Hosea 9:4

Authorized King James Version

They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹא

H3808

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

יִסְּכ֨וּ

H5258

They shall not offer

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

יַיִן֮

H3196

wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

יֶֽעֶרְבוּ

H6149

neither shall they be pleasing

to be agreeable

לוֹ֒

זִבְחֵיהֶ֗ם

H2077

unto him their sacrifices

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

לַחְמָ֣ם

H3899

for their bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#10

אוֹנִים֙

H205

of mourners

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

#11

לָהֶ֔ם

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

אֹכְלָ֖יו

H398

all that eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

יִטַּמָּ֑אוּ

H2930

thereof shall be polluted

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#16

לַחְמָ֣ם

H3899

for their bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#17

לְנַפְשָׁ֔ם

H5315

for their soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#19

יָב֖וֹא

H935

shall not come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#20

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#21

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hosea, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?