Amos 2:7

Authorized King James Version

That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַשֹּׁאֲפִ֤ים
H7602
That pant
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
#2
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
עֲפַר
H6083
after the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#4
אֶ֙רֶץ֙
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
H7218
on the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
דַּלִּ֔ים
H1800
of the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#7
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
H1870
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
עֲנָוִ֖ים
H6035
of the meek
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
#9
יַטּ֑וּ
H5186
and turn aside
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#10
וְאִ֣ישׁ
H376
and a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#11
וְאָבִ֗יו
H1
and his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
יֵֽלְכוּ֙
H3212
will go
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
#13
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ה
H5291
in unto the same maid
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#15
לְמַ֥עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#16
חַלֵּ֖ל
H2490
to profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#17
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
שֵׁ֥ם
H8034
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#19
קָדְשִֽׁי׃
H6944
my holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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