Hosea 9:11

Authorized King James Version

As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶפְרַ֕יִם
As for Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#2
כָּע֖וֹף
like a bird
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#3
יִתְעוֹפֵ֣ף
shall fly away
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
#4
כְּבוֹדָ֑ם
their glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#5
מִלֵּדָ֥ה
from the birth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#6
וּמִבֶּ֖טֶן
and from the womb
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#7
וּמֵהֵרָיֽוֹן׃
and from the conception
pregnancy

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection