Amos 2:10

Authorized King James Version

Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָנֹכִ֛י
i
#2
הֶעֱלֵ֥יתִי
Also I brought you up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֶ֥רֶץ
from the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
מִצְרָ֑יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
וָאוֹלֵ֨ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
אֶתְכֶ֤ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בַּמִּדְבָּר֙
through the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#9
אַרְבָּעִ֣ים
you forty
forty
#10
שָׁנָ֔ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
לָרֶ֖שֶׁת
to possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
אֶ֥רֶץ
from the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃
of the Amorite
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Amos.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection