Hosea 5:14

Authorized King James Version

For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אָנֹכִ֤י
i
#3
כַשַּׁ֙חַל֙
as a lion
a lion (from his characteristic roar)
#4
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם
For I will be unto Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#5
וְכַכְּפִ֖יר
and as a young lion
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
#6
לְבֵ֣ית
to the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#8
אֲנִ֨י
i
#9
אֲנִ֤י
i
#10
אֶטְרֹף֙
I even I will tear
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#11
וְאֵלֵ֔ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
אֶשָּׂ֖א
I will take away
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#13
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
מַצִּֽיל׃
and none shall rescue
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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