Amos 7:1

Authorized King James Version

Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
הִרְאַ֙נִי֙
shewed
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
Thus hath the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#5
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#6
יוֹצֵ֣ר
unto me and behold he formed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#7
גֹּבַ֔י
grasshoppers
the locust (from its grubbing as a larvae)
#8
בִּתְחִלַּ֖ת
in the beginning
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
#9
עֲל֣וֹת
of the shooting up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
לֶ֔קֶשׁ
and lo it was the latter growth
the after crop
#11
וְהִ֨נֵּה
lo!
#12
לֶ֔קֶשׁ
and lo it was the latter growth
the after crop
#13
אַחַ֖ר
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
גִּזֵּ֥י
mowings
a fleece (as shorn); also mown grass
#15
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king's
a king

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 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