For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
What does Hosea 6:6 mean?
Sometimes Israel and Judah seemed disposed to repent under their sufferings, but their goodness vanished like the empty morning cloud, and the early dew, and they were as vile as ever.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Hosea 6:4-7 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Hosea 6:6
I hate, I despise your solemn feast days, And I will not smell in your solemn assemblies; Though ye offer me your burnt-offerings, And your meat-offerings I will not accept them; Neither will I regard the thank-offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; For I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, And righteousness as a mighty stream. Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice - God had said before, that they should "seek" Him "with their flocks and herds, and not find" Him.
Key words
- desired
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For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice,.
- mercy
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For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice,.
- sacrifice
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For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice,.
Context in Hosea 6
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Hosea 6 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as lawsuit against Israel. Hosea uses marriage, broken love, judgment, and healing to expose idolatry and proclaim God’s astonishing steadfast mercy. Read this chapter with the wider themes of covenant love, idolatry, and judgment in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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A guided collection of passages on God’s love, neighbor-love, steadfast covenant love, and the shape of love in Christian life.
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.