Hosea 14:8

Authorized King James Version

Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶפְרַ֕יִם
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#2
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
לִּ֥י
H0
#4
ע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#5
לָֽעֲצַבִּ֑ים
shall say What have I to do any more with idols
an (idolatrous) image
#6
אֲנִ֧י
i
#7
עָנִ֣יתִי
I have heard
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#8
וַאֲשׁוּרֶ֗נּוּ
him and observed
to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
#9
אֲנִי֙
i
#10
כִּבְר֣וֹשׁ
fir tree
a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)
#11
רַֽעֲנָ֔ן
him I am like a green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#12
מִמֶּ֖נִּי
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
פֶּרְיְךָ֥
From me is thy fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#14
נִמְצָֽא׃
found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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