Definition: I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, [and] Israel is defiled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Hosea 5:3. It’s a really powerful verse with a lot of meaning, and it’s often interpreted in a few different ways – focusing on the relationship between God and his people. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and repentance. It’s telling Hosea (a prophet) that he’s witnessing a situation where Israel is engaging in something very wrong – worshipping other gods, and living in sin. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Hosea 5:3” : This refers to a specific passage in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). “I know Ephraim…” : Hosea is speaking about his relationship with a specific city called Ephraim. It's important to understand that "Ephraim" was a significant, historically important city in Israel. “…and Israel is not hid from me:” This means that Hosea sees Israel and knows they are not hidden from him. It’s like he’s watching them. “Hid” here implies being concealed or forgotten. “For now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom…” : This is the key part. “Whoredom” means a form of worship that’s based on human desires and not on God's truth. It’s about prioritizing something other than God – things like pleasure, power, or personal gain. “[and] Israel is defiled.” : This emphasizes the consequences of this “whoredom.” "Defiled” means stained or corrupted. Israel is being morally and spiritually damaged by their choices. Putting it all together: Hosea is saying that Ephraim (and, by extension, Israel) is engaging in practices that are harmful to God’s people. They're prioritizing something other than Him, and they're allowing themselves to be corrupted – stained by sin. God is watching this situation with concern and is determined to hold them accountable. Important Context: This verse comes from a time of great political turmoil in Israel. Hosea was trying to warn the people about their growing separation from God and their turning away from him. It’s a clear call for repentance and change. In short, this verse is a warning that when we don't truly worship God, our relationships with Him and with each other become tainted. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide a bit more historical context about the time Hosea was writing? Offer some related verses or themes?