Hosea 8:11
Hosea 8:11 in Multiple Translations
Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning.
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.
Because Ephraim hath multiplied altars for sinning, altars have been unto him for sinning.
Because Ephraim has been increasing altars for sin, altars have become a cause of sin to him.
Though Ephraim built many altars to make sin offerings, they instead became altars of sin!
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sinne, his altars shalbe to sinne.
Because Ephraim did multiply altars to sin, They have been to him altars to sin.
Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they became for him altars for sinning.
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be to him to sin.
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin: altars are become to him unto sin.
Although the people of Israel built many altars to present offerings to their idols to take away their guilt for sinning, those altars have become places where they commit more sins.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 8:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Hosea 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הִרְבָּ֥ה
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת
לַ/חֲטֹ֑א
הָיוּ
ל֥/וֹ
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
לַ/חֲטֹֽא
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִרְבָּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
לַ/חֲטֹ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
לַ/חֲטֹֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 8:11
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִרְבָּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
מִזְבְּחֹ֖ת
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַ/חֲטֹ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
הָיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַ/חֲטֹֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Hosea 8:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Hosea 8:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
- Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:11
- Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
- Sermons on Hosea 8:11
Context — Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind
9For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey on its own. Ephraim has hired lovers.
10Though they hire allies among the nations, I will now round them up, and they will begin to diminish under the oppression of the king of princes.
11Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning.
12Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange. 13Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 12:11 | Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field. |
| 2 | Hosea 10:1–2 | Israel was a luxuriant vine, yielding fruit for himself. The more his fruit increased, the more he increased the altars. The better his land produced, the better he made the sacred pillars. Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars. |
| 3 | Hosea 10:8 | The high places of Aven will be destroyed— it is the sin of Israel; thorns and thistles will overgrow their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:28 | And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 16:13 | So I will cast you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known. There you will serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:10–11 | As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria, and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?” |
Hosea 8:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that the people of Ephraim were trying to make up for their sins by building many altars and offering sacrifices, but instead of truly repenting and turning to God, they just kept on sinning. This is like trying to put a band-aid on a deep wound, as seen in Jeremiah 6:14, where the prophet warns against superficially treating the wound of sin. We must remember that true forgiveness and healing come from a genuine heart of repentance and a desire to follow God, as seen in Luke 15:11-32, where the prodigal son returns to his father and is forgiven. We must be careful not to use religious rituals or practices as a way to justify or continue in sinful behavior, but instead use them as a way to genuinely seek God and repent of our sins.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Ephraim 'multiplied the altars for sin'?
Ephraim, a tribe of Israel, built many altars to offer sacrifices for their sins, but these altars became a means of continuing in their sinful ways, rather than turning to God for true forgiveness, as seen in the book of Hosea and supported by Jeremiah 7:4, which warns against trusting in the temple for salvation.
How can something meant for good, like altars for sin, become something bad?
When people use religious rituals or practices as a way to justify or continue in their sinful behavior, they can actually become a hindrance to true repentance and faith, as Jesus taught in Matthew 15:8-9, where He quotes Isaiah 29:13, saying that people honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.
Is this verse saying that God does not want us to repent or offer sacrifices for our sins?
No, this verse is not saying that God does not want us to repent or offer sacrifices, but rather that the sacrifices and rituals must be accompanied by a genuine heart of repentance and a desire to follow God, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where David says that the sacrifices God desires are a broken and contrite heart.
How does this relate to the Christian life today?
This verse reminds us that our religious practices and rituals must be accompanied by a genuine heart of repentance and a desire to follow God, and that we must be careful not to use these practices as a way to justify or continue in sinful behavior, as warned in 1 John 1:6, where John says that if we claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be using religious rituals or practices as a way to justify or continue in sinful behavior, and how can I examine my heart to ensure that I am genuinely seeking to follow God?
- In what ways can I ensure that my worship and sacrifices to God are accompanied by a genuine heart of repentance and a desire to follow Him?
- How can I balance the need for corporate worship and ritual with the need for personal, heartfelt repentance and faith?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'multiplying altars for sin' by using religious language or practices to justify my sinful behavior, and how can I confess and repent of these sins?
Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:11
Because Ephraim hath, made many altars to sin,.... Not with an intention to commit sin, but to offer sacrifice for sin, and make atonement for it, as they thought; but these altars being erected for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:11
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin. Because Ephriam hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
Because: this refers to what follows. Ephraim hath made many altars; multiplied either to many idols, every one having his altar, or multiplied altars in several places to the same idol. They had many high places, and altars in all of them. To sin; both as acting against the law of God, which required but one altar, and also these altars were to sin, in that they were for sacrifices to be offered on them to idols. These persons did not intend them for sin, but their good intention did not, could not change the thing, it was sin, however they intended. Altars, either those here erected, or those they shall find in Assyria when they come captives thither, shall be unto him to sin; either because forced in captivity to worship Assyrian idols, and to attend their altars and sacrifices, or else by a just and dreadful judgment from God delivering them over to their wilful blindness and idolatrous heart: since they would never be reclaimed, nor taken off from sinful multiplying altars, let them follow their own hearts, and set up what they will; much like that . Or else thus, Altars shall be the occasion of his greater guilt and punishment, his altars, i.e. his idolatrous worship, shall be that sin that ruins him.
Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
Hosea 8:11 Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.Ver. 11. Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin] Because he hath multiplied altars against God’ s express command,Jeremiah 11:13; and that, to sin; as if it were on purpose to cross and provoke the Lord to anger by their superstitions and will worship, and to despite him with seeming honours (for displeasing service is double dishonour), therefore he shall have enough of it ere I have done with it. He shall be given up to a reprobate sense; that going on from one sin to another, he may fill up his measure, till wrath come upon him to the utmost. “ Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur et ipse. ” Idolatry is sin with an accent, wickedness with a witness, 1 Kings 15:30; 1 Kings 15:34; 1 Kings 16:2; 1 Kings 12:30; 1 Kings 13:34, and shall be punished accordingly; for so the Chaldee paraphraseth here; Because they have multiplied their altars for sin, the altars of their idols shall be their ruin. There is one Hebrew word for sin and punishment: sin hails hell at the very heels of it, as one saith wittily. Polanus upon this text hath these three profitable observations. First, that as in the Old Testament one only altar was set up by God’ s command in the tabernacle and temple, so also in the New Testament we have no other altar but Christ, Hebrews 13:10. (Iren. lib. 4, contra Haeres, cap. 34.) Secondly, as the Israelites sinned in multiplying altars, so do the Papists most grievously, in that, not content with Christ and his satisfactory sacrifice alone, they set up other altars, and bring in other expiatory sacrifices. Thirdly, as the Israelites made many altars to sin, though they pretended good intention and devotion, so the Papists at this day multiply altars (even hundreds in some one church in Rome). to sin, though they falsely pretend their good retention therein, and the preservation and augmentation of God’ s service.
Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
(11) Many altars.—Multiplication of altars was condemned in the law (Deuteronomy 12:5 seq.). The narrative in Joshua 22 shows that unity of altar and sanctuary was essential to the unity of the nation. The last clause should be rendered, he had altars for sinning. The worship of God was degraded into the sensuous approaching Baal-worship. In the first clause sin equals transgression, in the last transgression plus guilt and peril.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
Verse 11. Many altars to sin] Though it does not appear that the Jews in Babylon were obliged to worship the idols of the country, except in the case mentioned by Daniel, yet it was far otherwise with the Israelites in Assyria, and the other countries of their dispersion. Because they had made many altars to sin while they were in their own land, they were obliged to continue in the land of their captivity a similar system of idolatry against their will. Thus they felt and saw the evil of their idolatry, without power to help themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:11
11. Because] Rather, For. It is a justification of the foregoing threat. hath made many altars to sin] In times of national trouble, sacrifices were multiplied, to propitiate the national God (comp. Isaiah 1:11). But as no corresponding effort was made to purify the conduct and the character, such sacrifices did but increase the load of the national guilt. Instead of ‘many sacrifices’, Hosea says ‘many altars’ because there was even less attempt in the times of Hosea and Isaiah to centralize worship in the northern kingdom than in the southern. The strict rule of Deuteronomy (one temple and one altar) seems at present far removed from the general consciousness. See Introduction, part v. altars shall be unto him to sin] Rather, (yea,) altars are to him for sinning (thereby). There is no unfairness on Jehovah’s part; Israel cannot pretend ignorance of His will.
Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:11
Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall indeed be unto him to sin - that is, they shall be proved to him to be so, by the punishment which they shall draw upon him.
Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
6. From Israel was it also [“is even this”] — What? Evidently the calf of Hos 8:5. In its establishment Jehovah had no part; it is the work of Israel; therefore the former has cast it off.
Sermons on Hosea 8:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |
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How to Be Fruitful by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of dissipation, which refers to getting caught up in worldly distractions and losing focus on what is truly important. The speaker e |
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You Cannot Love God and the World by James La Belle | In this sermon, the focus is on Mark 12:30, where Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The preacher acknowledges the difficulty |
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Selfishness by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the issue of selfishness in his sermon, emphasizing that true holiness cannot coexist with selfishness. He defines selfishness as the willful pursuit of se |
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Does God Do Miracles Today? - Sign Gifts by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the importance of producing spiritual fruit in our lives, emphasizing that just as trees are known by their fruit, Christians are recognized by the fruit the |
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Hosea 10:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the issue of a divided heart, illustrating how Israel acknowledged God while simultaneously worshipping Baal, leading to a lack of true devotion and fruitfuln |
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"The Mistakes of Israel and Possibly Ours" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the mistakes of Israel, particularly their tendency to serve God while also embracing other idols, leading to a divided heart and spiritual decline. He warns |