Amos 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִי֩

H589

נָתַ֨תִּי

H5414

And I also have given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֜ם

נִקְי֤וֹן

H5356

you cleanness

clearness (literally or figuratively)

שִׁנַּ֙יִם֙

H8127

of teeth

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָ֣רֵיכֶ֔ם

H5892

in all your cities

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

וְחֹ֣סֶר

H2640

and want

poverty

#10

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

of bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#11

בְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מְקוֹמֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם

H4725

in all your places

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#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

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

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

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?
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 this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?