Hosea 7:12

Authorized King James Version

When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
יֵלֵ֗כוּ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
אֶפְר֤וֹשׂ
H6566
I will spread
to break apart, disperse, etc
#4
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
רִשְׁתִּ֔י
H7568
my net
a net (as catching animals)
#6
כְּע֥וֹף
H5775
as the fowls
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#7
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
H8064
of the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#8
אֽוֹרִידֵ֑ם
H3381
upon them I will bring them down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#9
אַיְסִירֵ֕ם
H3256
I will chastise
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
#10
כְּשֵׁ֖מַע
H8088
hath heard
something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience
#11
לַעֲדָתָֽם׃
H5712
them as their congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

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