Amos 5:22

Authorized King James Version

Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּעֲלוּ

H5927

Though ye offer

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לִ֥י

עֹל֛וֹת

H5930

me burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּמִנְחֹתֵיכֶ֖ם

H4503

and your meat offerings

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

אֶרְצֶ֑ה

H7521

I will not accept

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

וְשֶׁ֥לֶם

H8002

the peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#10

מְרִיאֵיכֶ֖ם

H4806

of your fat beasts

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#12

אַבִּֽיט׃

H5027

them neither will I regard

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?