Hosea 4:14

Authorized King James Version

I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

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

אֶפְק֨וֹד

H6485

I will not punish

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנוֹתֵיכֶ֜ם

H1323

your daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

הַזֹּנ֣וֹת

H2181

when they commit whoredom

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

וְעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כַּלּֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙

H3618

nor your spouses

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#10

תְנָאַ֔פְנָה

H5003

when they commit adultery

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

#11

כִּי

H3588

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

#12

הֵם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#13

עִם

H5973

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

#14

הַזֹּנ֣וֹת

H2181

when they commit whoredom

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

#15

יְפָרֵ֔דוּ

H6504

for themselves are separated

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

#16

וְעִם

H5973

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

#17

הַקְּדֵשׁ֖וֹת

H6948

with harlots

a female devotee (i.e., prostitute)

#18

יְזַבֵּ֑חוּ

H2076

and they sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#19

וְעָ֥ם

H5971

therefore the people

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

#20

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#21

יָבִ֖ין

H995

that doth not understand

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#22

יִלָּבֵֽט׃

H3832

shall fall

to overthrow; intransposed, to fall

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?