Hosea 12:4

Authorized King James Version

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el, and there he spake with us;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָיָּ֤שַׂר
Yea he had power
properly, to vanquish; by implication, to rule (causatively, crown)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מַלְאָךְ֙
over the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#4
וַיֻּכָ֔ל
and prevailed
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#5
בָּכָ֖ה
he wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#6
וַיִּתְחַנֶּן
and made supplication
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#7
ל֑וֹ
H0
#8
בֵּֽית
H0
#9
אֵל֙
him in Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#10
יִמְצָאֶ֔נּוּ
unto him he found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#11
וְשָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
and there he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
עִמָּֽנוּ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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