Hosea 8:6

Authorized King James Version

For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֙
H3478
For from Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
וְה֔וּא
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
#4
חָרָ֣שׁ
H2796
was it also the workman
a fabricator or any material
#5
עָשָׂ֔הוּ
H6213
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
it therefore it is not God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
ה֑וּא
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
#9
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
שְׁבָבִ֣ים
H7616
shall be broken in pieces
a fragment, i.e., ruin
#11
יִֽהְיֶ֔ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
עֵ֖גֶל
H5695
but the calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#13
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן׃
H8111
of Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection