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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 6:5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/6-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/28_Hos_06_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 6:5 - Israel and Judah are Unrepentant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning." /><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'; 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I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hosea/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hosea/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore have I hewed <i>them</i> by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments <i>are as</i> the light <i>that</i> goeth forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hosea/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn <i>them</i> by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments <i>are like</i> light <i>that</i> goes forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hosea/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I have cut <i>them</i> in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And the judgments on you are <i>like</i> the light <i>that</i> shines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hosea/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn them in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And the judgments on you are like the light that goes forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hosea/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn <i>them</i> in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And the judgments on you are <i>like</i> the light that goes forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hosea/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn <i>them</i> in pieces by the prophets; I have killed them by the words of My mouth; And the judgments on you are <i>like</i> the light that goes forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hosea/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, I have hewn them in pieces by [the words of] the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; My judgments [pronounced upon them by the prophets] are like the light that shines forth [obvious to all].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hosea/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is why I have used the prophets to cut them down; I have killed them with the words from my mouth. My judgment strikes like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hosea/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is why I have used the prophets to cut them down; I have killed them with the words of My mouth. My judgment strikes like lightning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hosea/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hosea/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />That's why I slaughtered you with the words of my prophets. That's why my judgments blazed like the dawning sun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hosea/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hosea/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is why I cut [you] down by sending the prophets. I killed you with the words from my mouth. My judgments shined on you like light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hosea/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />That is why I have sent my prophets to you with my message of judgment and destruction. What I want from you is plain and clear: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hosea/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore I cut them to pieces by the prophets, killing them by the words from my mouth. The verdict against you shines like a beacon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hosea/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hosea/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, I will certainly cut you into pieces at the hands of the prophets; I will certainly kill you in fulfillment of my oracles of judgment; for my judgment will come forth like the light of the dawn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hosea/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets; I killed them with the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hosea/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hosea/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets; I killed them with the words of my mouth. Your judgments are like a flash of lightning. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hosea/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewed by prophets, "" I have slain them by sayings of My mouth, "" And My judgments go forth to the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hosea/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Therefore I have hewed by prophets, I have slain them by sayings of My mouth, And My judgments to the light goeth forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hosea/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this I cut off by the prophets; I slew them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments the light going forth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hosea/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For this reason have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments shall go forth as the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hosea/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of this, I have cut them with the prophets, I have slain them with the words of my mouth; and your opinions will depart like the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hosea/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For this reason I struck them down through the prophets, I killed them by the words of my mouth; my judgment shines forth like the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hosea/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hosea/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore have I cut off the prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth; and my judgments shall go forth as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/hosea/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this, I have cut off the Prophets and I have killed them with the word of my mouth, and my judgment will come forth as the light<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/hosea/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And thy judgment goeth forth as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/hosea/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Therefore have I mown down your prophets; I have slain them with the word of my mouth: and my judgment shall go forth as the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hosea/6-5.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=888" 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/6.htm">Israel and Judah are Unrepentant</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2672.htm" title="2672: ḥā·ṣaḇ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- Or chatseb; a primitive root; to cut or carve, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave.">I have hewn them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: ban·nə·ḇî·’îm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">by the prophets;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: hă·raḡ·tîm (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">I have slain them</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: bə·’im·rê- (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">by the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: p̄î (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">of My mouth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: ū·miš·pā·ṭe·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Judgment. ">and My judgments</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">go forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: ’ō·wr (N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">like lightning.