Definition: I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 4:14. It’s a really important message about love, forgiveness, and consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deeply concerned with the behavior of people who are practicing adultery (lying with someone else) and/or mistreating their spouses (breaking trust). He’s warning them to understand why they’re doing this and what the consequences will be. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom…” – This means that if women in a family engage in sexual relationships outside of marriage, God won't condemn them. “Whoredom” is a tricky word; it refers to engaging in sexual activity for pleasure or gratification rather than a genuine spiritual connection. “…nor your spouses when they commit adultery…” – Similarly, if couples break the rules of trust and fidelity, God won’t punish them. “for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots…” – This is the crucial part. It's comparing these behaviors to a situation where people are living in separate, unhappy relationships. “Whores” and “harlots” represent people who are selfishly indulging in immoral behavior. They’re isolated and focused on their own pleasure rather than a loving relationship with God or each other. “therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.” – This is the consequence. If people don't understand why these behaviors are wrong, they will inevitably end up in trouble. Falling means losing their way and being lost without guidance. Overall Meaning & Key Takeaway: The verse is a warning about the dangers of immoral behavior. God is showing compassion towards those who make poor choices but also wants to guide them back toward righteousness and love. It emphasizes that true understanding of God's will is essential for making good decisions. Important Context (briefly): Hosea was a priest in Israel, and this verse comes from a situation where he’s speaking about the Israelites. He's criticizing their lack of understanding and focusing on their own selfish desires, which are leading them astray. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretations of biblical texts and should not be taken as definitive religious doctrine. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Provide some broader biblical themes related to love, forgiveness, and righteousness?