Hosea 4:12

Authorized King James Version

My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַמִּי֙

H5971

My people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּעֵצ֣וֹ

H6086

counsel at their stocks

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

יִשְׁאָ֔ל

H7592

ask

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וּמַקְל֖וֹ

H4731

and their staff

a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

יַגִּ֣יד

H5046

declareth

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֑וֹ

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

ר֤וּחַ

H7307

unto them for the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

זְנוּנִים֙

H2183

of whoredoms

adultery; figuratively, idolatry

#10

הִתְעָ֔ה

H8582

hath caused them to err

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

#11

וַיִּזְנ֖וּ

H2181

and they have gone a whoring

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

#12

מִתַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#13

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

from under 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hosea.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?