Hosea 8:10

Authorized King James Version

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּ֛ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
יִתְנ֥וּ
Yea though they have hired
to present (a mercenary inducement), i.e., bargain with (a harlot)
#4
בַגּוֹיִ֖ם
among the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
עַתָּ֣ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#6
אֲקַבְּצֵ֑ם
now will I gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#7
וַיָּחֵ֣לּוּ
them and they shall sorrow
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#8
מְּעָ֔ט
a little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#9
מִמַּשָּׂ֖א
for the burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#10
מֶ֥לֶךְ
of the king
a king
#11
שָׂרִֽים׃
of princes
a head person (of any rank or class)

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 covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection