Amos 2:15

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתֹפֵ֤שׂ
H8610
that handleth
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#2
הַקֶּ֙שֶׁת֙
H7198
the bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#3
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יַעֲמֹ֔ד
H5975
Neither shall he stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
וְקַ֥ל
H7031
and he that is swift
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
#6
בְּרַגְלָ֖יו
H7272
of foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#7
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יְמַלֵּ֖ט
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
#9
וְרֹכֵ֣ב
H7392
himself neither shall he that rideth
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#10
הַסּ֔וּס
H5483
the horse
a horse (as leaping)
#11
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יְמַלֵּ֖ט
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
#13
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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection