Hosea 8:13

Authorized King James Version

They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זִבְחֵ֣י

H2077

for the sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַבְהָבַ֗י

H1890

of mine offerings

gift (in sacrifice), i.e., holocaust

יִזְבְּח֤וּ

H2076

They sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

בָשָׂר֙

H1320

flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וַיֹּאכֵ֔לוּ

H398

and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

it but the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

רָצָ֑ם

H7521

accepteth

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

עַתָּ֞ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#10

יִזְכֹּ֤ר

H2142

them not now will he remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#11

עֲוֹנָם֙

H5771

their iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#12

וְיִפְקֹ֣ד

H6485

and visit

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#13

חַטֹּאותָ֔ם

H2403

their sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#14

הֵ֖מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

מִצְרַ֥יִם

H4714

to Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#16

יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃

H7725

they shall return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Hosea chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?