Amos 3:6

Authorized King James Version

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִתָּקַ֤ע

H8628

be blown

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

שׁוֹפָר֙

H7782

Shall a trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

בְּעִ֔יר

H5892

in a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְעָ֖ם

H5971

and the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֶחֱרָ֑דוּ

H2729

not be afraid

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

רָעָה֙

H7451

shall there be evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#11

בְּעִ֔יר

H5892

in a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#12

וַיהוָ֖ה

H3068

and the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

עָשָֽׂה׃

H6213

hath not done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

How does this verse's literary context within Amos chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?