Hosea 13:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
יִֽהְיוּ֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
כַּעֲנַן
cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#4
בֹּ֔קֶר
Therefore they shall be as the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#5
וְכַטַּ֖ל
dew
dew (as covering vegetation)
#6
מַשְׁכִּ֣ים
and as the early
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#7
הֹלֵ֑ךְ
that passeth away
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
כְּמֹץ֙
as the chaff
chaff (as pressed out, i.e., winnowed or (rather) threshed loose)
#9
יְסֹעֵ֣ר
that is driven with the whirlwind
to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#10
מִגֹּ֔רֶן
out of the floor
a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area
#11
וּכְעָשָׁ֖ן
and as the smoke
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
#12
מֵאֲרֻבָּֽה׃
out of the chimney
a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water)

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 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