Hosea 4:6

KJV

¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

KJV (with Strong's)

My people {H5971} are destroyed {H1820} for lack of knowledge {H1847}: because thou hast rejected {H3988} knowledge {H1847}, I will also reject {H3988} thee, that thou shalt be no priest {H3547} to me: seeing thou hast forgotten {H7911} the law {H8451} of thy God {H430}, I will also forget {H7911} thy children {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My people are destroyed for want of knowledge. Because you rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as cohen for me. Because you forgot the Torah of your God, I will also forget your children.

Berean Standard Bible

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

American Standard Version

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 4:6 serves as a profound indictment against ancient Israel, particularly the Northern Kingdom, declaring that their destruction is a direct consequence of their deliberate rejection and forgetting of divine knowledge and God's law. This spiritual amnesia, particularly acute among the priestly class who were meant to preserve and teach truth, led to God's reciprocal rejection of their priestly function and a devastating intergenerational curse, highlighting the critical importance of knowing and obeying God for national and spiritual flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 4 marks a significant shift in the book, moving from the allegorical portrayal of Israel's spiritual adultery through Hosea's marriage to Gomer (chapters 1-3) to a direct divine indictment, often termed a "covenant lawsuit" (Hebrew: _riv_). The preceding verses (Hosea 4:1-3) lay the groundwork for this judgment, listing a litany of moral failures—lying, murder, stealing, adultery—and lamenting the absence of faithfulness, steadfast love, and knowledge of God in the land. Verse 6 specifically targets the root cause of this widespread moral decay: a profound and deliberate lack of divine knowledge, particularly among the spiritual leaders, the priests, who were entrusted with teaching God's law. It explains *why* the land mourns and its inhabitants waste away, connecting the national destruction to spiritual negligence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 750-715 BC), a period marked by rapid dynastic changes, political instability, and increasing Assyrian pressure. Despite a period of economic prosperity under Jeroboam II, spiritual and moral decay was rampant. The people had assimilated Canaanite religious practices, engaging in widespread idolatry and syncretism, often under the guise of worshipping Yahweh. Culturally, the priests (kohanim) held a crucial role as mediators between God and the people, responsible for temple rituals, offering sacrifices, and, most importantly, teaching the Torah and discerning God's will. Their failure to uphold this duty, as highlighted in this verse, was a catastrophic dereliction that led the entire nation astray. The judgment pronounced here reflects the covenant stipulations of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where obedience to God's law brings blessing, and disobedience brings curses and ultimately, destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 4:6 encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Hosea and the broader prophetic tradition. The primary theme is the **consequences of spiritual ignorance and rejection of divine truth**. The "knowledge" (Hebrew: _da'ath_) referred to is not mere intellectual assent but an intimate, relational understanding of God's character, His covenant, and His revealed will, which naturally leads to obedience and faithfulness. The verse underscores that Israel's destruction was not arbitrary but a direct result of their active **rejection of this knowledge**. This leads to the theme of **priestly accountability and failure**, as those specifically called to preserve and transmit God's law ([Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "Malachi 2:7 - The Priest's Lips Should Preserve Knowledge")) had themselves become ignorant and complicit. Finally, the verse highlights the **intergenerational impact of spiritual negligence**, where the spiritual failures of one generation, particularly the forgetting of God's law, lead to devastating consequences for future generations, underscoring the vital importance of passing on a godly heritage ([Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children God's Commands")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _dâmâh'_):** From H1820, meaning "to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy; cease, be cut down (off), destroy, be brought to silence, be undone, utterly." This word conveys a sense of utter cessation and ruin. It's not merely a decline but a complete perishing or being cut off, indicating the severe consequences of their spiritual state.
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, meaning "knowledge; cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly)." In this context, it refers to a deep, intimate, and experiential understanding of God, His character, His covenant, and His revealed will (Torah). It implies not just intellectual apprehension but a moral discernment that leads to right living and obedience. Its absence is catastrophic.
* **rejected (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, utterly, vile person." This is a strong verb indicating a deliberate, willful act of despising or scorning something valuable. Israel's lack of knowledge was not accidental but a conscious and active turning away from God's truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"** This opening clause states the dire consequence of Israel's spiritual condition. The term "My people" (H5971, _ʻam_) emphasizes the covenant relationship that God had with Israel, making their destruction all the more tragic and ironic. Their perishing (H1820, _dâmâh_) is directly attributed to an absence of "knowledge" (H1847, _daʻath_), which, as noted, is not intellectual deficiency but a relational and moral failure to know God intimately and obey His will. This lack of knowledge leads to a breakdown in covenant faithfulness, resulting in national ruin.
* **"because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:"** This clause reveals the reason for the "lack of knowledge" and introduces the specific judgment upon the spiritual leaders. The destruction is not merely due to ignorance but a deliberate, active "rejection" (H3988, _mâʼaç_) of that vital knowledge. This rejection is met with a reciprocal divine rejection. The phrase "that thou shalt be no priest to me" (H3547, _kâhan_) specifically targets the priests, who were meant to be the custodians and teachers of God's law. Their failure to uphold their sacred duty, by rejecting the very knowledge they were to impart, resulted in God stripping them of their priestly function and privilege.
* **"seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."** This final clause provides a further, deeper explanation for the rejection of knowledge: they had "forgotten" (H7911, _shâkach_) the "law" (H8451, _tôwrâh_) of their God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_). This forgetting is not a mere lapse of memory but a willful neglect and abandonment of God's revealed will. The devastating consequence is an intergenerational curse: God's reciprocal "forgetting" (H7911, _shâkach_) of "thy children" (H1121, _bên_). This implies a withdrawal of divine favor, protection, and covenant blessing from the next generation, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of spiritual negligence on future descendants.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 4:6 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. Central to the verse is **Cause and Effect**, where the destruction of the people is directly linked to their lack of knowledge, which in turn is caused by their rejection of knowledge and forgetting of the law. This creates a clear logical progression of spiritual decline and divine judgment. The verse also utilizes striking **Parallelism**, particularly in the reciprocal nature of God's action: "because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee" and "seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." This parallel structure emphasizes the justice and direct correspondence of God's judgment to Israel's sin. Furthermore, the concept of God "forgetting" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (forgetting) to God. In this context, it signifies God's withdrawal of His covenant relationship, favor, and protection from those who have forgotten Him, rather than a literal inability to remember. The "knowledge" and "law" can also be seen as **Metonymy**, standing in for the entire covenant relationship, obedience, and the intimate understanding of God's character that should define His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 4:6 is a stark reminder of the intrinsic link between divine knowledge and spiritual vitality, both individually and corporately. It underscores that true knowledge of God is not optional but foundational for a flourishing relationship with Him and for the very existence of His covenant people. The verse highlights God's justice in responding to human rebellion and negligence, particularly among those entrusted with spiritual leadership. It reveals that God's "forgetting" is a terrifying consequence of human "forgetting" of His law, signifying a withdrawal of His presence and blessing from a people who have deliberately turned away from Him. This passage resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the importance of hearing, knowing, and obeying God's Word as the path to life and blessing, and the severe repercussions of spiritual apathy and deliberate ignorance.

* [Malachi 2:7-9](/malachi/2-7-9 "Malachi 2:7-9 - Priestly Corruption and Covenant Breaking")
* [Deuteronomy 4:6-9](/deuteronomy/4-6-9 "Deuteronomy 4:6-9 - Teach Your Children God's Statutes")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 4:6 serves as a timeless warning for all generations, emphasizing the critical importance of a deep, personal, and transformative knowledge of God and His Word. In an age saturated with information, it's easy to mistake intellectual familiarity with spiritual intimacy. This verse challenges believers to move beyond superficial understanding to a profound, experiential knowledge that shapes character and behavior. Spiritual ignorance, especially when it stems from a deliberate rejection of truth or a forgetting of God's commands, leads to destructive outcomes in personal lives, families, and communities. For those in spiritual leadership, it is a sobering call to accountability, reminding them of their sacred duty to diligently teach and embody God's truth, lest they lead others astray and face divine rejection. For parents, it underscores the immense responsibility of diligently discipling the next generation, ensuring that the spiritual heritage of God's law is not forgotten, thereby safeguarding their children from spiritual desolation. Ultimately, this passage compels us to prioritize God's Word, embrace its transforming power, and actively transmit its truths, recognizing that a vibrant relationship with God, founded on knowing and obeying Him, is essential for true flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "knowledge" truly mean in this context, and how does it differ from mere intellectual assent or information?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "rejecting knowledge" or "forgetting the law of God" in contemporary society?**
* **What is my personal responsibility, and the responsibility of my spiritual leaders, in ensuring that God's truth is not forgotten by the next generation?**
* **How does the idea of God "forgetting" my children impact my understanding of spiritual legacy and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "knowledge" is Hosea 4:6 referring to?**

Answer: The "knowledge" (Hebrew: _daʻath_) in Hosea 4:6 is not merely intellectual information or academic understanding. It refers to a deep, intimate, and relational acquaintance with God, His character, His covenant, and His revealed will, particularly as expressed in His law (Torah). It implies a knowledge that leads to moral discernment, covenant faithfulness, and practical obedience. It's the kind of knowledge that transforms one's life and relationship with God, rather than just filling one's head. It's akin to the knowledge implied in [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Boast in Knowing God"), where true boasting is in knowing and understanding God.

**Why are the priests specifically mentioned in this judgment?**

Answer: The priests (H3547, _kâhan_) were divinely appointed to mediate between God and His people. A primary aspect of their role, alongside offering sacrifices, was to preserve, interpret, and teach God's law to the Israelites. [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Priestly Instruction") explicitly states their duty to "teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken." By "rejecting knowledge" and "forgetting the law," the priests had failed in their most fundamental duty, leading the entire nation astray. Their spiritual negligence and complicity in the nation's idolatry and moral decay made them particularly culpable, leading to God's judgment that they would "be no priest" to Him, signifying a loss of their sacred office and divine favor.

**How does God "forget" His children? Does this mean He literally forgets them?**

Answer: When the Bible speaks of God "forgetting" (H7911, _shâkach_), it's an example of **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action or characteristic to God to help us understand His divine response. It does not mean God literally suffers from memory loss. Instead, in this context, God's "forgetting" signifies His withdrawal of covenant favor, protection, and blessing from those who have forgotten Him and His law. It implies a cessation of the intimate, active relationship He desires with His people and their descendants. It's a terrifying consequence of spiritual abandonment, leading to a state of being cut off from His life-giving presence, as seen in the ultimate judgment where Jesus declares, "[I never knew you](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I never knew you")" to those who claim to serve Him but do not truly know Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 4:6, with its lament over a people destroyed for lack of knowledge and a priesthood rejected for forgetting God's law, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's failure to know God intimately and uphold His law highlighted their desperate need for a perfect revelation and a perfect mediator. Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of divine knowledge; He is the Word made flesh, through whom we truly know God ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son")). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). Unlike the failed priests of Israel, Jesus serves as our perfect and eternal High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest")), offering a sacrifice that truly atones for sin and providing access to God's presence. Through His New Covenant, established by His blood, the law is no longer merely external and forgotten, but is "written on their hearts" ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise"), fulfilled in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Established")), enabling a genuine, internal knowledge of God for all who believe. Furthermore, believers in Christ are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thus, the destruction for lack of knowledge is overcome by the saving knowledge of Christ, and the forgotten law is fulfilled in the obedient life and atoning death of the Son, who grants us true access to God and empowers us to live in His truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 5:13

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

Proverbs 19:2

¶ Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth.

Hosea 6:6

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Matthew 15:8

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.