Amos 3:2

Authorized King James Version

You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַ֚ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אֶתְכֶ֣ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָדַ֔עְתִּי

H3045

You only have I known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת

H4940

of all the families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הָאֲדָמָ֑ה

H127

of the earth

soil (from its general redness)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶפְקֹ֣ד

H6485

therefore I will punish

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#10

עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

אֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

עֲוֹנֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃

H5771

you for all your iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Amos Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?