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Hosea 7:4 Cross References
They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Hosea 7:4. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Hosea 7:4 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Hosea 7:4 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Jeremiah 9:2 (KJV) »
Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Jeremiah 5:7 (KJV) »
How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

Hosea 4:12 (KJV) »
My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

Hosea 7:6 (KJV) »
For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.

Hosea 4:2 (KJV) »
By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

James 4:4 (KJV) »
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Hosea 7:4 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Hosea 7:4
Hosea 7:4 reads: "They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough until it be leavened."
Verse Analysis
This verse metaphorically depicts the spiritual and moral decay of Israel at the time. It emphasizes the unfaithfulness of the people, represented by the notion of adultery. The imagery of the heated oven illustrates how the nation is consumed by sin, rampantly engaging in idolatry and turning away from God.
Commentary Insights
Combining insights from public domain commentaries provides a deeper understanding of this complex verse:
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Matthew Henry:
Henry interprets the "adulterers" as a reference to Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God. He emphasizes the heated oven as a symbol of the intensity of their sin, suggesting that just as a baker waits for dough to rise, God has allowed time for repentance which has gone unheeded.
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Albert Barnes:
Barnes points out the state of Israel's hearts that are "inflamed" with lust and idolatry similar to a baker’s oven. He connects the gradual process of sin's leavening effect on the nation illustrating how unchecked sin can lead to complete moral decay.
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Adam Clarke:
Clarke elaborates on the imagery of the oven, noting its active condition; it is not just the heat that is concerning, but the fact that it is ready to bake, symbolizing imminent judgment due to their ongoing rebellion against God.
Thematic Connections
Hosea 7:4 presents rich thematic content, connecting to several other Scripture verses that illustrate similar themes of unfaithfulness, idolatry, and eventual divine judgment.
- Jeremiah 3:6-10: Discusses Israel's infidelity and God's call to repentance.
- Ezekiel 16:30-32: Compares Israel’s unfaithfulness to that of a wife committing adultery.
- Isaiah 57:3-5: Condemns practices of idolatry and sin which reflect an unfaithful relationship with God.
- James 4:4: "Adulterers and adulteresses!" speaks directly to spiritual unfaithfulness, paralleling Hosea’s message.
- 1 John 2:15-17: Warns believers against loving the world, much like how Israel loved their idols.
- Romans 1:21-25: Illustrates the consequences of abandonment of God for idolatry.
- Hosea 6:10: Highlights the wickedness in Israel, relating to the themes of sin discussed in Hosea 7:4.
Cross-Referencing in Biblical Context
Utilizing cross-referencing tools can enhance our study and understanding of various biblical themes. Here are some methods for effective cross-referencing:
- Bible Concordance: Aids in identifying key terms and connecting verses that use similar language.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Provides insights into thematic links between different scriptures across both Old and New Testaments.
- Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engaging with multiple layers of scripture can deepen understanding through comparative analysis.
- Bible Chain References: A method to show how verses are interlinked by themes, enhancing overall biblical literacy.
The Importance of Inter-Biblical Dialogue
Analyzing connections between various scripture passages allows believers to see the consistent themes of God's nature, human sinfulness, and the call to repentance. This method emphasizes a cohesive understanding of the Bible, reaffirming the significance of inter-biblical dialogue.