Amos 8:2

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

מָֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַתָּ֤ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רֹאֶה֙

H7200

what seest

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עָמ֔וֹס

H5986

Amos

amos, an israelite prophet

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

כְּל֣וּב

H3619

A basket

a bird-trap (as furnished with a clap-stick or treadle to spring it); hence, a basket (as resembling a wicker cage)

קָ֑יִץ

H7019

of summer fruit

harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#11

אֵלַ֗י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

בָּ֤א

H935

is come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#13

הַקֵּץ֙

H7093

unto me The end

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

עַמִּ֣י

H5971

upon my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#16

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#17

לֹא

H3808

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

#18

אוֹסִ֥יף

H3254

I will not again

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

#19

ע֖וֹד

H5750

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

#20

עֲב֥וֹר

H5674

pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#21

לֽוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Amos.

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?