Hosea 10:9

Authorized King James Version

O Israel, thou hast sinned from the days of Gibeah: there they stood: the battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִימֵי֙
H3117
from the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
בַּגִּבְעָ֛ה
H1390
in Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#3
חָטָ֖אתָ
H2398
thou hast sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
H3478
O Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
עָמָ֔דוּ
H5975
there they stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תַשִּׂיגֵ֧ם
H5381
did not overtake
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#9
בַּגִּבְעָ֛ה
H1390
in Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#10
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
H4421
the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
בְּנֵ֥י
H1121
against 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
#13
עַֽלְוָֽה׃
H5932
of iniquity
moral perverseness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hosea.

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