Hosea 14:3

Authorized King James Version

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַשּׁ֣וּר׀

H804

Asshur

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נוּ

H3467

shall not save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סוּס֙

H5483

upon horses

a horse (as leaping)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְכָּ֔ב

H7392

us we will not ride

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֹ֥אמַר

H559

neither will we say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#11

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ

H430

Ye are our gods

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

#12

לְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

any more to the work

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

#13

יָדֵ֑ינוּ

H3027

of our hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

בְּךָ֖

#16

יְרֻחַ֥ם

H7355

findeth mercy

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

#17

יָתֽוֹם׃

H3490

for in thee the fatherless

a bereaved person

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of mercy 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on mercy address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?