Hosea 13:2

Authorized King James Version

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֣ה׀

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יוֹסִ֣פוּ

H3254

more and more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לַחֲטֹ֗א

H2398

And now they sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וַיַּעְשׂ֣וּ

H6213

and have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶם֩

מַסֵּכָ֨ה

H4541

them molten images

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

מִכַּסְפָּ֤ם

H3701

of their silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

כִּתְבוּנָם֙

H8394

according to their own understanding

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

עֲצַבִּ֔ים

H6091

and idols

an (idolatrous) image

#10

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

all of it the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#11

חָרָשִׁ֖ים

H2796

of the craftsmen

a fabricator or any material

#12

כֻּלֹּ֑ה

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

לָהֶם֙

#14

הֵ֣ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

אֹמְרִ֔ים

H559

they say

to say (used with great latitude)

#16

זֹבְחֵ֣י

H2076

that sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#17

אָדָ֔ם

H120

of them Let the men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#18

עֲגָלִ֖ים

H5695

the calves

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

#19

יִשָּׁקֽוּן׃

H5401

kiss

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hosea Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?