Amos 9:1

Authorized King James Version

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רָאִ֨יתִי
H7200
I saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֲדֹנָ֜י
H136
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
נִצָּ֣ב
H5324
standing
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#5
עַֽל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חַ
H4196
upon the altar
an altar
#7
וַיֹּאמֶר֩
H559
and he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
הַ֨ךְ
H5221
Smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#9
הַכַּפְתּ֜וֹר
H3730
the lintel of the door
a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e., the capital of a column, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum
#10
וְיִרְעֲשׁ֣וּ
H7493
may shake
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
#11
הַסִּפִּ֗ים
H5592
that the posts
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)
#12
וּבְצַ֙עַם֙
H1214
and cut
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
#13
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
H7218
them in the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#14
כֻּלָּ֔ם
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
וְאַחֲרִיתָ֖ם
H319
the last
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
#16
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
H2719
of them with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
אֶהֱרֹ֑ג
H2026
all of them and I will slay
to smite with deadly intent
#18
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
נָ֔ס
H5127
he that fleeth
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#20
לָהֶם֙
H0
#21
נָ֔ס
H5127
he that fleeth
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#22
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
יִמָּלֵ֥ט
H4422
of them shall not be delivered
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#24
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#25
פָּלִֽיט׃
H6412
and he that escapeth
a refugee

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 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