Amos 2:1

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
For three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
פִּשְׁעֵ֣י
transgressions
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#7
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#8
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה
and for four
four
#10
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
אֲשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ
I will not turn away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
שָׂרְפ֛וֹ
the punishment thereof because he burned
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#14
עַצְמ֥וֹת
the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#15
מֶֽלֶךְ
of the king
a king
#16
אֱד֖וֹם
of Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
#17
לַשִּֽׂיד׃
into lime
lime (as boiling when slacked)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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