Amos 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲתִפֹּ֤ל
fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
צִפּוֹר֙
Can a bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פַּח֙
a snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#5
הָאָ֔רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
וּמוֹקֵ֖שׁ
where no gin
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
#7
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
לָ֑הּ
H0
#9
הֲיַֽעֲלֶה
is for him shall one take up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
פַּח֙
a snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#11
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה
from the earth
soil (from its general redness)
#13
יִלְכּֽוֹד׃
and have taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#14
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יִלְכּֽוֹד׃
and have taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

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