Hosea 11:10

Authorized King James Version

They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַחֲרֵ֧י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#2
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
יֵלְכ֖וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
כְּאַרְיֵ֣ה
like a lion
a lion
#5
יִשְׁאַ֔ג
he shall roar
to rumble or moan
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
יִשְׁאַ֔ג
he shall roar
to rumble or moan
#9
וְיֶחֶרְד֥וּ
shall tremble
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
#10
בָנִ֖ים
then 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
#11
מִיָּֽם׃
from the west
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

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 divine sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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