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.…<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/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></span><br />“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-130.htm">Psalm 119:130</a></span><br />The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a></span><br />There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18-20</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. / If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/37-4.htm">Ezekiel 37:4-5</a></span><br />And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a></span><br />But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-14.htm">Jeremiah 5:14</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: “Because you have spoken this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a></span><br />Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Proverbs 1:23</a></span><br />If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and your judgments are as the light that goes forth.</p><p class="hdg">have I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13</a></b></br> And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a></b></br> And Samuel said, Hath the LORD <i>as great</i> delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey <i>is</i> better than sacrifice, <i>and</i> to hearken than the fat of rams.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/14-6.htm">1 Kings 14:6</a></b></br> And it was <i>so</i>, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself <i>to be</i> another? for I <i>am</i> sent to thee <i>with</i> heavy <i>tidings</i>.</p><p class="hdg">I have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-17.htm">1 Kings 19:17</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></b></br> But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer <i>that</i> breaketh the rock in pieces?</p><p class="hdg">and thy judgments are as.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a></b></br> That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10</a></b></br> Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, <i>that he should do</i> wickedness; and <i>from</i> the Almighty, <i>that he should commit</i> iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-6.htm">Psalm 37:6</a></b></br> And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/4-5.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/psalms/105-32.htm">Flashed</a> <a href="/hosea/6-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Hewed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-42.htm">Hewn</a> <a href="/hosea/5-11.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/daniel/9-5.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/daniel/5-19.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/daniel/10-6.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/hosea/2-17.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/hosea/4-5.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/daniel/11-26.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/hosea/5-10.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/hosea/2-14.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/hosea/11-6.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-4.htm">Flashed</a> <a href="/hosea/9-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/27-60.htm">Hewed</a> <a href="/amos/5-11.htm">Hewn</a> <a href="/hosea/10-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-15.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/hosea/8-1.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/hosea/8-6.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/hosea/11-2.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/amos/4-10.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/hosea/10-1.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-2.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/hosea/7-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Exhortations to repent and hope in God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">A lamentation over those who had sinned after conviction.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/6-5.htm">Reproofs of obstinate sinners, and threats against them.</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/6.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/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;</b><br>This phrase indicates God's use of prophets as instruments of judgment and correction. The term "hewn" suggests a process of cutting or shaping, akin to a sculptor working with stone. Prophets in Israel, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea himself, were sent to deliver God's messages, often calling the people to repentance. The imagery of hewing implies a forceful and deliberate action, reflecting the seriousness of Israel's sin and the necessity of divine intervention. Prophets were often met with resistance, yet their role was crucial in guiding and correcting the nation.<p><b>I have slain them by the words of My mouth,</b><br>The "words of My mouth" refers to the power and authority of God's spoken word. In biblical context, God's word is living and active, capable of bringing life or executing judgment. This phrase underscores the idea that God's pronouncements through the prophets were not mere warnings but carried the weight of divine decree. The concept of being "slain" by words highlights the spiritual and moral consequences of ignoring God's commands. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of God's word, as seen in creation (Genesis 1) and in the ministry of Jesus, who is described as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<p><b>and My judgments go forth like lightning.</b><br>Lightning is a symbol of suddenness and power, illustrating the swift and unavoidable nature of God's judgments. In the ancient Near East, lightning was often associated with divine presence and action, as seen in the theophany at Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>). This imagery conveys the idea that God's judgments are both inevitable and righteous, striking with precision and authority. The comparison to lightning also emphasizes the clarity and visibility of God's actions, leaving no doubt about His sovereignty and justice. This phrase connects to other scriptural references where God's judgment is depicted as swift and decisive, such as in the prophetic books and Revelation.<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 during the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst widespread idolatry and moral decay.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The Northern Kingdom, often characterized by its rebellion against God, idolatry, and social injustice during Hosea's time.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>Messengers sent by God to deliver His words and warnings to the people. In this context, they are instruments of God's judgment and correction.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_judgments.htm">God's Judgments</a></b><br>The divine decisions and actions taken by God in response to the sin and rebellion of His people, often communicated through the prophets.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/lightning.htm">Lightning</a></b><br>A metaphor for the swift and powerful nature of God's judgments, emphasizing their inevitability and impact.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>God's word is not just informative but transformative and authoritative. It has the power to convict, correct, and guide us in righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Prophets serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages that can be both comforting and challenging. We should be attentive to the messages God sends through His chosen vessels.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Certainty of Divine Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgments are inevitable and just. They serve as a reminder of His holiness and the seriousness of sin. We must live in a way that honors God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>While God's judgments are real, His desire is for repentance and restoration. We should respond to His warnings with humility and a willingness to change.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_obedience.htm">The Urgency of Obedience</a></b><br>Just as lightning is swift, so can be the consequences of disobedience. We should strive to obey God's commands promptly and wholeheartedly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_assyria_conquer_israel.htm">Why did Assyria conquer Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_lam_5_21-22_align_with_hope.htm">Lamentations 5:21-22 pleads for divine restoration but ends in despair--how does this align with other biblical texts that promise hope and deliverance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'sin_brings_forth_death'.htm">What does Hosea 14:5 mean about God's promise?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_not_learn_from_the_ant's_diligence.htm">What does 'woe' signify in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hosea/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) The LXX. render, <span class= "ital">Therefore I have mowed down their prophets;</span> but this would destroy the parallelism, in which "prophets" correspond to "words of my mouth." The sense is, I have slain them by the announcement of deserved doom.<p><span class= "bld">Thy judgments</span> . . .--An error has crept here into the Masoretic text from which the LXX. and other ancient versions are free. The mistake consists in misplacing an initial letter as a final one. Translate, <span class= "ital">My judgment shall go forth as the light,</span> clear, victorious, and beneficent. (Comp. the language of <a href="/psalms/37-6.htm" title="And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday.">Psalm 37:6</a> and <a href="/context/isaiah/62-1.htm" title="For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns.">Isaiah 62:1-2</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 5, 6.</span> - The consequence of Israel's unsteadiness and inconstancy is here stated. Because of the fluctuating and formal nature of their religiousness, God cut them down (instead of rearing them up) through his prophets by fierce denunciations, and slew them (instead of reviving them) by the Divine word. The judgment of Jehovah went forth as the lightning-fish, or was as clear and conspicuous for justice as the light of day. Neither could outward services expiate their sins, when the proper feelings and meet fruits were absent. <span class="cmt_word">I have hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth.</span> The language is figurative - the first clause seems borrowed from hewing hard wood and shaping it so as to assume the required form; so God dealt with Israel to bring them into shape morally symmetrical, and make them correspond to the character of a holy people. The slaying is metaphorical, and consisted in the denunciation of death and destruction to the impenitent; in this way he killed, but did not make alive. A different rendering of the clause is given by the LXX. and also by Aben Ezra; the former has, "Therefore have I mown down your prophets; I have slain them with the word of my mouth;" the latter has, "The sense is that he slew some of the prophets who misled the people so that they did not turn (repent)." But <span class="accented">be</span> does not imply his hewing in among the prophets; it is instrumental. <span class="cmt_word">And thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.</span> The judgments here spoken of are the Divine judgments denounced against, or inflicted on, the people. Another reading has the pronominal suffix of the first person: "My judgment goeth forth as the light;" to which the Septuagint corresponds: <span class="greek">κρίμα μου</span>, equivalent to "my judgment." <span class="accented">I desired mercy</span> (or, <span class="accented">mercy I delight in</span>)... <span class="accented">and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings</span>. The former is the right state of the life, the latter the correct condition of the heart; the former manifests itself in practice, the latter embraces the proper feelings and affections; the former is seen in works of charity and benevolence, the latter consists in right motives and the right relation of the soul to God. The Hebrew form of speech here used denotes inferior importance, not the negation of importance. A similar sentiment occurs in <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a>, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Parallel statements are found in <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-17</a>; <a href="/psalms/40-7.htm">Psalm 40:7-9</a> and Psalm 50:8; also in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>. Our Lord cites the first clause of ver. 6 twice - once against Pharisaic ceremonialism (<a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a>), and again against rigorous sabbatarianism (<a href="/matthew/12-7.htm">Matthew 12:7</a>); while there is an allusion to it in <a href="/mark/12-33.htm">Mark 12:33</a>, where love to God and to one's neighbor is declared to be better, or "more than, whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Sacrifices in themselves, and when offered at the proper time and place, and as the expressions of penitent hearts and pure hands, were acceptable, and could not be otherwise, for God himself had appointed them. But soulless sacrifices offered by men steeped in sin were an abomination to the Lord; it was of such he said, "I cannot away with" them. It is to such that the prophet refers here, as is plain from the following verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hosea/6-5.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have hewn [them]</span><br /><span class="heb">חָצַ֙בְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ṣaḇ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2672.htm">Strong's 2672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, carve, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the prophets;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּנְּבִיאִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ban·nə·ḇî·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have slain them</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲרַגְתִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hă·raḡ·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the words</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאִמְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’im·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of My mouth,</span><br /><span class="heb">פִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and My judgments</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miš·pā·ṭe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go forth</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵצֵֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like lightning.</span><br /><span class="heb">א֥וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> </span><span class="str2">Illumination, luminary</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hosea/6-5.htm">Hosea 6:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hosea/6-5.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 6:5 Therefore I have cut them to pieces (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/6-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 6:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 6:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 6:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 6:6" /></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>