Hosea 4:6

Authorized King James Version

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִדְמ֥וּ

H1820

are destroyed

to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy

עַמִּ֖י

H5971

My people

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

מִבְּלִ֣י

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

הַדַּ֣עַת

H1847

for lack of knowledge

knowledge

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אַתָּ֞ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַדַּ֣עַת

H1847

for lack of knowledge

knowledge

וְאֶמְאָֽסְאךָ֙

H3988

I will also reject

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְאֶמְאָֽסְאךָ֙

H3988

I will also reject

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#10

מִכַּהֵ֣ן

H3547

thee that thou shalt be no priest

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

#11

לִ֔י

#12

אֶשְׁכַּ֥ח

H7911

I will also forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#13

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#14

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

of thy 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

#15

אֶשְׁכַּ֥ח

H7911

I will also forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#16

בָּנֶ֖יךָ

H1121

thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

גַּם

H1571

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

#18

אָֽנִי׃

H589

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 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?