Hosea 10:5

Authorized King James Version

The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְעֶגְלוֹת֙
because of the calves
a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)
#2
בֵּ֣ית
H0
#3
אָ֔וֶן
of Bethaven
beth-aven, a place in palestine
#4
יָג֖וּרוּ
shall fear
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#5
שְׁכַ֣ן
The inhabitants
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
#6
שֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן
of Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#7
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אָבַ֨ל
H56
thereof shall mourn
to bewail
#9
עָלָ֜יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עַמּ֗וֹ
for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וּכְמָרָיו֙
over it and the priests
properly, an ascetic (as if shrunk with self-maceration), i.e., an idolatrous priest (only in plural)
#12
עָלָ֣יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
יָגִ֔ילוּ
thereof that rejoiced
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
כְּבוֹד֖וֹ
on it for the glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#16
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
גָלָ֥ה
thereof because it is departed
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#18
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 glory 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