Add parallel Print Page Options

The Reply of the Lord


O Ephraim, what shall I do with you?
O Judah, what shall I do with you?
For your [wavering] loyalty and kindness are [transient] like the morning cloud
And like the dew that goes away early.

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].

For I desire and delight in [steadfast] loyalty [faithfulness in the covenant relationship], rather than sacrifice,
And in the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.(A)

Read full chapter

What shall I do with you, (A)Ephraim?
What shall I do with you, Judah?
For your loyalty is like a (B)morning cloud,
And like the dew which goes away early.
Therefore I have (C)cut them in pieces by the prophets;
I have slain them by the (D)words of My mouth;
And the judgments on you are like the light that [a]shines.
For (E)I [b]desire loyalty (F)rather than sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Hosea 6:5 Lit proceeds
  2. Hosea 6:6 Or take pleasure in