Hosea 3:1

Authorized King James Version

Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
H559
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵלַ֗י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
ע֚וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#5
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י
H157
and love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#7
אִשָּׁ֔ה
H802
a woman
a woman
#8
וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י
H157
and love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#9
רֵ֖עַ
H7453
of her friend
an associate (more or less close)
#10
וּמְנָאָ֑פֶת
H5003
yet an adulteress
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#11
כְּאַהֲבַ֤ת
H160
according to the love
love
#12
יְהוָה֙
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
toward the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
וְהֵ֗ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
פֹּנִים֙
H6437
who look
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#18
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
H430
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#20
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
H312
to other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#21
וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י
H157
and love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#22
אֲשִׁישֵׁ֥י
H809
flagons
something closely pressed together, i.e., a cake of raisins or other comfits
#23
עֲנָבִֽים׃
H6025
of wine
a grape

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of love 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection