Hosea 6:4 Meaning
O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.
Context Explained
2After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
4O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.
5Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
James 1:10
Both verses reflect on the fleeting nature of human goodness.
Isaiah 57:13
This verse echoes the theme of the transience of human efforts without true commitment.
Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, similar to God's sorrow over Israel's unfaithfulness.
Source: Hosea 6:4