Amos 8:12

Authorized King James Version

And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָעוּ֙

H5128

And they shall wander

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

יָ֔ם

H3220

from sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יָ֔ם

H3220

from sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וּמִצָּפ֖וֹן

H6828

and from the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מִזְרָ֑ח

H4217

even to the east

sunrise, i.e., the east

יְשֽׁוֹטְט֛וּ

H7751

they shall run to and fro

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

to seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

דְּבַר

H1697

the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#14

יִמְצָֽאוּ׃

H4672

and shall not find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?