Hosea 14:2

Authorized King James Version

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְקַח
H3947
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
עִמָּכֶם֙
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#3
דְּבָרִ֔ים
H1697
with you words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
וְשׁ֖וּבוּ
H7725
and turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אִמְר֣וּ
H559
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֵלָ֗יו
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
תִּשָּׂ֤א
H5375
unto him Take away
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#11
עָוֹן֙
H5771
all iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#12
וְקַח
H3947
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#13
ט֔וֹב
H2896
us graciously
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#14
וּֽנְשַׁלְּמָ֥ה
H7999
so will we render
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#15
פָרִ֖ים
H6499
the calves
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#16
שְׂפָתֵֽינוּ׃
H8193
of our lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection