And Beth-el, now Beitin, had become Beth-avon - the house of God a house of idols, after Jeroboam had set up the calf there. Judah was to eschew those places so perilous to purity of worship; also a practice hypocritical in its nature and highly dangerous in its tendency, namely, confessing Jehovah with the lips, and by a solemn act of attestation indicative of adherence to his worship, but belying that confession by complicity in idolatrous practices, like the peoples who "worshipped Jehovah, but served their own gods." Kimchi observes as follows: "For ye engage in strange worship, and yet swear by the Name of Jehovah; this is the way of incensing and despising him." <a href="/commentaries/hosea/4-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Though אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you prostitute yourself, זֹנֶ֤ה (zō·neh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> To commit adultery, to commit idolatry O Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc may Judah יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites avoid אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not such guilt! יֶאְשַׁ֖ם (ye’·šam) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_816.htm">Strong's 816: </a> To be guilty, to be punished, perish Do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not go תָּבֹ֣אוּ (tā·ḇō·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Gilgal, הַגִּלְגָּ֗ל (hag·gil·gāl) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine do not go up תַּעֲלוּ֙ (ta·‘ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively to Beth-aven, אָ֔וֶן (’ā·wen) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1007.htm">Strong's 1007: </a> Beth-aven -- between and do not וְאַֽל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not swear on oath, תִּשָּׁבְע֖וּ (tiš·šā·ḇə·‘ū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear ‘As surely as the LORD יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH lives!’ חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hosea/4-15.htm">Hosea 4:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hosea/4-15.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 4:15 Though you Israel play the prostitute yet (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/4-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 4:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 4:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/4-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 4:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 4:16" /></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>