Amos 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#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
מִכְרָ֤ם
the punishment thereof because they sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#14
בַּכֶּ֙סֶף֙
for silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#15
צַדִּ֔יק
the righteous
just
#16
וְאֶבְי֖וֹן
H34
and the poor
destitute
#17
בַּעֲב֥וּר
properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
#18
נַעֲלָֽיִם׃
for a pair of shoes
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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