Hosea 7:14

Authorized King James Version

And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָעֲק֤וּ

H2199

And they have not cried

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

אֵלַי֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּלִבָּ֔ם

H3820

unto me with their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְיֵלִ֖ילוּ

H3213

when they howled

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִשְׁכְּבוֹתָ֑ם

H4904

upon their beds

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

דָּגָ֧ן

H1715

themselves for corn

properly, increase, i.e., grain

#11

וְתִיר֛וֹשׁ

H8492

and wine

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

#12

יִתְגּוֹרָ֖רוּ

H1481

they assemble

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#13

יָס֥וּרוּ

H5493

and they rebel

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#14

בִֽי׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?