Hosea 10:13

Authorized King James Version

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֲרַשְׁתֶּם
Ye have plowed
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#2
רֶ֛שַׁע
wickedness
a wrong (especially moral)
#3
עַוְלָ֥תָה
iniquity
(moral) evil
#4
קְצַרְתֶּ֖ם
ye have reaped
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#5
אֲכַלְתֶּ֣ם
ye have eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
פְּרִי
the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#7
כָ֑חַשׁ
of lies
literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
בָטַ֥חְתָּ
because thou didst trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#10
בְדַרְכְּךָ֖
in thy way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
בְּרֹ֥ב
in the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#12
גִּבּוֹרֶֽיךָ׃
of thy mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hosea Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection