Hosea 11:2

Authorized King James Version

As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קָרְא֖וּ
As they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#3
כֵּ֚ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#4
הָלְכ֣וּ
them so they went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
from them
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
לַבְּעָלִ֣ים
unto Baalim
baal, a phoenician deity
#7
יְזַבֵּ֔חוּ
they sacrificed
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#8
וְלַפְּסִלִ֖ים
to graven images
an idol
#9
יְקַטֵּרֽוּן׃
and burned incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

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 revelation 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

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

Questions for Reflection