Hosea 4:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

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

כֵּ֣ן׀

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תֶּאֱבַ֣ל

H56

mourn

to bewail

הָאָ֗רֶץ

H776

Therefore shall the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאֻמְלַל֙

H535

therein shall languish

to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

and every one that dwelleth

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

בָּ֔הּ

בְּחַיַּ֥ת

H2416

with the beasts

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#10

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#11

וּבְע֣וֹף

H5775

and with the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#12

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#13

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#14

דְּגֵ֥י

H1709

yea the fishes

a fish (often used collectively)

#15

הַיָּ֖ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#16

יֵאָסֵֽפוּ׃

H622

also shall be taken away

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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