Hosea 2:7

Authorized King James Version

And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרִדְּפָ֤ה
H7291
And she shall follow
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מְאַהֲבֶ֙יהָ֙
H157
after her lovers
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#4
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תַשִּׂ֣יג
H5381
but she shall not overtake
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#6
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וּבִקְשָׁ֖תַם
H1245
them and she shall seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#8
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תִמְצָ֑א
H4672
them but shall not find
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
#10
וְאָמְרָ֗ה
H559
them then shall she say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אֵלְכָ֤ה
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
וְאָשׁ֙וּבָה֙
H7725
and return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#13
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
אִישִׁ֣י
H376
husband
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#15
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן
H7223
to my first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#16
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
ט֥וֹב
H2896
for then was it better
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#18
לִ֛י
H0
#19
אָ֖ז
H227
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#20
מֵעָֽתָּה׃
H6258
with me than now
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection