Amos 4:8

Authorized King James Version

So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָע֡וּ
H5128
wandered
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#2
שְׁתַּיִם֩
H8147
So two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
שָׁלֹ֨שׁ
H7969
or three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#4
עִ֥יר
H5892
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
עִ֥יר
H5892
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
אַחַ֛ת
H259
unto one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת
H8354
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#9
מַ֖יִם
H4325
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יִשְׂבָּ֑עוּ
H7646
but they were not satisfied
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
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);
#14
עָדַ֖י
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
נְאֻם
H5002
unto me saith
an oracle
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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