Amos 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דִּרְשׁ֥וּ
Seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וִֽחְי֑וּ
and ye shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#5
פֶּן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#6
יִצְלַ֤ח
lest he break out
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#7
כָּאֵשׁ֙
like fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
בֵּ֣ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
יוֹסֵ֔ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#10
וְאָכְלָ֥ה
and devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
וְאֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
מְכַבֶּ֖ה
it and there be none to quench
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
#13
לְבֵֽית
H0
#14
אֵֽל׃
it in Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection