Hosea 11:9

Authorized King James Version

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙
H6213
I will not execute
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
חֲר֣וֹן
H2740
the fierceness
a burning of anger
#4
אַפִּ֔י
H639
of mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#5
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
אָשׁ֖וּב
H7725
I will not return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
לְשַׁחֵ֣ת
H7843
to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
H669
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#9
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אֵ֤ל
H410
for I am God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#11
אָֽנֹכִי֙
H595
i
#12
וְלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אִ֔ישׁ
H582
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#14
בְּקִרְבְּךָ֣
H7130
in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#15
קָד֔וֹשׁ
H6918
the Holy One
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#16
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
אָב֖וֹא
H935
of thee and I will not enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#18
בְּעִֽיר׃
H5892
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

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

Questions for Reflection