Hosea 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַחַ֗ר

H310

Afterward

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יָשֻׁ֙בוּ֙

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

shall 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבִקְשׁוּ֙

H1245

and seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֔ם

H430

their God

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

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

דָּוִ֣יד

H1732

and David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#11

מַלְכָּ֑ם

H4428

their king

a king

#12

וּפָחֲד֧וּ

H6342

and shall fear

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

טוּב֖וֹ

H2898

and his goodness

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

#17

בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית

H319

in the latter

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

#18

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

days

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?