Amos 8:8

Authorized King James Version

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַ֤עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תִרְגַּ֣ז

H7264

tremble

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

Shall not the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאָבַ֖ל

H56

for this and every one mourn

to bewail

כָּל

H3605

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

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

that dwelleth

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּ֑הּ

#10

וְעָלְתָ֤ה

H5927

therein and it shall rise up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#11

כִּיא֥וֹר

H2975

wholly as a flood

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#12

כֻּלָּ֔הּ

H3605

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

#13

וְנִגְרְשָׁ֥ה

H1644

and it shall be cast out

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

#14

וְנִשְׁקְהָ֖

H8257

and drowned

to subside; by implication, to be overflowed, cease; causatively, to abate, subdue

#15

כִּיא֥וֹר

H2975

wholly as a flood

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#16

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 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 revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?