Hosea 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Beth-aven, after thee, O Benjamin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּקְע֤וּ
Blow
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#2
שׁוֹפָר֙
ye the cornet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#3
בַּגִּבְעָ֔ה
in Gibeah
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
#4
חֲצֹצְרָ֖ה
and the trumpet
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
#5
בָּרָמָ֑ה
in Ramah
ramah, the name of four places in palestine
#6
הָרִ֙יעוּ֙
cry aloud
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#7
בֵּ֣ית
H0
#8
אָ֔וֶן
at Bethaven
beth-aven, a place in palestine
#9
אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
בִּנְיָמִֽין׃
thee O Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection