Amos 6:9

And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִם

H518

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

יִוָּ֨תְר֜וּ

H3498

And it shall come to pass if there remain

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

עֲשָׂרָ֧ה

H6235

ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אֲנָשִׁ֛ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּבַ֥יִת

H1004

house

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

אֶחָ֖ד

H259

in one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָמֵֽתוּ׃

H4191

that they shall die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?