Hosea 9:8

Authorized King James Version

The watchman of Ephraim was with my God: but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צֹפֶ֥ה
The watchman
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#2
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of his 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
#5
נָבִ֞יא
but the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
פַּ֤ח
is a snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#7
יָקוֹשׁ֙
of a fowler
properly, entangling; hence, a snarer
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
דְּרָכָ֔יו
in all his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
מַשְׂטֵמָ֖ה
and hatred
enmity
#12
בְּבֵ֥ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
of his 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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hosea. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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