Amos 9:4

Authorized King James Version

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

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

יֵלְכ֤וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַשְּׁבִי֙

H7628

into captivity

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹֽיבֵיהֶ֔ם

H341

their enemies

hating; an adversary

מִשָּׁ֛ם

H8033

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

אֲצַוֶּ֥ה

H6680

thence will I command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֶ֖רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#10

וַהֲרָגָ֑תַם

H2026

and it shall slay

to smite with deadly intent

#11

וְשַׂמְתִּ֨י

H7760

them and I will set

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

עֵינִ֧י

H5869

mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#13

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם

H5921

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

#14

לְרָעָ֖ה

H7451

upon them for evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#15

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#16

לְטוֹבָֽה׃

H2896

and not for good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?