Hosea 4:9
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And it shall be, like people, like priest; and I will punish them for their ways, and will requite them their doings.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And the priest will be like the people; I will give them punishment for their evil ways, and the reward of their acts.
Webster's Revision
And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
World English Bible
It will be, like people, like priest; and I will punish them for their ways, and will repay them for their deeds.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And it shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and will reward them their doings.
Clarke's Hosea 4:9 Bible Commentary
Like people, like priest -
"The priest a wanderer from the narrow way; The silly sheep, no wonder that they stray."
I will punish them - Both priest and people; both equally bad.
Barnes's Hosea 4:9 Bible Commentary
And there shall be like people, like priest - Priest and people were alike in sin. Yea they are wont, if bad, to foment each other's sin. The bad priest copies the sins which he should reprove, and excuses himself by the frailty of our common nature. The people, acutely enough, detect the worldliness or self-indulgence of the priest, and shelter themselves under his example. Their defense stands good before people; but what before God? Alike in sin, priest and people should be alike in punishment. "Neither secular greatness should exempt the laity, nor the dignity of his order, the priest." Both shall be swept away in one common heap, in one disgrace, into one damnation. "They shall bind them in bundles to burn them."
And I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings - Literally, "I will visit upon him his ways, and his doings I will make to return to him." People and priests are spoken of as one man. None should escape. The judgment comes down "upon" them, overwhelming them. Man's deeds are called his "ways," because the soul holds on the tenor of its life along them, and those ways lead him on to his last end, heaven or hell. The word rendered "doings " signifies "great doings," when used of God; "bold doings," on the part of man. Those bold presumptuous doings against the law and will of God, God will bring back to the sinner's bosom.