Amos 5:26

Authorized King James Version

But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּנְשָׂאתֶ֗ם
H5375
But ye have borne
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
אֵ֚ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
סִכּ֣וּת
H5522
the tabernacle
an (idolatrous) booth
#4
מַלְכְּכֶ֔ם
H4432
molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites
#5
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כִּיּ֣וּן
H3594
and Chiun
properly, a statue, i.e., idol; but used (by euphemism) for some heathen deity (perhaps corresponding to priapus or baal-peor)
#7
צַלְמֵיכֶ֑ם
H6754
your images
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#8
כּוֹכַב֙
H3556
the star
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
#9
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
H430
of your 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
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
H6213
which ye made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection