Amos

Amos front

Introduction to Amos

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Amos

1. Amos introduced (1:1)
2. Yahweh judges the nations (1:2-2:16)
   • The surrounding nations (1:2–2:3)
   • The southern kingdom (2:4–5)
   • The northern kingdom (2:6–16)
3. Amos prophesies against the people of Israel (3:1–6:14)
4. Yahweh shows Amos several visions (7:1-9:10)
5. Israel is to be restored (9:11–15)

What is the Book of Amos about?

The Book of Amos contains the words of Amos, a shepherd of Tekoa. Amos began to prophesy about 760 BC. He spoke Yahweh’s messages against God’s people behaving wickedly. He spoke messages to both the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Yahweh gave Amos prophecies of judgment (Chapters 1-6) to proclaim to the people. Each of them begins with the phrase “This is what Yahweh says” (ULT).

Three visions of Yahweh coming to judge the people are in the last part of the book (7:1-9:10). A final vision promises that Yahweh will restore Israel (9:11-15). He will restore the “tent of David.” This means a descendant of David would once again be king over Israel.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The traditional title of this book is “The Book of Amos” or just “Amos.” Translators may also call it the “The Book of the Sayings of Amos.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the Book of Amos?

The prophet Amos probably wrote this book. He lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. Amos came from a poor family. They grew sycamore trees (7:14, 15) and were shepherds (Amos 1:1). Though Amos was not trained as a prophet, he knew and understood the law of Moses. Also, Amos skillfully used expressive and meaningful words.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

How is justice described in Amos?

Justice is an important theme in the Book of Amos. Justice means people treating others fairly according to the law of Yahweh. People in Israel were oppressing and taking advantage of poor people, orphans, and widows. Amos explained that Yahweh would prefer that the people act justly rather than sacrifice to him. Truly obeying the law of Moses meant being just to other people. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)

What is a lawsuit?

Many cultures have a process for resolving disputes through the use of courts. These legal disputes are called lawsuits. Amos uses various legal terms. Part of the book presents events in a courtroom. The people are introduced, the problem is explained, the people are examined, witnesses speak, and a verdict is given.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was a son of Isaac. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. In Amos, “Israel” almost always refers to the northern kingdom of Israel. (See: Israel, Israelites)

Where do the various narratives begin and end?

The structure of the Book of Amos may make it difficult to understand where Amos ends one thought and begins another. It may be helpful to solve these issues with carefully divided lines or paragraphs.

Amos 1

Amos 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This book is written in a poetic form. Because it was written by a farmer, it includes many references to agricultural concepts.

“For three sins of Judah, even for four”

The phrase “For three sins of Judah, even for four,” is used to begin each oracle. This is not intended to be a literal count but is an idiom indicating a large number of sins. (See: Idiom and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Amos 1:1

God speaks through Amos using poetic language. (See: Poetry and Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “These are the things concerning Israel that God revealed to Amos, one of the shepherds in Tekoa” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “This is the message”

“Tekoa” is the name of a town or village. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave him these things” (See: Active or Passive)

The words “in the days of” is an idiom and refers to the time when each king reigned. Alternate translation: “when Uzziah was king of Judah, and also when Jeroboam son of Joash was king of Israel” (See: Idiom)

The assumed knowledge is that the original hearers would be aware of when a large earthquake had affected the area. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 1:2

These two phrases share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that Yahweh shouts loudly as he prepares to judge the nation. (See: Parallelism)

The author speaks of the voice of Yahweh as if it sounded like the roar of a lion or the roar of thunder. (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Amos 1:3

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but it indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment.

Here “Damascus” represents the people of the city of Damascus. Alternate translation: “the people of Damascus” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. Alternate translation: “I will certainly punish those people” (See: Litotes)

Yahweh speaks of how Damascus treated Gilead as if they had threshed grain with iron tools or weapons. (See: Idiom)

Here “Gilead” represents the people of the region of Gilead. Alternate translation: “the people of Gilead” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 1:4

Here Yahweh speaks of his judgment against the house of Hazael as if it were a consuming fire. (See: Metaphor)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Hazael’s descendants, who were rulers of the country where Damascus was located. (See: Metonymy)

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses. (See: Metaphor)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Amos 1:5

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on Damascus.

Here to “cut off” means either to destroy or to drive away, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy the man” or “drive away the man” (See: Metaphor)

This is the name of a place that means “valley of wickedness.” This could mean: (1) this is the name of an actual place in that region or (2) this is a metonym for Damascus or the surrounding region. Alternate translation: “the valley of wickedness” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

This is a metonym for the ruler of that city or region. Alternate translation: “the ruler of” (See: Metonymy)

This is the name of a place that means “house of pleasure.” This could mean: (1) this is the name of an actual place in that region or (2) this is another metonym for Damascus or the surrounding region. Alternate translation: “the house of pleasure” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

This is the name of a region from which the people of Aram originally came. (See: How to Translate Names)

Amos 1:6

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but it indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

Here “Gaza” represents the people of the region of Gaza. Alternate translation: “the people of Gaza” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

Alternate translation: “deliver them up to” or “sell them to”

Here “Edom” represents the people of the country of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 1:7

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 1:8

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on Gaza.

Here to “cut off” means either to destroy or to drive away, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “destroy the man” or “drive away the man” (See: Metaphor)

This is a metonym for the ruler of that city or region. Alternate translation: “the ruler” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power that he would use against Ekron. Alternate translation: “I will strike Ekron” or “I will destroy Ekron” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Ekron” represents the people of the city of Ekron. Alternate translation: “the people of Ekron” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 1:9

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

Here “Tyre” represents the people of the city of Tyre. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

Alternate translation: “the agreement they made to treat you as brothers”

Amos 1:10

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 1:11

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

Here “Edom” represents the people of the country of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

The assumed knowledge is that Esau, from whom the people of Edom were descended, was the brother of Jacob, from whom the people of Israel were descended. Here “his brother” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “he pursued the people of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “showed them no mercy”

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize his continued anger. The abstract nouns “anger” and “wrath” can be translated using the adjectives “angry” and “furious.” Alternate translation: “He was continually angry and always furious” (See: Parallelism and Abstract Nouns)

This is an exaggeration that is meant to express the ongoing nature of his wrath. (See: Hyperbole)

Amos 1:12

These are names of places. See: How to Translate Names

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the palaces. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 1:13

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

Alternate translation: “extend their boundaries” or “expand their territory”

Amos 1:14

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Ammon.

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the palaces. (See: Metaphor)

The fighting against the people of Ammon is spoken of as if it were a violent storm. Alternate translation: “and the fighting will be like a great storm” (See: Metaphor)

These are two kinds of violent storms.

a strong wind that spins very quickly as it moves and can cause damage

Amos 1:15

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “capture.” This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will capture their king and take him away as a prisoner” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Amos 2

Amos 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter consists of oracles against Moab and Judah by using poetic language and imagery. But the UST translates it using prose. If possible, translate this chapter as poetry, but you may translate as narrative.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

You will notice that the phrase “For three sins of Judah, even for four,” is used to begin each of these oracles. This is not intended to be a literal count but is an idiom indicating a large number of sins. (See: Idiom and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Amos 2:1

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

This represents the Moabite people. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

The word “he” refers to Moab. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab burned the bones”

Alternate translation: “to ashes”

Amos 2:2

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Moab.

This is the name of a city or town. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Moab” represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “The people of Moab will die” (See: Metonymy)

An uproar is a very loud noise.

Amos 2:3

Alternate translation: “the ruler of Moab”

Alternate translation: “all the officials” or “all the leaders”

Amos 2:4

This is a poetic device. It does not mean that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

This represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he will punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

This expression here probably refers to worshiping false gods or idols. Alternate translation: “Their worship of idols” (See: Metaphor)

Worshiping false gods is spoken of as if people were walking behind them. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 2:5

Here Yahweh’s judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 2:6

This is a poetic device. It does not meaan that a specific number of sins had been committed, but indicates that many of sins had led to God’s judgment. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3.

This represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses two negatives here to emphasize that he would punish them. See how you translated these words in Amos 1:3. (See: Litotes)

This refers to innocent people in general. Alternate translation: “innocent people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This refers to needy people in general. Alternate translation: “needy people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Amos 2:7

The word “they” in these verses refers to the people of Israel.

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Israel.

How the people of Israel treated the poor is compared to how people step heavily on the ground (See: Simile)

repeatedly step heavily or roughly

This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This idiom means they refused to listen when the oppressed people said they were being treated unfairly (See: Idiom)

This refers to oppressed people in general. Alternate translation: “oppressed people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “hav sexual relations with the same girl” (See: Euphemism)

Amos 2:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who they made to pay a penalty” (See: Active or Passive)

Amos 2:9

The words “them” and “you” in these verses both refer to the people of Israel.

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Israel.

This is an exaggeration. It describes how tall and strong the Amorite people were and compares them to the tallest and strongest trees in that region. Alternate translation: “who were tall and strong like great trees” (See: Hyperbole and Simile)

cedar trees

oak trees

How Yahweh completely destroyed the Amorites is pictured as a tree being destroyed from top to bottom. Alternate translation: “Yet I destroyed them completely” (See: Idiom and Merism)

Amos 2:11

The words “your” and “you” in these verses refer to the people of Israel.

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “appointed”

Yahweh asks this question to emphasize what he has said. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You people of Israel certainly know that what I have said is true!” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 2:13

The word “you” in these verses refers to the people of Israel.

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Israel.

This alerts the reader to pay attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh compares his judgment on the people of Israel to crushing them with something very heavy. (See: Simile)

Amos 2:14

These adjectives refer to people in general. Alternate translation: “Swift people … strong people … mighty people” or “The strong person … the strong person … the mighty person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Amos 2:15

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on the people of Israel.

Here “stand” means to keep one’s place in battle.

The implied information is that the fast runner will not escape from his enemies. Alternate translation: “the fast runner will be captured” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 2:16

This could mean: (1) this is a metonym for “run away without his weapons” or (2) this is meant literally as “run away wearing no clothes” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 3

Amos 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Amos continues to use poetic form in this chapter to prophesy the disaster coming to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

This chapter begins with a number of rhetorical questions. The last question provides the reader with some answers: “Yahweh has certainly spoken through his prophets. So listen to them.” The answer to these rhetorical questions have the expected response of “no” because they are things that are not expected to happen. The writer is helping the reader to conclude that God uses the prophets to speak his message.

Amos 3:1

Alternate translation: “Hear this message” or “Listen to this message”

Alternate translation: “this word that Yahweh has spoken about you … about the whole family” or “Yahweh’s message about you … about the whole family”

These two phrases refer to the same group of people. The people God is speaking to are the descendants of those he had taken out of Egypt.

Here “the whole family” represents to the whole nation. The people of Israel were all descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “the whole nation” or “the whole clan” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 3:2

This implies that they should have obeyed him. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I have chosen only you from all the families of the earth, so you should have obeyed me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “families” represents nations or people groups. Alternate translation: “all the nations of the earth” or “all the clans on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

It can be stated clearly that they did not obey God. Alternate translation: “But you did not obey me. Therefore I will punish you for all your sins” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 3:3

Amos uses the questions in verses 3-6 to present examples of things that people already know about what causes things to happen and what are the results of things that happen. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what must happen in order for two people to walk together. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Two people will walk together only if they have first agreed to walk together.” or “You know that two people will walk together only if they have agreed to do that.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 3:4

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to roar. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A lion will roar in the forest only when he has a victim.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to growl. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A young lion will growl from his den only if he has caught something.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 3:5

Amos uses the questions in verses 3-6 to present examples of things that people already know about what causes things to happen and what are the results of things that happen. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a bird to fall into a trap. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A bird can fall into a trap on the ground only when bait has been set for him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a trap to spring up. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A trap will spring up from the ground only when it has caught something.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to a trap closing. When an animal steps on a trap, the trap closes and the animal cannot get out of it. Alternate translation: “Will a trap close”

