Amos 2:14

Authorized King James Version

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָבַ֤ד

shall perish

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מָנוֹס֙

H4498

Therefore the flight

a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing

מִקָּ֔ל

H7031

from the swift

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

וְחָזָ֖ק

H2389

and the strong

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְאַמֵּ֣ץ

H553

shall not strengthen

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

כֹּח֑וֹ

H3581

his force

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וְגִבּ֖וֹר

H1368

neither shall the mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

יְמַלֵּ֥ט

H4422

deliver

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#11

נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃

H5315

himself

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Amos Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?