Hosea 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָשַׁ֧ל
Therefore shalt thou fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#2
הַיּ֔וֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
וְכָשַׁ֧ל
Therefore shalt thou fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#4
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#5
נָבִ֛יא
and the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
עִמְּךָ֖
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
לָ֑יְלָה
with thee in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#8
וְדָמִ֖יתִי
and I will destroy
to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy
#9
אִמֶּֽךָ׃
thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection