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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 4:16 For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hosea/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/28_Hos_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hosea 4:16 - God's Charges Against Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?" /><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/4-16.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/4-16.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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/4-15.htm" title="Hosea 4:15">◄</a> Hosea 4:16 <a href="/hosea/4-17.htm" title="Hosea 4:17">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the LORD pasture them like lambs in a meadow?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hosea/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Israel is stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. So should the LORD feed her like a lamb in a lush pasture?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hosea/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the LORD now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hosea/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hosea/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hosea/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“For Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn calf; Now the LORD will let them forage Like a lamb in open country.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hosea/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn cow, Will the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hosea/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer, Can the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hosea/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer, Can the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hosea/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer, Can Yahweh now feed them Like a lamb in a large field?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hosea/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For Israel is stubborn, Like a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hosea/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow. Can the LORD now shepherd them like a lamb in an open meadow?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hosea/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn cow. Can the LORD now shepherd them like a lamb in an open meadow? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hosea/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For Israel hath behaved himself stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer: now will Jehovah feed them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hosea/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are nothing more than a stubborn cow--so stubborn that I, the LORD, cannot feed you like lambs in an open pasture. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hosea/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For Israel hath behaved himself stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer: now will the LORD feed them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hosea/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"The people of Israel are as stubborn as a bull. How can the LORD feed them like lambs in an open pasture?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hosea/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people of Israel are as stubborn as mules. How can I feed them like lambs in a meadow? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hosea/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn mule! Nevertheless, will not the LORD feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hosea/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hosea/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Israel has rebelled like a stubborn heifer! Soon the LORD will put them out to pasture like a lamb in a broad field! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hosea/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer. Then how will the LORD feed them like a lamb in a meadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hosea/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hosea/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer. Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hosea/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For Israel has turned aside as a stubborn heifer, "" Now YHWH feeds them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hosea/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For as a refractory heifer hath Israel turned aside, Now doth Jehovah feed them as a lamb in a large place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hosea/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For as a stubborn heifer Israel was stubborn: now will Jehovah feed them as a lamb in a wide place.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hosea/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For Israel hath gone astray like a wanton heifer: now will the Lord feed them, as a lamb in a spacious place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hosea/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For Israel has gone astray like a wanton heifer; so now the Lord will pasture them like a young lamb in a wide expanse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hosea/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For like a stubborn cow, Israel is stubborn; Will the LORD now pasture them, like lambs in a broad meadow? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hosea/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the LORD now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hosea/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For as a heifer that slides back from the yoke, so Israel balks; now the LORD will feed them like lambs in a wide pasture.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/hosea/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because, like a cow that slipped out from a yoke, so Israel slips out, and from now on LORD JEHOVAH will shepherd them as lambs in a wide expanse<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/hosea/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For Israel is stubborn like a stubborn heifer; Now shall the LORD feed them as a lamb in a large place?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/hosea/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For Israel was maddened like a mad heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a wide place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hosea/4-16.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=645" 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/4.htm">God's Charges Against Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>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!’ <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</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.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5637.htm" title="5637: sō·rê·rāh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- Stubborn or rebellious. A primitive root; to turn away, i.e. be refractory.">is as obstinate</a> <a href="/hebrew/5637.htm" title="5637: sā·rar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- Stubborn or rebellious. A primitive root; to turn away, i.e. be refractory.">as a stubborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/6510.htm" title="6510: kə·p̄ā·rāh (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- A heifer, cow. Feminine of par; a heifer.">heifer.</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.">Can the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: yir·‘êm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">shepherd them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3532.htm" title="3532: kə·ḵe·ḇeś (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A lamb. From an unused root meaning to dominate; a ram.">like lambs</a> <a href="/hebrew/4800.htm" title="4800: bam·mer·ḥāḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A broad or roomy place. From rachab; enlargement, either literally, or figuratively.">in an open meadow?