Amos 3:6

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what happens when a trumpet sounds. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “When the trumpet sounds in the city, the people will tremble.” or “When the trumpet sounds in the city, we expect that people will tremble.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The purpose of sounding the trumpet is to warn people that enemies are about to attack the city. Alternate translation: “If someone blows the trumpet in the city to warn the people about an enemy attack” or “If the warning trumpet is blown in the city” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The reason for trembling can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “tremble because they are afraid” or “be afraid of the enemy and tremble” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos uses this question to remind the people of what they should already know about what causes a disaster. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If disaster overtakes a city, Yahweh has sent it.” or “If disaster overtakes a city, we know that Yahweh has sent it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Something terrible happening to a city is spoken of as if disaster overtakes it. (See: Metaphor)

Amos 3:7

The relationship between this sentence and the rhetorical questions in Amos 3:3 to Amos 3:6 can be shown with the words “So also.” Alternate translation: “So also, the Lord Yahweh will do nothing unless … the prophets” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Surely the Lord Yahweh will reveal … prophets before he does anything” or “So also, the Lord will punish people only if he has revealed his plan to his servants the prophets” (See: Double Negatives)

Amos 3:8

Amos uses this question to remind people of what people do when a lion roars. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The lion has roared; so we know that everyone will be afraid.” or “The lion has roared; so of course everyone will be afraid.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos uses this question to emphasize what people should already know about what prophets do when God speaks. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The Lord Yahweh has spoken; so we know that the prophets will prophesy.” or “The Lord Yahweh has spoken; so of course the prophets will prophesy.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 3:9

This command is to Israel’s enemies in Ashdod and Egypt.

The word “her” refers to the city of Samaria. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. (See: Personification)

Here “great confusion is in her” refers to people’s fear because of the fighting and rioting there. The word “confusion” can be translated with a verbal phrase to make this meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “how the people in Samaria riot” or “how the people in Samaria fight against one another” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Abstract Nouns)

Here “oppression is in her” refers to leaders in Samaria oppressing the people. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word oppress, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “oppress” or “cause to suffer.” Alternate translation: “how the leaders oppress people” or “and how they cause people to suffer” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Amos 3:10

The word “they” refers to the people of Samaria.

Here “violence and destruction” represent things they have taken by being violent and destructive. Alternate translation: “They store up things that they have violently stolen from others” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 3:11

It can be stated clearly who God was saying this to. Alternate translation: “Therefore, this is what the Lord Yahweh says to the people of Israel living in Samaria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “An enemy army will surround the land”

Alternate translation: “steal all the things in your fortresses”

Amos 3:12

The Lord compares the people of Israel being rescued with an unsuccessful attempt to rescue an animal from a lion. They will not be completely rescued. (See: Simile)

It can be stated clearly that the shepherd tries to rescue the whole animal. Alternate translation: “As the shepherd tries to rescue an animal from the lion’s mouth, but is able to save only two legs or a piece of an ear” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the phrases “the shepherd” and “the lion” refer to any shepherd or lion. Alternate translation: “As a shepherd … a lion” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

This phrase shows that they will not be completely rescued. Almost all of their possessions will be stolen. This passage in Hebrew is difficult to understand, and some modern versions interpret it differently.

This is a soft chair big enough to lie down on.

Amos 3:13

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jacob’s descendants. They were the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated the similar phrase “this is Yahweh’s declaration” in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 3:14

Alternate translation: “when I punish the sins of Israel”

People sinned against God by worshiping false gods at their altars. Here “punish the altars” represents punishing the people by destroying their altars. Alternate translation: “I will also destroy the altars at Bethel” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your enemies will cut off the horns of the altars, and the horns will fall to the ground” (See: Active or Passive)

People worshiped false gods at their altars. At the top corners of the altars there were pieces of metal shaped like bull horns. These horns were a symbol of the strength of their gods.

