Hosea 12:11

Authorized King James Version

Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

גִּלְעָ֥ד

H1568

in Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

אָ֙וֶן֙

H205

Is there iniquity

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

שָׁ֣וְא

H7723

surely they are vanity

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

הָי֔וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּגִּלְגָּ֖ל

H1537

in Gilgal

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

שְׁוָרִ֣ים

H7794

bullocks

a bullock (as a traveller)

זִבֵּ֑חוּ

H2076

they sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#10

גַּ֤ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#11

מִזְבְּחוֹתָם֙

H4196

yea their altars

an altar

#12

כְּגַלִּ֔ים

H1530

are as heaps

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

#13

עַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

תַּלְמֵ֥י

H8525

in the furrows

a bank or terrace

#15

שָׂדָֽי׃

H7704

of the fields

a field (as flat)

Analysis

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

How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?