Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 8:11

"Because Ephraim hath multiplied altars for sinning, altars have been unto him for sinning." — Hosea 8:11 (ASV)

Many altars. —Multiplication of altars was condemned in the law (Deuteronomy 12:5 and following). The narrative in Joshua 22:0 shows that unity of altar and sanctuary was essential to the unity of the nation.

The last clause should be rendered, he had altars for sinning. The worship of God was degraded into sensuous worship, approaching Baal-worship.

In the first clause, sin equals transgression; in the last, transgression plus guilt and peril.