Amos 9:2

Authorized King James Version

Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

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

יַחְתְּר֣וּ

H2864

Though they dig

to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars

בִשְׁא֔וֹל

H7585

into hell

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

מִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יָדִ֣י

H3027

thence shall mine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תִקָּחֵ֑ם

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְאִֽם

H518

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

יַעֲלוּ֙

H5927

them though they climb up

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

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

to heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#10

מִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#11

אוֹרִידֵֽם׃

H3381

thence will I bring them down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Amos chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?