Amos 3:15

Some of the wealthy people had two houses: one that they lived in during the winter and one that they lived in during the summer. This refers to any winter and summer houses. Alternate translation: “the houses they live in during the winter and the houses they live in during the summer” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

God speaks of the houses being destroyed as if they were alive and would die. Alternate translation: “The houses of ivory will be destroyed” or “The houses of ivory will collapse” (See: Personification)

“the houses that are decorated with ivory.” This refers to houses that had decorations made of ivory on the walls and furniture. Ivory was very expensive, so only the wealthy people had things decorated with ivory.

the teeth and horns of large animals

“the large houses will exist no more.” Here “vanish” represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: “the large houses will be destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4

Amos 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is written in poetic form and is about the people’s refusal to listen to Yahweh even as he tries to point them back to himself.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repetition

This chapter contains a repeated sentence: “Yet you have not returned to me —this is Yahweh’s declaration.” Please make sure this sentence is translated the same way each time to show the repetition. This repetition produces a list of sins Yahweh is mounting against his people. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and people of God)

Amos 4:1

Amos speaks to the women of Israel who live in Samaria as if they were well-fed cows. Alternate translation: “you wealthy women who live in the mountains of Samaria, you who are like the well-fed cows of Bashan” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “the poor” refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “you who oppress poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Hear “crush” is a metaphor that represents treating people badly. The phrase “the needy” refers to people who need help. Alternate translation: “you who treat needy people badly” or “you who hurt needy people” (See: Metaphor and Nominal Adjectives)

Amos 4:2

This means that Yahweh promised that he would do something, and he assured people that he would do what he promised because he is holy.

The word “you” refers to the wealthy women of Israel who lived in Samaria, but also includes men.

A time in the future when bad things will happen to the people is spoken of as if those days will attack the people. The word “they” refers to their enemies. Alternate translation: “There will be a time when your enemies will take you away with hooks” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will capture the people like people catch fish. Alternate translation: “they will capture you as people capture animals, and they take you away” or “they will defeat you and cruelly force you to go away with them” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Amos 4:3

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

places where the enemy had broken down the city wall to enter

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will throw you out toward Harmon” or “your enemies will force you to leave the city and go toward Harmon” (See: Active or Passive)

This is either the name of a place that we do not know, or it refers to Mount Hermon. Some modern versions interpret it in that way. (See: How to Translate Names)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated these words in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4:4

God gives several commands in verse 4, but he does so to show that he is angry

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

People would go to Bethel and Gilgal to make sacrifices to God, but they kept sinning anyway. God makes these commands to show that he is angry with them for doing these things. These commands can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You go to Bethel to worship, but you sin. You go to Gilgal to worship, but you sin even more” (See: Irony)

God makes these commands in order to show the people that he is angry that even though they do these things, they continue to sin against him in other ways. These commands can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You bring your sacrifices … every three days, but it does you no good.” (See: Irony)

This could mean: (1) on the third day or (2) every third day. Some versions have “every three years,” because the Israelites were supposed to bring their tithes to God once every three years.

Amos 4:5

God makes these commands in order to show the people that even though they do these things, he is angry because they continue to sin against him in other ways. Use the form in your language that shows that they will do these things no matter what Yahweh says, but these things will do them no good. (See: Irony)

Alternate translation: “boast about them”

Yahweh rebukes them for being proud about their offerings and sacrifices. They think that God should be pleased with them, but he is not. Alternate translation: “for this pleases you, you people of Israel. But it does not please me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated the similar phrase “this is Yahweh’s declaration” in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh declares” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4:6

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

Here having clean teeth represents having no food in the mouth to make the teeth dirty. Alternate translation: “I caused you to starve” (See: Metonymy)

Giving them “lack of bread” represents causing them to lack bread, and “bread” represents food in general. Alternate translation: “I caused you not to have enough food” (See: Metonymy)

Returning to God represents submitting again to him. Alternate translation: “you have not submitted again to me” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated these words in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4:7

Alternate translation: “I prevented the rain from falling on your crops”

It can be stated clearly that the people needed the rain. Alternate translation: “when there were still three months to the harvest and your crops needed the rain” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The phrase “One piece of land” represents any piece of land.” Alternate translation: “It rained on one piece of land” or “It rained on some pieces of land” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to any piece of land where it did not rain. Alternate translation: “the pieces of land where it did not rain” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Amos 4:8

Here “cities” represents the people of those cities. Alternate translation: “The people of two or three cities staggered” (See: Metonymy)

Returning to God represents submitting again to him. See how you translated this in Amos 4:6. Alternate translation: “you have not submitted again to me” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated these words in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4:9

Here “afflicted you” represents afflicting their crops. Alternate translation: “I afflicted your crops with blight and mildew” or “I destroyed your crops with blight and mildew” (See: Metonymy)

This is a disease that dries and kills plants. It is caused by the hot wind from the desert.

