Amos 3:14

Authorized King James Version

That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Beth-el: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֗י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
בְּי֛וֹם
That in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
וּפָֽקַדְתִּי֙
that I shall visit
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#4
פִשְׁעֵֽי
the transgressions
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
וּפָֽקַדְתִּי֙
that I shall visit
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#10
בֵּֽית
H0
#11
אֵ֔ל
of Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#12
וְנִגְדְּעוּ֙
shall be cut off
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
#13
קַרְנ֣וֹת
and the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#14
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#15
וְנָפְל֖וּ
and fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#16
לָאָֽרֶץ׃
to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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