Amos 3:11

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֙
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#6
צַ֖ר
An adversary
a pebble (as in h6864)
#7
וּסְבִ֣יב
there shall be even round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#8
הָאָ֑רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
וְהוֹרִ֤יד
and he shall bring down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#10
מִמֵּךְ֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
עֻזֵּ֔ךְ
thy strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#12
וְנָבֹ֖זּוּ
shall be spoiled
to plunder
#13
אַרְמְנוֹתָֽיִךְ׃
from thee and thy palaces
a citadel (from its height)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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