Amos 4:11

Authorized King James Version

I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָפַ֣כְתִּי

H2015

I have overthrown

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

בָכֶ֗ם

כְּמַהְפֵּכַ֤ת

H4114

overthrew

a destruction

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

some of you as God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת

H853

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

סְדֹ֣ם

H5467

Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

וְאֶת

H853

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

עֲמֹרָ֔ה

H6017

and Gomorrah

amorah, a place in palestine

וַתִּהְי֕וּ

H1961

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

#10

כְּא֖וּד

H181

and ye were as a firebrand

a poker (for turning or gathering embers)

#11

מֻצָּ֣ל

H5337

plucked out

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#12

מִשְּׂרֵפָ֑ה

H8316

of the burning

cremation

#13

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#14

שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם

H7725

yet have ye not returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

עָדַ֖י

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

נְאֻם

H5002

unto me saith

an oracle

#17

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Amos.

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?