Hosea 11:1

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נַ֥עַר

H5288

was a child

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

When Israel

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

וָאֹהֲבֵ֑הוּ

H157

then I loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וּמִמִּצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

out of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

קָרָ֥אתִי

H7121

him and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לִבְנִֽי׃

H1121

my son

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

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Matthew 2:15 Matthew 2:15
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
— Out of Egypt called my son
² Exodus 4:22 Exodus 4:22
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
— Israel is my son

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?