Hosea 11:7

Authorized King James Version

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַמִּ֥י
H5971
And my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
תְלוּאִ֖ים
H8511
are bent
to suspend; figuratively (through hesitation) to be uncertain; by implication (of mental dependence) to habituate
#3
לִמְשֽׁוּבָתִ֑י
H4878
to backsliding
apostasy
#4
וְאֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
עַל֙
H5920
them to the most High
properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah
#6
יִקְרָאֻ֔הוּ
H7121
from me though they called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
יַ֖חַד
H3162
none at all
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#8
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יְרוֹמֵם׃
H7311
would exalt
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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