Hosea 14:9

Authorized King James Version

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִ֤י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
חָכָם֙
Who is wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#3
נָב֖וֹן
and he shall understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#4
אֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#5
נָב֖וֹן
and he shall understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#6
וְיֵֽדָעֵ֑ם
and he shall know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
יְשָׁרִ֞ים
are right
straight (literally or figuratively)
#9
דַּרְכֵ֣י
them for the ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
וְצַדִּקִים֙
and the just
just
#12
יֵ֣לְכוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
בָ֔ם
H0
#14
וּפֹשְׁעִ֖ים
in them but the transgressors
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
#15
יִכָּ֥שְׁלוּ
shall fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#16
בָֽם׃
H0

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