Hosea 8:1

Authorized King James Version

Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#2
חִכְּךָ֣
to thy mouth
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
#3
שֹׁפָ֔ר
Set the trumpet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#4
כַּנֶּ֖שֶׁר
He shall come as an eagle
the eagle (or other large bird of prey)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
בֵּ֣ית
against the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
יַ֚עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#9
עָבְר֣וּ
because they have transgressed
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
בְרִיתִ֔י
my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
תּוֹרָתִ֖י
against my law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#13
פָּשָֽׁעוּ׃
and trespassed
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Hosea. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection