Hosea 4:10

Authorized King James Version

For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָֽכְלוּ֙

H398

For they shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׂבָּ֔עוּ

H7646

and not have enough

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

הִזְנ֖וּ

H2181

they shall commit whoredom

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפְרֹ֑צוּ

H6555

and shall not increase

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

to the LORD

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

#10

עָזְב֖וּ

H5800

because they have left off

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#11

לִשְׁמֹֽר׃

H8104

to take heed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

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

How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?