Hosea 5:3

I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲנִי֙

H589

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶפְרַ֔יִם

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

and Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִכְחַ֣ד

H3582

is not hid

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

מִמֶּ֑נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

עַתָּה֙

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#10

הִזְנֵ֣יתָ

H2181

thou committest whoredom

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

#11

אֶפְרַ֔יִם

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#12

נִטְמָ֖א

H2930

is defiled

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

and Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?