Old Testament
Hosea 9:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Hosea 9:5, the prophet poses a rhetorical question to the people of Israel, highlighting their impending crisis during sacred festivals.
- Author
- Hosea the prophet
- Written
- Around 750 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
What will you do when the sacred festivals come? What will you do on the feast days of the LORD?
What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the LORD?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hosea 9:5, the prophet poses a rhetorical question to the people of Israel, highlighting their impending crisis during sacred festivals. These festivals were significant times of worship and celebration, meant to honor God. However, the question implies that the people will face difficulties and judgment instead of joy and worship. Their unfaithfulness and sin have led to a situation where they cannot truly celebrate these holy days. The verse serves as a reminder that genuine worship requires a right relationship with God, and without it, even the most sacred occasions can feel empty and meaningless. The people are called to reflect on their actions and the consequences of their choices, especially during times that should be filled with joy and reverence for the Lord. This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and the need for repentance to restore a true connection with God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hosea 9:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our hearts and lives, especially during times of worship. Are we approaching God with sincerity and faithfulness? It reminds us that true celebration of faith requires a genuine relationship with God, free from sin and hypocrisy.
Curated for this public verse page. Hosea Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hosea 9:5 mean?
Hosea 9:5 questions what the people of Israel will do during their sacred festivals, highlighting their unfaithfulness and the judgment they face. It emphasizes that without a genuine relationship with God, their celebrations will be empty and meaningless.
What is the meaning of the sacred festivals in Hosea 9:5?
The sacred festivals in Hosea 9:5 refer to important times of worship and celebration meant to honor God. The verse suggests that the people's sin has rendered these occasions a time of crisis rather than joy.
How does Hosea 9:5 relate to worship?
Hosea 9:5 highlights that true worship requires a right relationship with God. It warns that without sincerity and faithfulness, even sacred occasions can feel hollow and unfulfilling.
What themes are present in Hosea 9:5?
Key themes in Hosea 9:5 include judgment, worship, repentance, and the consequences of unfaithfulness. The verse underscores the importance of genuine worship during sacred festivals.

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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