Amos 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁמְע֞וּ
H8085
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַדָּבָ֣ר
H1697
ye this word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
אָנֹכִ֜י
H595
i
#7
נֹשֵׂ֧א
H5375
which I take up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#8
עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
קִינָ֖ה
H7015
against you even a lamentation
a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on instruments)
#10
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection