Hosea 6:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For I desired {H2654} mercy {H2617}, and not sacrifice {H2077}; and the knowledge {H1847} of God {H430} more than burnt offerings {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For what I desire is mercy, not sacrifices, knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

American Standard Version

For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 6:6 encapsulates a profound divine declaration, revealing God's ultimate desire for a genuine, relational piety from His people rather than mere outward religious performance. This verse critiques the superficial worship prevalent in ancient Israel, asserting that the Lord values steadfast love and an intimate understanding of His character far more than the prescribed rituals of sacrifice and burnt offerings, which, without a transformed heart, are rendered meaningless in His sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 6:6 is strategically placed within a section (Hosea 6:1-6) where the prophet calls Israel to return to the Lord, yet immediately follows this with a lament over their fleeting faithfulness. The preceding verses express a superficial repentance, a quick turning to God that lacks true depth and endurance, likened to a morning cloud or early dew. This verse then provides the divine standard by which their "return" is judged, exposing the inadequacy of their ritualistic obedience without accompanying heart transformation. It serves as a foundational statement for the subsequent accusations of covenant breaking and spiritual adultery found throughout the book of [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea - Prophecy and Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, social injustice, and widespread idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. Despite their spiritual decay, the Israelites continued to perform the prescribed temple sacrifices and offerings, believing these acts alone would appease God and ensure their prosperity. However, their religious practices were divorced from ethical living and true devotion. God's declaration in Hosea 6:6 directly challenges this prevailing cultural and religious hypocrisy, reminding them that the covenant relationship required not just ritual adherence but a heart of loyalty, compassion (mercy), and intimate knowledge of the God who delivered them from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover").
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Hosea's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores God's **preference for relationship over ritual**, emphasizing that true worship is not merely about outward performance but about inward devotion and a genuine connection with the divine. Secondly, it defines the **nature of true piety**, highlighting that God values *chesed* (steadfast love, mercy) and *da'ath Elohim* (knowledge of God) as the hallmarks of a righteous life. These qualities manifest in how people treat God and each other, reflecting a heart transformed by His grace. This theme is echoed in other prophetic calls for justice and righteousness, such as [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). Lastly, Hosea 6:6 serves as a powerful **critique of superficial worship**, condemning religious hypocrisy where people engage in external rites while neglecting the "weightier matters of the law" – justice, mercy, and faithfulness – a point later emphasized by Jesus in [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** This word signifies a strong inclination, delight, or pleasure in something. It's not merely a passive preference but an active, heartfelt desire. When God "desires" mercy and knowledge, it conveys His deep longing for His people to embody these qualities, indicating that they align with His very character and will. This goes beyond a simple preference, suggesting a foundational aspect of His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** Often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty." This is a rich theological term denoting loyal, faithful, and compassionate love, particularly within the context of a covenant relationship. It encompasses both compassion towards others and faithfulness towards God. God's desire for *chêçêd* from His people reflects His own enduring *chêçêd* towards them, implying that their actions should mirror His character.
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** More than intellectual understanding or factual information, *daʻath* here implies an intimate, experiential, and personal knowing. It's a relational knowledge that leads to obedience, trust, and a deep understanding of God's character and will. This kind of knowledge results in righteous living and a transformed life, contrasting sharply with mere ritualistic adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice;":** This clause reveals God's priority in His relationship with humanity. The word "desired" (châphêts) indicates God's deep pleasure and preference for "mercy" (chêçêd)—His steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and compassion—over "sacrifice" (zebach), which refers to the animal offerings prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The "not" (loʼ) is not an absolute rejection of sacrifice itself (which was divinely instituted), but rather a strong contrast emphasizing that when sacrifice is offered without a heart of mercy, it is devoid of value to God. It highlights that the external ritual is secondary to the internal disposition and ethical conduct.
* **"and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.":** This second parallel clause reinforces the first, further clarifying God's true desire. "Knowledge of God" (daʻath ʼĕlôhîym) speaks to an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding of God's character and will, which naturally leads to obedience and a life that reflects His attributes. This deep, personal knowing is deemed more valuable than "burnt offerings" (ʻôlâh), which were a specific type of sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion. Again, the contrast emphasizes that even the most complete ritual is inferior to a genuine, living relationship with God characterized by true knowledge and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 6:6 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two opposing ideas are presented in parallel clauses to highlight a stark contrast. Here, "mercy" is contrasted with "sacrifice," and "knowledge of God" with "burnt offerings." This structure powerfully emphasizes God's preference for internal spiritual realities over external religious rites. The verse also employs **Metonymy**, where "sacrifice" and "burnt offerings" stand in for the entire system of ritualistic worship. By stating a preference for "mercy" and "knowledge of God" *over* these rituals, God is not abolishing the rituals themselves but condemning their performance when divorced from a genuine heart. Furthermore, the statement functions as a **Divine Declaration**, a direct pronouncement from God that carries absolute authority and reveals His true character and desires for His people. This declaration challenges the prevailing religious assumptions of the time, serving as a powerful **Critique** of hypocrisy and superficiality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 6:6 is a cornerstone verse that profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and the nature of true worship. It reveals that God is not primarily concerned with outward religious performance or adherence to ritual for its own sake, but rather with the internal disposition of the heart, characterized by steadfast love (mercy) and an intimate, experiential knowledge of Him. This emphasis on relational piety over mere ritualism is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament prophets, who consistently called Israel to ethical living, justice, and compassion as expressions of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The verse underscores that genuine faith must manifest in how we treat both God and our fellow human beings, reflecting God's own attributes of love and faithfulness. It serves as a timeless reminder that religious acts are only meaningful when they flow from a heart transformed by God's grace and devoted to His will.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - A Broken Spirit, A Contrite Heart")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 6:6 continues to resonate deeply with believers today, serving as a vital diagnostic tool for examining the authenticity of our faith and worship. In an age where religious activity can often become a performance or a checklist, this verse challenges us to look beyond the external and assess the internal state of our hearts. Are we prioritizing church attendance, giving, or service while neglecting to cultivate genuine compassion for others or a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God through His Word and prayer? God's desire for "mercy" (steadfast love and loyalty) calls us to embody His character in our relationships, extending grace, forgiveness, and justice to those around us, especially the vulnerable. His desire for the "knowledge of God" compels us to pursue a vibrant, personal relationship with Him, seeking to understand His will and conform our lives to His ways. True worship is not confined to sacred spaces or specific rituals; it is lived out daily through humble obedience, sacrificial love, and a relentless pursuit of knowing and reflecting the heart of God in every interaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing religious ritual or activity over genuine mercy and a deeper knowledge of God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a "knowledge of God" that goes beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate more "mercy" (steadfast love and compassion) in my relationships?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that God abolished sacrifices in the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, Hosea 6:6 does not mean that God abolished sacrifices or that they were inherently bad. Sacrifices were divinely instituted under the Mosaic Law as a means for atonement, worship, and communion with God. However, the prophets, including Hosea, consistently critiqued the *abuse* of the sacrificial system when it became a substitute for genuine obedience, righteousness, and a transformed heart. God desired the sacrifices to be an outward expression of an inward reality of devotion and repentance. When the people offered sacrifices but lacked mercy, justice, and a true knowledge of God, the rituals became empty and meaningless in His sight. The verse emphasizes God's *priority*: the heart of the worshipper and their ethical conduct were always more important than the ritual itself. This perspective is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Hates Your Feasts") and [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - A Call to Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 6:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself quotes this very verse on two significant occasions, demonstrating its enduring relevance and His own embodiment of its truth. When challenged by the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus declared, "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, [I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Calls Sinners")." Later, when His disciples were criticized for plucking grain on the Sabbath, He reiterated, "[But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Lord of the Sabbath")." These instances reveal that Jesus perfectly embodied the "mercy" and "knowledge of God" that Hosea spoke of. His entire life was an act of *chesed*, demonstrating God's steadfast love and compassion towards a fallen humanity, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the supreme act of both mercy and justice. Through His life and teachings, Jesus clarified that the "knowledge of God" is not merely intellectual but involves a personal, transformative relationship with Him, as He Himself is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom alone we can truly [know the Father](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way"). He fulfilled the spirit of the law, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the greatest commandments, thereby establishing a new covenant where true worship is in [spirit and truth](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers").

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

Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 12:7

But if ye had known what [this] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Proverbs 21:3

¶ To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Amos 5:21

¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

Isaiah 1:11

To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Ecclesiastes 5:1

¶ Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.