Hosea 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁמְע֥וּ

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְבַר

H1697

the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

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

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

ye 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רִ֤יב

H7379

hath a controversy

a contest (personal or legal)

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

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

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#10

יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

with the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#11

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

אֱמֶ֧ת

H571

because there is no truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

#15

וְֽאֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#16

חֶ֛סֶד

H2617

nor mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#17

וְאֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#18

דַּ֥עַת

H1847

nor knowledge

knowledge

#19

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of 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

#20

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Hosea.

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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?