Hosea 11:4

Authorized King James Version

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּחַבְלֵ֨י
H2256
them with cords
ruin
#2
אָדָ֤ם
H120
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
אֶמְשְׁכֵם֙
H4900
I drew
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
#4
בַּעֲבֹת֣וֹת
H5688
with bands
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
#5
אַהֲבָ֔ה
H160
of love
love
#6
וָאֶהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#8
כִּמְרִ֥ימֵי
H7311
and I was to them as they that take off
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#9
עֹ֖ל
H5923
the yoke
a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively
#10
עַ֣ל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
לְחֵיהֶ֑ם
H3895
on their jaws
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
#12
וְאַ֥ט
H328
(as an adverb) gently
#13
אֵלָ֖יו
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
אוֹכִֽיל׃
H398
meat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection