Amos 5:11

Authorized King James Version

Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָ֠כֵן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַ֣עַן

H3282

Forasmuch

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

בּוֹשַׁסְכֶ֞ם

H1318

therefore as your treading

to trample down

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דָּ֗ל

H1800

is upon the poor

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וּמַשְׂאַת

H4864

from him burdens

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

בַּר֙

H1250

of wheat

grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country

תִּקְח֣וּ

H3947

and ye take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

בָּתֵּ֥י

H1004

houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

גָזִ֛ית

H1496

of hewn stone

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

#12

בְּנִיתֶ֖ם

H1129

ye have built

to build (literally and figuratively)

#13

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#14

תֵ֣שְׁבוּ

H3427

but ye shall not dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#15

בָ֑ם

#16

כַּרְמֵי

H3754

vineyards

a garden or vineyard

#17

חֶ֣מֶד

H2531

pleasant

delight

#18

נְטַעְתֶּ֔ם

H5193

in them ye have planted

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

#19

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#20

תִשְׁתּ֖וּ

H8354

but ye shall not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

אֶת

H853

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

#22

יֵינָֽם׃

H3196

wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Amos Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?