Hosea 5:9

Authorized King James Version

Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#2
לְשַׁמָּ֣ה
shall be desolate
ruin; by implication, consternation
#3
תִֽהְיֶ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְּי֖וֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
תּֽוֹכֵחָ֑ה
of rebuke
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
#6
בְּשִׁבְטֵי֙
among the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
הוֹדַ֖עְתִּי
have I made known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
נֶאֱמָנָֽה׃
that which shall surely be
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hosea.

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