Amos 7:13

Authorized King James Version

But prophesy not again any more at Beth-el: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבֵֽית

אֵ֔ל

H1008

any more at Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תוֹסִ֥יף

H3254

not again

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְהִנָּבֵ֑א

H5012

But prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

מִקְדַּשׁ

H4720

chapel

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

מֶ֙לֶךְ֙

H4428

for it is the king's

a king

#10

ה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

וּבֵ֥ית

H1004

court

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

#12

מַמְלָכָ֖ה

H4467

and it is the king's

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#13

הֽוּא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?