Abstract:
This article reflects on the various nuances in meaning of the relationship terminology used in Hosea. These words are used in combination with one another, although used differently in different contexts. The different combinations create associations with new socioliterary meanings. This culminates in three central, interrelated notions, namely [foreign font omitted] (‘love as life orientation’), [foreign font omitted] (‘acknowledgement of the care of Yahweh’) and [foreign font omitted] (‘to live before Yahweh’). The collective intention of these words is finally described as one of covenant harmony.
