Amos 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָ֨נֹכִ֜י
i
#2
וָאַשְׁמִ֤יד
Yet destroyed
to desolate
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙
I the Amorite
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#5
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
גָּבְה֔וֹ
them whose height
elation, grandeur, arrogance
#8
אֲרָזִים֙
of the cedars
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#9
גָּבְה֔וֹ
them whose height
elation, grandeur, arrogance
#10
וְחָסֹ֥ן
and he was strong
powerful
#11
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
כָּֽאַלּוֹנִ֑ים
as the oaks
oak tree
#13
וָאַשְׁמִ֤יד
Yet destroyed
to desolate
#14
פִּרְיוֹ֙
his fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#15
מִמַּ֔עַל
from above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#16
וְשָׁרָשָׁ֖יו
and his roots
a root (literally or figuratively)
#17
מִתָּֽחַת׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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