Amos 8:7

Authorized King James Version

The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִשְׁבַּ֥ע

H7650

hath sworn

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

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

The LORD

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

בִּגְא֣וֹן

H1347

by the excellency

the same as h1346

יַעֲקֹ֑ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶשְׁכַּ֥ח

H7911

forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

לָנֶ֖צַח

H5331

Surely I will never

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַעֲשֵׂיהֶֽם׃

H4639

any of their works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?