Amos 9:10

Authorized King James Version

All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#2
יָמ֔וּתוּ
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#3
כֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
חַטָּאֵ֣י
All the sinners
a criminal, or one accounted guilty
#5
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
הָאֹמְרִ֗ים
which say
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תַגִּ֧ישׁ
shall not overtake
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#9
וְתַקְדִּ֛ים
nor prevent
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
#10
בַּעֲדֵ֖ינוּ
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
הָרָעָֽה׃
The evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection