apparently an orthographical variation for אַיֵּה; where; I will be (Hosea 13:10,14) (which is often the rendering of the same Hebrew form from הָיָה).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĕhîy**, represented by `{{H165}}`, functions primarily as the declarative phrase **I will be**, though it is noted as an orthographical variation for the word "where." It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses**, with its usage concentrated in a pivotal passage in the book of Hosea to convey a divine pronouncement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H165}}` is exclusive to the prophet Hosea in the provided scriptures. God uses the term to assert His sovereignty over Israel, challenging them by declaring, "**I will be** thy king" [[Hosea 13:10]]. This establishes a contrast between God's rightful rule and the people's request for earthly kings and princes. The word is then used twice more in a powerful statement of divine power over mortality: "O death, **I will be** thy plagues; O grave, **I will be** thy destruction" [[Hosea 13:14]]. Here, it functions as a promise of God's ultimate victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of `{{H165}}`:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This word is central to God's declaration in [[Hosea 13:10]]. It establishes God's authority as the true **king** of Israel, a theme echoed in passages where the LORD is called "the **King** of Israel" [[Isaiah 44:6]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to free or succor; save): This word appears in the question that immediately follows God's declaration of kingship, highlighting that only He can **save** His people [[Hosea 13:10]].
* `{{H1350}}` **gâʼal** (to redeem): In the same verse where God promises to be death's destruction, He first states His intent to **redeem** His people from it, linking the act of redemption directly to His sovereign power [[Hosea 13:14]].
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death): This is the direct object of God's promise of destruction in [[Hosea 13:14]]. The term **death** is personified as an entity that God will ultimately conquer.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H165}}` is centered on God's absolute authority and power.
* **Divine Kingship:** In [[Hosea 13:10]], the phrase "**I will be** thy king" serves as a divine rebuke to Israel for seeking earthly rulers. It asserts that God alone is their rightful sovereign and savior, a role that human kings `{{H4428}}` and princes `{{H8269}}` cannot fulfill.
* **Conquest over Death:** The declaration in [[Hosea 13:14]] is a profound promise of eschatological victory. By stating "**I will be** thy plagues... **I will be** thy destruction," God frames Himself as the active agent who will dismantle the power of death `{{H4194}}` and the grave.
* **Redemptive Power:** The use of `{{H165}}` is intrinsically linked to God's work as a redeemer. He first declares He will ransom `{{H6299}}` and redeem `{{H1350}}` His people before declaring He will be the destruction `{{H6987}}` of the grave itself [[Hosea 13:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H165}}` is a rare but potent term. While defined with a dual meaning, its biblical application in Hosea transforms it into a powerful vehicle for theological truth. It is used exclusively by God to declare His sovereign identity as Israel's true King and to pronounce His ultimate triumph over death and the grave. It demonstrates how a simple phrase, "I will be," can anchor some of the most profound promises in scripture.
TRV