Amos 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּה֮
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
H559
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָה֒
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יִנָּצְל֞וּ
H5337
be taken out
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#6
הָרֹעֶ֜ה
H7462
As the shepherd
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#7
מִפִּ֧י
H6310
of the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#8
הָאֲרִ֛י
H738
of the lion
a lion
#9
שְׁתֵּ֥י
H8147
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
כְרָעַ֖יִם
H3767
legs
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
#11
א֣וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#12
בְדַל
H915
or a piece
a part
#13
אֹ֑זֶן
H241
of an ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#14
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
יִנָּצְל֞וּ
H5337
be taken out
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#16
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
so shall the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#17
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#18
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
H3427
that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#19
בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
H8111
in Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#20
בִּפְאַ֥ת
H6285
in the corner
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#21
מִטָּ֖ה
H4296
of a bed
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
#22
וּבִדְמֶ֥שֶׁק
H1833
and in Damascus
damask (as a fabric of damascus)
#23
עָֽרֶשׂ׃
H6210
in a couch
a couch (properly, with a canopy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection