Definition: They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hosea 8:13. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about God’s judgment and the potential for returning to a place of wrongdoing. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s plan to punish people who are truly wicked and have strayed far from the way He wants them to live. It's essentially saying that if people don’t repent (change their ways) and show true remorse, God will ultimately bring them back to a place of suffering – like Egypt. Let’s unpack it word by word: “They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings…” : This means people are offering themselves as sacrifices – perhaps through anger, pride, or selfishness. It's suggesting that these people are actively seeking to give something precious (their own lives) to God in a way that’s not aligned with His will. "Mine offerings" refers to God's blessings and gifts. “and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not…” : This is where it gets really important. God isn’t allowing these sacrifices to be offered. He’s rejecting them. The word "eat it" suggests that they are consuming something that's fundamentally wrong – perhaps their own pride, selfishness, or disregard for God. It's like a poisoned offering. “now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins:” : This is the key part. God will look back at all the times they’ve been bad and remember every wrong thing they’ve done. He will see the evidence of their disobedience. “Iniquity” means "sin" or moral wrongdoing. “they shall return to Egypt.” : This is the consequence. God sees them as needing to be brought back, like a nation that has wandered far from its proper path and needs to be brought back to where it belongs – the way of righteousness. It’s a call for repentance and restoration. What does this mean in general terms? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about human fallibility and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. It suggests that we are all prone to wrongdoing, and that if we don't change our ways, we will eventually face consequences. It’s a message of judgment and a plea for repentance. Important Context: This passage is part of a larger story about Hosea, who is speaking to his wife, Betsey, about the harshness of God. It highlights that God's justice and love are intertwined – He wants to help people repent and return to Him, but He also holds them accountable for their choices. In short, this verse describes a cycle of judgment where those who stray from God’s path will ultimately be brought back to the place where they belong - a place of suffering. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of "Egypt"? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?