Hosea 5:4

Authorized King James Version

They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יִתְּנוּ֙
H5414
They will not frame
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
מַ֣עַלְלֵיהֶ֔ם
H4611
their doings
an act (good or bad)
#4
לָשׁ֖וּב
H7725
to turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
H430
unto their 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
#7
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
ר֤וּחַ
H7307
for the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#9
זְנוּנִים֙
H2183
of whoredoms
adultery; figuratively, idolatry
#10
בְּקִרְבָּ֔ם
H7130
is in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#11
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יָדָֽעוּ׃
H3045
of them and they have not known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection