Hosea 7:16

Authorized King James Version

They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יָשׁ֣וּבוּ׀
H7725
They return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
עָ֗ל
H5920
but not to the most High
properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah
#4
הָיוּ֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
כְּקֶ֣שֶׁת
H7198
bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#6
רְמִיָּ֔ה
H7423
they are like a deceitful
remissness, treachery
#7
יִפְּל֥וּ
H5307
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
בַחֶ֛רֶב
H2719
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
שָׂרֵיהֶ֖ם
H8269
their princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#10
מִזַּ֣עַם
H2195
for the rage
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
#11
לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם
H3956
of their tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#12
ז֥וֹ
H2097
this
this or that
#13
לַעְגָּ֖ם
H3933
shall be their derision
derision, scoffing
#14
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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