Amos 8:14

Authorized King James Version

They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים֙

H7650

They that swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בְּאַשְׁמַ֣ת

H819

by the sin

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן

H8111

of Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְאָמְר֗וּ

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

וְחֵ֖י

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

H430

Thy god

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דָּ֔ן

H1835

O Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

וְחֵ֖י

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

and The manner

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#10

בְּאֵֽר

#11

שָׁ֑בַע

H884

of Beersheba

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

#12

וְנָפְל֖וּ

H5307

even they shall fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#13

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#14

יָק֥וּמוּ

H6965

and never rise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#15

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?