Hosea 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment is toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁמְעוּ
H8085
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
זֹ֨את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#3
הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים
H3548
ye this O priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וְהַקְשִׁ֣יבוּ׀
H7181
and hearken
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
#5
וּבֵ֤ית
H1004
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וּבֵ֤ית
H1004
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
H4428
of the king
a king
#9
הַאֲזִ֔ינוּ
H238
and give ye ear
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
#10
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#12
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט
H4941
for judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#13
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
פַח֙
H6341
is toward you because ye have been a snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#15
הֱיִיתֶ֣ם
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
לְמִצְפָּ֔ה
H4709
on Mizpah
mitspah, the name of two places in palestine
#17
וְרֶ֖שֶׁת
H7568
and a net
a net (as catching animals)
#18
פְּרוּשָׂ֥ה
H6566
spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#19
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
תָּבֽוֹר׃
H8396
upon Tabor
tabor, a mountain in palestine, also a city adjacent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection