Hosea 12:6

Authorized King James Version

Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֖ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
H430
on thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#3
תָשׁ֑וּב
H7725
Therefore turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#4
חֶ֤סֶד
H2617
mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#5
וּמִשְׁפָּט֙
H4941
and judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
שְׁמֹ֔ר
H8104
keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
וְקַוֵּ֥ה
H6960
and wait
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#8
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
H430
on thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
תָּמִֽיד׃
H8548
continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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