Hosea 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ
And I will betroth
to promise to marry
#2
לִ֖י
H0
#3
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
thee unto me for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#4
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ
And I will betroth
to promise to marry
#5
לִי֙
H0
#6
בְּצֶ֣דֶק
thee unto me in righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#7
וּבְמִשְׁפָּ֔ט
and in judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
וּבְחֶ֖סֶד
and in lovingkindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#9
וּֽבְרַחֲמִֽים׃
and in mercies
compassion (in the plural)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hosea.

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection