Hosea 13:2
New International Version
Now they sin more and more; they make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of these people, “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!”

New Living Translation
Now they continue to sin by making silver idols, images shaped skillfully with human hands. “Sacrifice to these,” they cry, “and kiss the calf idols!”

English Standard Version
And now they sin more and more, and make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, “Those who offer human sacrifice kiss calves!”

Berean Standard Bible
Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!”

King James Bible
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

New King James Version
Now they sin more and more, And have made for themselves molded images, Idols of their silver, according to their skill; All of it is the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

New American Standard Bible
And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves cast metal images, Idols skillfully made from their silver, All of them the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the people who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

NASB 1995
And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves molten images, Idols skillfully made from their silver, All of them the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

NASB 1977
And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves molten images, Idols skillfully made from their silver, All of them the work of craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

Legacy Standard Bible
And now they sin more and more And make for themselves molten images, Idols made from their silver according to their understanding, All of them the work of craftsmen. They are saying of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”

Amplified Bible
And now they sin more and more, And make for themselves molten images, Idols skillfully made from their silver [as it pleased them], All of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of these [very works of their hands], “Let those who sacrifice kiss and show respect to the calves [as if they were living gods]!”

Christian Standard Bible
Now they continue to sin and make themselves a cast image, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say about them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now they continue to sin and make themselves a cast image, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say about them,” Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves.”

American Standard Version
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Contemporary English Version
Now you continue to sin by designing and making idols of silver in the shape of calves. You are told to sacrifice to these idols--yes, even to kiss them.

English Revised Version
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They keep on sinning more and more. They make idols from silver for themselves. These idols are skillfully made. All of them are the work of craftsmen. People say this about the Israelites: "They offer human sacrifices and kiss calf-shaped idols."

Good News Translation
They still keep on sinning by making metal images to worship--idols of silver, designed by human minds, made by human hands. And then they say, "Offer sacrifices to them!" How can anyone kiss those idols--idols in the shape of bulls!

International Standard Version
but now they are sinning more and more, crafting idols from melted silver. Their idols are made with the most exacting skill, all of it the work of craftsmen. People say about them, 'They offer human sacrifice, and kiss calf-shaped idols.'

Majority Standard Bible
Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, ?They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!?

NET Bible
Even now they persist in sin! They make metal images for themselves, idols that they skillfully fashion from their own silver; all of them are nothing but the work of craftsmen! There is a saying about them: "Those who sacrifice to the calf idol are calf kissers!"

New Heart English Bible
Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of artificers: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

World English Bible
Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, ‘They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now they sin, "" And make for themselves a molten image of their silver, "" By their own understanding—idols, "" A work of artisans—all of it, "" Of them they say, who [are] sacrificers among men, The calves let them kiss.

Young's Literal Translation
And now do they add to sin, And make to them a molten image of their silver, By their own understanding -- idols, A work of artisans -- all of it, Of them they say, who are sacrificers among men, 'The calves let them kiss.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now they will add to sin, and they will make to them a molten image of their silver, in their understanding images the work of artificers all of it: they saying to them, The men sacrificing shall kiss the calves.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And now they have sinned more and more : and they have made to themselves a molten thing of their silver as the likeness of idols: the whole is the work of craftsmen: to these that say: Sacrifice men, ye that adore calves.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now they add that they will be sinning more. And they have made themselves an image cast from their silver, just like the image of idols; but the whole thing has been made by craftsmen. These say to them, “Sacrifice men, you who adore calves.”

New American Bible
Now they continue to sin, making for themselves molten images, Silver idols according to their skill, all of them the work of artisans. “To these, offer sacrifice,” they say. People kiss calves!

New Revised Standard Version
And now they keep on sinning and make a cast image for themselves, idols of silver made according to their understanding, all of them the work of artisans. “Sacrifice to these,” they say. People are kissing calves!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And even now they sin more and more, and have made to themselves molten images of their silver, and idols in their own likeness, the work of a carpenter; they said to the people, Let those men who sacrifice men kiss the image of the calf.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now they have added to sin and they have made for themselves a molten image from their silver in their likeness, an idol, the work of a Carpenter, and they were saying to them: ”Sacrifice children of men and kiss the calf”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And now they sin more and more, And have made them molten images of their silver, According to their own understanding, even idols, All of them the work of the craftsmen; Of them they say: 'They that sacrifice men kiss calves.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now they have sinned increasingly, and have made for themselves a molten image of their silver, according to the fashion of idols, the work of artificers accomplished for them: they say, Sacrifice men, for the calves have come to an end.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ephraim's Glory Vanishes
1When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died. 2Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!” 3Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, like smoke through an open window.…

Cross References
Exodus 32:4-8
He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” / When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” / So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. ...

1 Kings 12:28-30
After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.

Isaiah 44:9-20
All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...

Jeremiah 10:3-5
For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”

Deuteronomy 4:28
And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.

Psalm 115:4-8
Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...

Psalm 135:15-18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...

2 Kings 17:16-17
They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

Isaiah 2:8
Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.

Isaiah 46:6-7
They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.

Romans 1:21-23
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Acts 17:29
Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.

1 Corinthians 10:19-20
Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.

Revelation 9:20
Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.

1 Corinthians 12:2
You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.


Treasury of Scripture

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

now.

Numbers 32:14
And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

2 Chronicles 28:13
And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.

2 Chronicles 33:23
And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

sin more and more.

Hosea 2:8
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.

Hosea 8:4
They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Hosea 10:1
Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

according.

Hosea 11:6
And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

Psalm 135:17,18
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths…

Isaiah 44:17-20
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god…

the men that sacrifice.

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

1 Kings 19:18
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Psalm 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

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Artificers Calves Craftsmen Human Idols Images Kiss Molten Offer Sacrifice Silver Sin Skillfully Themselves Understanding Work
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Artificers Calves Craftsmen Human Idols Images Kiss Molten Offer Sacrifice Silver Sin Skillfully Themselves Understanding Work
Hosea 13
1. Ephraim's glory vanishes.
4. God's anger.
9. God's mercy.
15. The judgment of Samaria.














Now they sin more and more
The Hebrew word for "sin" here is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. In the context of Hosea, this phrase indicates a progressive and increasing departure from God's commandments. Historically, Israel's persistent sinning reflects a deepening rebellion against God, despite His repeated calls for repentance. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of habitual sin, which can lead to a hardened heart and a severed relationship with God.

they make for themselves cast images
The term "cast images" refers to idols made by pouring molten metal into a mold. The Hebrew word "מַסֵּכָה" (massekah) is used here, emphasizing the deliberate and crafted nature of these idols. This act of creating idols signifies a direct violation of the second commandment, which prohibits the making of graven images. The historical context reveals that idol-making was a common practice among Israel's neighboring nations, and Israel's adoption of this practice signifies their assimilation into pagan cultures and a betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh.

idols skillfully made from their silver
The phrase highlights the use of "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) in idol creation, indicating wealth and resources being misused for idolatry. The skill involved in crafting these idols suggests a level of dedication and artistry, yet it is tragically misplaced. This reflects a society that values material wealth and artistic expression over spiritual fidelity. Theologically, it underscores the futility of worshiping created things rather than the Creator.

all of them the work of craftsmen
This phrase emphasizes that these idols are "the work of craftsmen" (יְדֵי חָרָשׁ, yedei charash), highlighting human effort and ingenuity. However, it also underscores the irony and folly of worshiping objects made by human hands. Biblically, this is a stark contrast to the living God, who is the Creator of all. The historical context shows that reliance on human craftsmanship for divine representation leads to spiritual blindness and deception.

It is said of them, 'Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!'
The act of "kissing the calves" (נָשַׁק עֲגָלִים, nashaq agalim) is a gesture of reverence and submission to these idols, specifically the golden calves, which were a symbol of apostasy in Israel's history. This phrase likely refers to the idolatrous practices established by Jeroboam I, who set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). Theologically, this represents a profound betrayal of God, as the people are giving the worship due to Yahweh to lifeless idols. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the ease with which people can be led astray by false worship.

