Amos 7:16

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֖ה
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
שְׁמַ֣ע
H8085
Now therefore hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
דְּבַר
H1697
thou the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
יְהוָ֑ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אַתָּ֣ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
אֹמֵ֗ר
H559
Thou sayest
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תִנָּבֵא֙
H5012
Prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#9
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
H3478
not against Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תַטִּ֖יף
H5197
and drop
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
#13
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
not thy word against the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
יִשְׂחָֽק׃
H3446
of Isaac
jischak, the heir of abraham

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