Hosea 2:21

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
H3117
And it shall come to pass in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַה֗וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
יַעֲנ֥וּ
H6030
I will hear
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,
#5
נְאֻם
H5002
saith
an oracle
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
יַעֲנ֥וּ
H6030
I will hear
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
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
H8064
the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#10
וְהֵ֖ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
יַעֲנ֥וּ
H6030
I will hear
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,
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection