Hosea 7:13

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
א֤וֹי
Woe
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#2
לָהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
נָדְד֣וּ
unto them! for they have fled
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
#5
מִמֶּ֔נִּי
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
שֹׁ֥ד
from me destruction
violence, ravage
#7
לָהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
פָ֣שְׁעוּ
unto them! because they have transgressed
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
#10
בִ֑י
H0
#11
וְאָנֹכִ֣י
i
#12
אֶפְדֵּ֔ם
against me though I have redeemed
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
#13
וְהֵ֕מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
דִּבְּר֥וּ
them yet they have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
עָלַ֖י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
כְּזָבִֽים׃
lies
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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