### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G5617, Ὡσηέ (Hōsēé), is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew personal name הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea), which is Strong's number `{{H1954}}`. The name Hoshea derives from the Hebrew root יָשַׁע (yasha'), `{{H3467}}`, meaning "to save," "to deliver," or "to rescue." Therefore, the core meaning of Ὡσηέ inherently points to "salvation" or "he saves." This root is foundational to many significant biblical names, including יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" (Joshua), and יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), also meaning "Yahweh saves" or "He saves" (Jesus). Thus, while G5617 specifically refers to a person, its etymological depth carries profound theological weight concerning divine deliverance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5617, Ὡσηέ (Hōsēé), appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 9:25]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul quotes from the Old Testament prophet Hosea: "As He says also in Osee, 'I will call those who were not My people, "My people," and her who was not beloved, "beloved."'" This quotation is a composite of [[Hosea 2:23]] and [[Hosea 1:10]]. Paul employs this prophecy to underscore God's sovereign prerogative to extend His mercy and salvation beyond ethnic Israel to include the Gentiles. The context in Romans 9 is Paul's deep theological discussion regarding God's election, His faithfulness to His promises, and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles into His salvific plan. The prophet Hosea himself ministered in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a period of significant spiritual decline and political instability, consistently calling the people back to repentance and emphasizing God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, hesed) despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Paul's citation of Hosea here highlights the continuity of God's redemptive purposes across the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating that the inclusion of the Gentiles was not a new divine improvisation but a long-foretold aspect of God's universal saving work.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a transliteration, G5617 is most directly related to its Hebrew progenitor, הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea), `{{H1954}}`. This Hebrew name is famously borne by the prophet Hosea and also by Joshua, whose original name was Hoshea before Moses changed it to Yehoshua (Numbers 13:16).
Key related terms and concepts include:
* **Hebrew Root:** יָשַׁע (yasha'), `{{H3467}}`, meaning "to save, deliver, rescue." This root is the semantic core of the name.
* **Derived Names (Hebrew):**
* יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), `{{H3091}}`, "Joshua," meaning "Yahweh saves."
* יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), `{{H3442}}`, "Jesus," also meaning "Yahweh saves."
* **Greek Cognate:** Ἰησοῦς (Iesous), `{{G2424}}`, the Greek form of Yeshua/Joshua, which is the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
* **Theological Concepts:** Salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria, `{{G4991}}`), deliverance, redemption, mercy, election, covenant faithfulness, and God's sovereign will. The connection between the name "Hosea" and "salvation" is not merely linguistic but deeply theological, pointing to the very character and activity of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5617, Ὡσηέ, lies primarily in its inherent meaning and its use by the Apostle Paul. The name itself, "Salvation" or "He Saves," serves as a constant reminder of God's character as the Deliverer. The prophet Hosea's message, from which Paul quotes, is a powerful testament to God's unwavering love and redemptive purpose even in the face of human infidelity. Hosea's personal life, particularly his marriage to Gomer, became a living parable of God's covenant relationship with Israel, demonstrating divine suffering, persistent love, and the ultimate promise of restoration and healing.
Paul's strategic use of Hosea in [[Romans 9:25]] is profoundly significant. It demonstrates that God's plan for salvation was never exclusively limited to one ethnic group but always contained the expansive intention to include those who were "not My people." This underscores the universality of God's redemptive work, fulfilled preeminently in Christ. The name "Hosea" thus becomes a prophetic echo of the ultimate "Salvation" found in Jesus, whose very name (Jesus/Yeshua) carries the same salvific meaning. It highlights the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that God is the one who calls, loves, and saves, according to His sovereign will and mercy.
### Summary
Ὡσηέ (Hōsēé), G5617, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Hoshea, meaning "salvation" or "he saves," stemming from the root "to save" (yasha'). Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Romans 9:25]], where the Apostle Paul quotes the Old Testament prophet Hosea to illustrate God's sovereign right to extend His mercy and call to salvation to the Gentiles, fulfilling ancient prophecy. The name's intrinsic meaning and its contextual use underscore foundational theological concepts: God's character as the ultimate Deliverer, His steadfast love in the face of human unfaithfulness, and the expansive, inclusive nature of His redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, whose name shares the same salvific root.
TRV