Hosea 8:4

Authorized King James Version

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֤ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
הִמְלִיכוּ֙
H4427
They have set up kings
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#3
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
מִמֶּ֔נִּי
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הֵשִׂ֖ירוּ
H8323
to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion
#6
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יָדָ֑עְתִּי
H3045
and I knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
כַּסְפָּ֣ם
H3701
it not of their silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#9
וּזְהָבָ֗ם
H2091
and their gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#10
עָשׂ֤וּ
H6213
have they made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
לָהֶם֙
H0
#12
עֲצַבִּ֔ים
H6091
them idols
an (idolatrous) image
#13
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#14
יִכָּרֵֽת׃
H3772
that they may be cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

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 divine revelation 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 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