Hosea 4:15

God’s Case against His People · Hosea 4:1–19
Read Hosea 4

Translations

Modern
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!’
Traditional
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, The Lord liveth.
Literal
Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, do not let Judah become guilty; and do not come to Gilgal, and do not go up to Beth-Aven, and do not swear an oath, ‘As YHWH lives.’
Latin
Si fornicaris tu, Israël, non delinquat saltem Juda; et nolite ingredi in Galgala, et ne ascenderitis in Bethaven, neque juraveritis: Vivit Dominus!

Original

Hebrew
English
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!’

Notes

Beth-aven refers to the wicked acts happening at Bethel, the main worship center in northern Israel (see Amos 7:13; compare Hosea 5:8; 10:5).

Theme notes and profiles

The Broken Covenant

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Beth-aven: Town and wilderness near Ai and Bethel Gilgal: A significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan

Glossary

Aven Beth-Aven Gilgal Hosea, Book of

Topics

Beth-Aven: A Place on the Mountains of Benjamin Example: Bad, Admonitions Against Gilgal: Place of the First Encampment of the Israelites West of the Jordan River: Prophecies Concerning Idolatry: Warnings Against, and Punishments of Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To