Hosea 11:12

Authorized King James Version

Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

Word-by-Word Analysis

סְבָבֻ֤נִי

H5437

compasseth

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בְכַ֙חַשׁ֙

H3585

me about with lies

literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy

אֶפְרַ֔יִם

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּבְמִרְמָ֖ה

H4820

with deceit

fraud

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

and the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

וִֽיהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

but Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עֹ֥ד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

רָד֙

H7300

yet ruleth

to tramp about, i.e., ramble (free or disconsolate)

#10

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#11

אֵ֔ל

H410

with God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

#12

וְעִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

קְדוֹשִׁ֖ים

H6918

with the saints

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

#14

נֶאֱמָֽן׃

H539

and is faithful

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Hosea. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, 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 covenant 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?