Hosea 14:6
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.
Original Language Analysis
יֵֽלְכוּ֙
H1980
יֵֽלְכוּ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וִיהִ֥י
H1961
וִיהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַזַּ֖יִת
shall be as the olive tree
H2132
כַזַּ֖יִת
shall be as the olive tree
Strong's:
H2132
Word #:
4 of 8
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
הוֹד֑וֹ
and his beauty
H1935
הוֹד֑וֹ
and his beauty
Strong's:
H1935
Word #:
5 of 8
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
Historical Context
Olive trees symbolized peace, prosperity, divine blessing. Lebanon cedars were prized for fragrance and timber. The imagery promises complete restoration from devastation - Israel becoming attractive rather than repulsive, fruitful rather than barren. Partial fulfillment in post-exilic community, full realization in Christ's kingdom. Church embodies this: spreading branches (global expansion), olive beauty (fruit of Spirit), Lebanon fragrance (witness drawing others).
Questions for Reflection
- How does my life exhibit spreading branches, olive beauty, and Lebanon fragrance - attractive testimony drawing others to Christ?
- What obstacles prevent my spiritual life from displaying the fruitfulness and beauty God promises?
Analysis & Commentary
His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. Continuing growth imagery: spreading branches (expansive influence), beauty like olive (fruitfulness, oil for anointing/light), fragrance like Lebanon cedars (pleasing, attractive). This describes comprehensive restoration - extent, beauty, appeal. Christ produces this in believers: spreading gospel influence, beautiful holiness, fragrant testimony (2 Corinthians 2:15, aroma of Christ). Only Spirit-empowered life manifests such attractiveness.