Amos 4:5

Authorized King James Version

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְקַטֵּ֤ר
And offer
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#2
מֵֽחָמֵץ֙
with leaven
ferment, (figuratively) extortion
#3
תּוֹדָ֔ה
a sacrifice of thanksgiving
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
#4
וְקִרְא֥וּ
and proclaim
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
נְדָב֖וֹת
the free offerings
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
#6
הַשְׁמִ֑יעוּ
and publish
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
כֵ֤ן
for this
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
אֲהַבְתֶּם֙
liketh
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#10
בְּנֵ֣י
you O ye children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
נְאֻ֖ם
saith
an oracle
#13
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#14
יְהוִֽה׃
(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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection