Haggai 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֖ר
Now therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צְבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
שִׂ֥ימוּ
Consider
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#7
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
דַּרְכֵיכֶֽם׃
your ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection