Amos 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁמְע֞וּ
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
הַזֶּ֗ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
פָּר֤וֹת
ye kine
a heifer
#5
הַבָּשָׁן֙
of Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#6
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בְּהַ֣ר
that are in the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן
of Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#9
הָעֹשְׁק֣וֹת
which oppress
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
#10
דַּלִּ֔ים
the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#11
הָרֹצְצ֖וֹת
which crush
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#12
אֶבְיוֹנִ֑ים
H34
the needy
destitute
#13
הָאֹמְרֹ֥ת
which say
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
לַאֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֖ם
to their masters
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#15
הָבִ֥יאָה
Bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
וְנִשְׁתֶּֽה׃
and let us drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Amos.

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