(2) Ewald, following the hint of the LXX. (who had a slightly different text), renders "according to their pattern of idols." (Comp. the language of satire in Psalms 115; Isaiah 44:10-17.)

Men that sacrifice.--More accurately, sacrificers from among men. Others would render "sacrificers of men." But the former is quite consistent with Hebrew usage, while the latter compels us to adopt the unwarrantable supposition that human sacrifices formed part of the calf-worship. The calf images were kissed ike those of the Madonna in Roman Catholic churches at the present day. The Greek ?????????, "to worship," meant originally to adore by kissing (Curtius, Greek Etymology, p. 158).

Verse 2. - And now they sin more and more (margin, add to sin), and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen. This part of the verse declares their persistent adherence to idolatry. The note of time, "and now," marks the transition from the past period, when Baal-worship had been introduced by Ahab and subsequently overturned by Jehu, to the prophet's own day. Not content with the calves of Jeroboam and the worship of Baal, they added new superstitions and new hideous objects of worship. מַסֵּכָה, a molten image, like the molten calf of Aaron, is singular, but used collectively, so as to correspond with עֲעַבִּים, idols, which is plural. The reference here is,

(1) not to the calves or to Baal, but to various other idols which they had adopted, as at Gilgal and Beersheba (Amos 8:14). Or,

(2) not content with the calves, they introduced gods of their own as their penates. The material out of which these molten images were manufactured was silver. Kimchi, however, gives a curious explanation in proof that the material was gold: "The calves," he says, "were not silver, but he means to say that, of the silver which they each one gave to procure gold to make the calves, they made for themselves idols according to their understanding; and these were the calves." The manner in which they made these idols was

(1) in their understanding, that is, in their understanding, such as it was, so stupidly employed in such sensuous work, or their proficiency in the art of graving. Kimchi explains it somewhat differently: "The explanation of בתבונם is, 'As if they had carefully reflected on the matter what form they should give it, and then had agreed to make a calf, as they did in the wilderness.'" The reading of the word בתי is disputed, but without sufficient ground. No doubt the Septuagint, which is followed by the Chaldee, Arabic, and Jerome, probably read כִּתְבוּנַת rad בנה, to build, like תַּבְנִית, figure, or כִּתְמוּנַת; for they translate . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now
וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

they sin
לַחֲטֹ֗א (la·ḥă·ṭō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

more and more
יוֹסִ֣פוּ (yō·w·si·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

and make
וַיַּעְשׂ֣וּ (way·ya‘·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for themselves
לָהֶם֩ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

cast images,
מַסֵּכָ֨ה (mas·sê·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4541: A pouring over, fusion of metal, a libation, league, a coverlet

idols
עֲצַבִּ֔ים (‘ă·ṣab·bîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6091: An, image

skillfully made
כִּתְבוּנָם֙ (kiṯ·ḇū·nām)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice

from their silver,
מִכַּסְפָּ֤ם (mik·kas·pām)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

all
כֻּלֹּ֑ה (kul·lōh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of them
לָהֶם֙ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

the work
מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה (ma·‘ă·śêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

of craftsmen.
חָרָשִׁ֖ים (ḥā·rā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2796: A fabricator, any material

People
הֵ֣ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

say of them,
אֹמְרִ֔ים (’ō·mə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Let the men
אָדָ֔ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

who offer human sacrifice
זֹבְחֵ֣י (zō·ḇə·ḥê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2076: To slaughter for sacrifice

kiss
יִשָּׁקֽוּן׃ (yiš·šā·qūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

the calves!”
עֲגָלִ֖ים (‘ă·ḡā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5695: A, calf, one nearly grown


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OT Prophets: Hosea 13:2 Now they sin more and more (Ho Hs Hos.)
Hosea 13:1
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