They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.

HOSEA 5:4KJV
Know the Bible

Hosea 5:4 (KJV)

What does Hosea 5:4 mean?

Hosea 5:4 says that the people are unwilling to change their actions in order to return to God, because something deep within them—a spirit of unfaithfulness—prevents them from truly knowing the LORD. The verse points to a stubborn, inward problem that keeps them from turning back, not just a lack of outward effort.

The prophet Hosea is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about their persistent unfaithfulness to God. In this verse, Hosea explains that their behavior is shaped by a "spirit of whoredoms," meaning a strong tendency toward spiritual unfaithfulness or idol worship. This inward attitude has so influenced them that they no longer truly know or recognize the LORD (Yahweh), even though they are God's own people.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 5:4

  • "Frame" (נָתַן, natan): This word usually means "to give" or "to set," but here it carries the sense of "setting" or "directing" their actions. The verse says they will not "frame their doings," highlighting a refusal to even begin to change their ways.
  • "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In this context, "the spirit of whoredoms" refers to a deep, driving force within the people that leads them away from faithfulness to God.
  • "Whoredoms" (זְנוּנִים, zenunim): This word describes unfaithfulness, often used for both literal adultery and spiritual unfaithfulness (idolatry). It shows that the problem is not just outward actions but a deep-seated attitude.
  • "Known" (יָדַע, yada): This word means more than just intellectual knowledge; it often implies a close, personal relationship. The verse says the people "have not known the LORD," stressing their lack of real connection with God.

Why Hosea 5:4 matters

  • Hosea 5:4 clarifies that the people's problem is not just bad choices, but a deep, inward resistance to God that shapes all their actions.
  • The verse shows that spiritual unfaithfulness is not just about outward rituals or mistakes, but about a broken relationship and a lack of true knowledge of God.
  • This verse connects to Hosea's wider message: Israel's troubles come from their refusal to return to God, rooted in a heart-level issue, not just surface behavior.

Where else these words appear

“whoredoms” Hebrew H2183 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 38:24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
  • Ezekiel 23:29 And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
  • Hosea 2:4 And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.

“doings” Hebrew H4611 · used in 41 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
  • Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
  • Jeremiah 26:13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.