Amos 8:3

Authorized King James Version

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵילִ֜ילוּ
shall be howlings
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#2
שִׁיר֤וֹת
And the songs
a song; abstractly, singing
#3
הֵיכָל֙
of the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#4
בַּיּ֣וֹם
in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
הַה֔וּא
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
#6
נְאֻ֖ם
saith
an oracle
#7
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#8
יְהוִ֑ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
רַ֣ב
there shall be many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#10
הַפֶּ֔גֶר
dead bodies
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
#11
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
מָק֖וֹם
in every place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#13
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ
they shall cast them forth
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#14
הָֽס׃
with silence
to hush

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 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