Old Testament
Hosea 11:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And my people are inclined to backslide from me: though they are called to the Most High, none of them will exalt him.
Compare translations
And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.
What Hosea 11:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 11:7, God expresses His deep sorrow over His people's tendency to turn away from Him. Despite being called to worship and honor the Most High, they choose to ignore Him and follow their own paths. This verse highlights the struggle between divine calling and human inclination to stray. God desires a relationship with His people, but their hearts are often set on rebellion and self-interest. The phrase 'bent to backsliding' indicates a persistent and habitual turning away from God, showing a lack of commitment to their faith. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Hosea, where God laments the unfaithfulness of Israel, urging them to return to Him and recognize His sovereignty. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful and responsive to God's call, rather than succumbing to the temptation to drift away from His guidance.
How to apply Hosea 11:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for signs of backsliding. Are we prioritizing our relationship with God, or are we allowing distractions to lead us away? Regular prayer, worship, and community can help us stay aligned with God's will and resist the urge to stray.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hosea 11:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hosea 11:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hosea
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 11:7 mean?
Hosea 11:7 expresses God's sorrow over His people's tendency to turn away from Him. Despite being called to worship the Most High, they choose to ignore Him and follow their own desires.
What is the meaning of backsliding in Hosea 11:7?
In Hosea 11:7, 'backsliding' refers to the persistent turning away from God and His ways. It highlights a lack of commitment to faith and a tendency to stray from a relationship with Him.
How does Hosea 11:7 relate to faithfulness?
Hosea 11:7 highlights the importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God. It serves as a reminder to stay committed and responsive to His call, rather than succumbing to distractions.
What themes are present in Hosea 11:7?
Key themes in Hosea 11:7 include backsliding, divine call, human rebellion, and God's sorrow over unfaithfulness. It underscores the need for worship and a genuine relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.