Hosea 13:10

Authorized King James Version

I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱהִ֤י
H165
I will
where
#2
מֶ֥לֶךְ
H4428
be thy king
a king
#3
אֵפ֔וֹא
H645
where
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
#4
וְיוֹשִֽׁיעֲךָ֖
H3467
is any other that may save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#5
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
עָרֶ֑יךָ
H5892
thee in all thy cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
וְשֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔יךָ
H8199
and thy judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
אָמַ֔רְתָּ
H559
of whom thou saidst
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
תְּנָה
H5414
Give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לִּ֖י
H0
#12
מֶ֥לֶךְ
H4428
be thy king
a king
#13
וְשָׂרִֽים׃
H8269
and princes
a head person (of any rank or class)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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