11 Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.
11 "Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning.
11 Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they have become to him altars for sinning.
11 "Ephraim has built a lot of altars, and then uses them for sinning. Can you believe it? Altars for sinning!
11 "Because Ephraim has made many altars for sin, They have become for him altars for sinning.
11 "Israel has built many altars to take away sin, but these very altars became places for sinning!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 8:11
Commentary on Hosea 8:11-14
(Read Hosea 8:11-14)
It is a great sin to corrupt the worship of God, and will be charged as sin on all who do it, how plausible soever their excuses may seem to be. The Lord had caused his law to be written for them, but they cared not to know, and would not obey it. Man seems by the temples he builds to be mindful of his Maker, yet really he has forgotten him, because he has cast off all his fear; but none ever hardened his heart against God and prospered. So long as men despise the truths and precepts of God's word, and the ordinances of his worship, all the observances and offerings, however costly, of their own devising, will be unto them for sin; for those services only are acceptable to God, which are done according to his word, and through Jesus Christ.