Hosea 7:9

Authorized King James Version

Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָכְל֤וּ
H398
have devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#2
זָרִים֙
H2114
Strangers
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#3
כֹּח֔וֹ
H3581
his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#4
וְה֖וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָדָֽע׃
H3045
and he knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
שֵׂיבָה֙
H7872
it not yea gray hairs
old age
#9
זָ֣רְקָה
H2236
are here and there
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#10
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#11
וְה֖וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָדָֽע׃
H3045
and he knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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