Hosea 1:10

Authorized King James Version

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽ֠הָיָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִסְפַּ֤ר

H4557

Yet the number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כְּח֣וֹל

H2344

shall be as the sand

sand (as round or whirling particles)

הַיָּ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמַּ֖ד

H4058

which cannot be measured

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

#10

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יִסָּפֵ֑ר

H5608

nor numbered

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#12

וְֽ֠הָיָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

בִּמְק֞וֹם

H4725

and it shall come to pass that in the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

יֵאָמֵ֥ר

H559

there it shall be said

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

לָהֶם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

עַמִּ֣י

H5971

unto them Ye are not my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#19

אַתֶּ֔ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#20

יֵאָמֵ֥ר

H559

there it shall be said

to say (used with great latitude)

#21

לָהֶ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#22

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#23

אֵֽל

H410

God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

#24

חָֽי׃

H2416

of the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?