Old Testament

Hosea 11:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Hosea 11:7, God expresses His deep sorrow over His people's tendency to turn away from Him.

Author
Hosea the prophet
Written
Around 750 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
The northern kingdom of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

And my people are inclined to backslide from me: though they are called to the Most High, none of them will exalt him.

KJVKing James Version

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Verse Analysis

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

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.

The Book of Hosea
Book Summary

The Book of Hosea

Hosea 1: Hosea Takes Gomer

The word of the LORD comes to Hosea and commands him to take a wife of whoredoms because the land has committed great whoredom against the LORD. Hosea takes Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she bears a son. The LORD tells him to name the child Jezreel, declaring that He will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu and cause the kingdom of Israel to cease. He says He will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

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