Amos 5:15

Authorized King James Version

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׂנְאוּ
H8130
Hate
to hate (personally)
#2
רָע֙
H7451
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
וְאֶ֣הֱבוּ
H157
and love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#4
ט֔וֹב
H2896
the good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
וְהַצִּ֥יגוּ
H3322
and establish
to place permanently
#6
בַשַּׁ֖עַר
H8179
in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#7
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
H4941
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
אוּלַ֗י
H194
if not; hence perhaps
#9
יֶֽחֱנַ֛ן
H2603
will be gracious
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#10
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
it may be that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֵֽי
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
צְבָא֖וֹת
H6635
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#13
שְׁאֵרִ֥ית
H7611
unto the remnant
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
#14
יוֹסֵֽף׃
H3130
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection