Hosea 8:7

Authorized King James Version

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

the wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יִזְרָ֖עוּ

H2232

For they have sown

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְסוּפָ֣תָה

H5492

the whirlwind

a hurricane

יִקְצֹ֑רוּ

H7114

and they shall reap

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

קָמָ֣ה

H7054

it hath no stalk

something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ל֗וֹ

צֶ֚מַח

H6780

the bud

a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative

#10

בְּלִ֣י

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#11

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

shall yield

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

קֶּ֔מַח

H7058

no meal

flour

#13

אוּלַ֣י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

#14

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

shall yield

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

זָרִ֖ים

H2114

the strangers

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

#16

יִבְלָעֻֽהוּ׃

H1104

shall swallow it up

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

Analysis

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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?