</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!…<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/31-18.htm">Jeremiah 31:18</a></span><br />I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2-4</a></span><br />Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. / The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” / 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="/psalms/78-8.htm">Psalm 78:8</a></span><br />Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/63-10.htm">Isaiah 63:10</a></span><br />But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6-7</a></span><br />Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. / Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/2-3.htm">Ezekiel 2:3-5</a></span><br />“Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. / They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ / And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/95-8.htm">Psalm 95:8-10</a></span><br />do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. / For forty years I was angry with that generation, and I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known My ways.”<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/30-9.htm">Isaiah 30:9</a></span><br />These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51</a></span><br />You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hebrews 3:7-10</a></span><br />Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Romans 10:21</a></span><br />But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”<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="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</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!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For Israel slides back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.</p><p class="hdg">slideth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Hosea 11:7</a></b></br> And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt <i>him</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a></b></br> It repenteth me that I have set up Saul <i>to be</i> king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/3-6.htm">Jeremiah 3:6,8,11</a></b></br> The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen <i>that</i> which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot… </p><p class="hdg">as a lamb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33</a></b></br> And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/7-21.htm">Isaiah 7:21-25</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/22-18.htm">Isaiah 22:18</a></b></br> He will surely violently turn and toss thee <i>like</i> a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory <i>shall be</i> the shame of thy lord's house.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/49-4.htm">Backsliding</a> <a href="/daniel/5-20.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-9.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-15.htm">Cow</a> <a href="/daniel/11-25.htm">Extremely</a> <a href="/hosea/4-8.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/hosea/4-3.htm">Field</a> <a href="/hosea/4-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-11.htm">Heifer</a> <a href="/hosea/4-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-15.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-4.htm">Meadow</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-31.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm">Stubbornly</a> <a href="/hosea/3-5.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-6.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-15.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hosea/11-7.htm">Backsliding</a> <a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/amos/5-16.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/hosea/10-11.htm">Cow</a> <a href="/jonah/1-10.htm">Extremely</a> <a href="/hosea/9-2.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/hosea/9-6.htm">Field</a> <a href="/hosea/7-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/hosea/10-11.htm">Heifer</a> <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/hosea/9-13.htm">Meadow</a> <a href="/hosea/13-6.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Stubborn</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Stubbornly</a> <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/micah/7-11.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Hosea 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">God denounces judgments on Israel, for their aggravated impieties and iniquities.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">He exposes the ignorance and wickedness of the priests, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">and moral dissolution of the people, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/4-14.htm">he will leave their wives and daughters to commit lewdness, without present punishment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hosea/4-15.htm">He warns Judah, not to imitate Israel's crimes, which are still further reproved.</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'; 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In ancient agrarian societies, a heifer that refused to be led was a significant problem, symbolizing rebellion and disobedience. This metaphor highlights Israel's refusal to follow God's commandments and their tendency to pursue idolatry and sinful practices. The comparison to a heifer is significant because cattle were common in Israel, making this a relatable image for the original audience. This stubbornness is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where Israel often turns away from God despite His continuous guidance and provision (e.g., <a href="/exodus/32-9.htm">Exodus 32:9</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/9-6.htm">Deuteronomy 9:6</a>).<p><b>Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?</b><br>This rhetorical question emphasizes the difficulty of leading a rebellious people. Shepherding is a common biblical metaphor for God's care and guidance (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>, <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>), and lambs represent innocence and willingness to follow. The open meadow suggests a place of safety and provision, where the sheep can graze freely under the shepherd's watchful eye. However, Israel's obstinacy makes it impossible for God to lead them to such a place of blessing and peace. This imagery contrasts the ideal relationship between God and His people with the current reality of Israel's rebellion. The question implies that without repentance and a change of heart, Israel cannot experience the fullness of God's care and protection. This theme of shepherding is also a type of Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, leading His flock with love and sacrifice (<a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14-15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The northern kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim, representing the people of God who have turned away from Him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who desires to shepherd His people but faces their resistance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hosea.htm">Hosea</a></b><br>The prophet through whom God delivers His message of judgment and hope to Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/stubborn_heifer.htm">Stubborn Heifer</a></b><br>A metaphor for Israel's obstinacy and unwillingness to follow God's guidance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/o/open_meadow.htm">Open Meadow</a></b><br>Symbolizes a place of peace and provision where God desires to lead His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_stubbornness.htm">Understanding Stubbornness</a></b><br>Recognize that spiritual stubbornness is a refusal to submit to God's will, akin to a heifer resisting guidance. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be resisting God's leading.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_desire_to_shepherd.htm">God's Desire to Shepherd</a></b><br>Despite Israel's obstinacy, God's desire is to shepherd His people lovingly. Consider how God is calling you to trust Him as your shepherd in your daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rebellion.htm">Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Israel's stubbornness leads to separation from God's blessings. Understand that rebellion against God can lead to spiritual dryness and missed opportunities for His provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>God offers hope for restoration if His people turn back to Him. Embrace the opportunity for repentance and the promise of being led to spiritual abundance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_obedient_sheep.htm">Living as Obedient Sheep</a></b><br>Strive to be like obedient sheep, willing to follow the Good Shepherd. Reflect on how you can cultivate a heart of obedience and trust in God's guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hosea_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hosea 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_israel_appoint_kings_without_god.htm">Hosea 8:4: How could Israel set up kings without God's approval if He is sovereign over all nations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_hosea_2_3_loving_and_merciful.htm">How does Hosea 2:3 align with a loving and merciful God if He threatens to strip Israel bare like a barren land?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_hosea_12_8_contradict_israel's_exile.htm">Hosea 12:8: Does Israel's claim of innocence here contradict passages in which Israel is already punished or exiled?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">Slideth back.</span>--More correctly, <span class= "ital">is stubborn as</span> <span class= "ital">a stubborn cow.</span><p><span class= "bld">Will feed them as a lamb in a large place.--</span>An expression of tender commiseration (so Ewald). But most commentators understand it in an unfavourable sense, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> will lead them forth into the desolate wilderness, a prey to wild beasts, or into the loneliness that a lamb would feel in a boundless pasture.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hosea/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For Israel slideth back as a back, sliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them s, a lamb in a large place.</span> This verse conveys the reason of the warning contained in the preceding; and that reason is the punishment which is to overtake Israel as the consequence of their refractoriness. If this view of the connection be correct, it will help to the right understanding of a difficult passage. The "backsliding," according to the Authorized Version, is rather "stubbornness," "intractableness," or "unmanageableness." Keil renders it "refractory." This refractoriness was Israel's sin; the people would have their own way, and became refractory, like an unmanageable heifer, which rebels upon being trained. Aben Ezra explains <span class="hebrew">סֹרֵרָה</span> (which, by the way, has <span class="accented">tsere</span> before the tone syllable) as follows: "<span class="hebrew">סי</span> is he who turns aside from the way that is appointed him, so that he does not walk in it. And, behold, he compares Israel to a stubborn cow, with which a man cannot plough." So also Kfinchi: "Like a heifer which goes on a crooked way, and curves itself from under the yoke, that a man cannot plough with it; so Israel are crooked under their God, as they have taken upon them the yoke of the Law and of the command-meats which he commanded them, and curve themselves under the yoke, and break from off them the yoke of the commandments." Israel rebelled against instruction, waxed stubborn and intractable. They would have their own way, and worshipped according to their own will, in indulging all the while with a high hand in vilest lusts. Now the season of punishment is arrived; and as they refused instruction and rebelled against Divine guidance, God, in just judgment and deserved punishment, leaves them to themselves. Carried into captivity, they may worship what they will, and live as they list. In these circumstances they will resemble a lamb taken away into a wilderness, and left there to range the wild and live at large, but without provision and without protection. Untended by the shepherd's watchful care, unguarded from ravening wolves or other beasts of prey, that lamb is in a lost and perishing condition. So shall it be with Israel. Aben Ezra gives as an alternative sense: "Now (Jehovah will feed them like a lamb) alone in a wide place, and it wanders to and fro." Kimchi cites as the opinion of others: "Some say, Now will Jehovah let them feed alone in a wide place, like a lamb which bleats and goes to and fro, and neither rests nor feeds." Another meaning has been attached to the verse, to the effect that Israel, subdued by chastise-meat, will renounce their stubbornness, and, rendered tractable and tame, become like a lamb, which, brought to feel its helplessness amid a wilderness, requires and receives the shepherd's care. We much prefer the former. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hosea/4-16.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֚י</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">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is as obstinate</span><br /><span class="heb">סֹֽרֵרָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(sō·rê·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5637.htm">Strong's 5637: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn away, be refractory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a stubborn</span><br /><span class="heb">סָרַ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(sā·rar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5637.htm">Strong's 5637: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn away, be refractory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heifer.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּפָרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(kə·p̄ā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6510.htm">Strong's 6510: </a> </span><span class="str2">A heifer, cow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Can the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</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 /><br /><span class="word">now</span><br /><span class="heb">עַתָּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shepherd them</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְעֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(yir·‘êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like lambs</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּכֶ֖בֶשׂ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḵe·ḇeś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3532.htm">Strong's 3532: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lamb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in an open meadow?</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמֶּרְחָֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(bam·mer·ḥāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4800.htm">Strong's 4800: </a> </span><span class="str2">A broad or roomy place</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hosea/4-16.htm">Hosea 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hosea/4-16.htm">OT Prophets: Hosea 4:16 For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly like (Ho Hs Hos.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hosea/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hosea 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hosea 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hosea/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hosea 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hosea 4:17" /></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>