This is another disease that kills plants.

Amos 4:10

Alternate translation: “I sent a plague on you as I did on Egypt” or “I sent a plague on you as I sent plagues on Egypt”

Alternate translation: “I caused terrible things to happen to you”

Here “the sword” represents battle. God killed them by sending enemies to fight against them. Alternate translation: “I made your enemies kill your men in battle” (See: Metonymy)

God speaks of causing the enemies to steal their horses as if he carried the horses away. Alternate translation: “I made your enemies take away your horses” (See: Metonymy)

A stench is a bad smell. The stench coming up to their nostrils represents them smelling something terrible. It can be stated clearly that the smell was from the dead bodies of those who were killed. Alternate translation: “I made you smell the terrible odor of the dead bodies in your camp” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Returning to God represents submitting again to him. See how you translated this in Amos 4:6. Alternate translation: “you have not submitted again to me” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated these words in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 4:11

God speaks of those who survived the plague and war as if they were a burning stick that someone pulled out of a fire. Alternate translation: “Some of you survived, like a burning stick that someone pulls out of a fire” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Amos 4:12

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

God says this to warn the people of Israel that he will judge them. Alternate translation: “prepare to meet me, your God” (See: First, Second or Third Person and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 4:13

It is not clear whether Amos is speaking about God, or God is speaking about himself. If God is speaking about himself, it can be translated with the words “I” and “me.” Alternate translation: “I who form the mountains … reveal my thoughts … is my name” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This could mean: (1) God causes the day to be very dark with thick clouds. Alternate translation: “makes the morning dark” or (2) God causes time to pass, so every day becomes night. Alternate translation: “makes morning and evening”

God ruling over all the earth is spoken of as if he walks on the highest places of the earth. Alternate translation: “rules over all the earth” or “rules over even the highest places of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

By declaring his full name, Yahweh is declaring his power and authority to do these things. Your language may have a way for people to do this.

Amos 5

Amos 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to be written in a poetic format and foretells the destruction of the kingdom of Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Place Names

This chapter refers to various places in land of Israel (i.e. Gilgal, Bethel, Beersheba). Normally these places have good connotations, but here they are referred to negatively. This is most likely because these cities became known for their idol worship. (See: How to Translate Names)

City gate

The “city gate” is mentioned several times. This was a place where people would go with legal and financial issues. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 5:1

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel” or “you Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 5:2

The phrase “The virgin Israel” represents the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel being destroyed and having no other nation to help them become strong again is spoken of as if it were a young woman who has fallen and has no one to raise her up. Alternate translation: “The nation of Israel is like a woman who has fallen … no one to help her get up” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People have forsaken her” or “they have abandoned her” (See: Active or Passive)

Amos 5:3

These phrases refer to any cities that sent out large numbers of soldiers. Alternate translation: “Cities that went out with a thousand … cities that went out with a hundred” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The phrases “a thousand” and “a hundred” refer to a thousand soldiers and a hundred soldiers. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“The city that went out” represents the soldiers of that city going out. It can be stated clearly why they went out. Alternate translation: “The city out of which a thousand soldiers went to fight” or “The city that sent out a thousand soldiers to fight” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“will have a hundred soldiers who have not been killed” or “will have only a hundred soldiers still alive.” Here being “left” refers to not being killed by the enemy.

Amos 5:4

Here “Seek me” represents asking God for help. Alternate translation: “Ask me for help” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 5:5

Here “seek Bethel” represents going to Bethel to ask for help. Alternate translation: “Do not go to Bethel to ask for help” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “and do not enter Gilgal”

Here “Gilgal” represents the people of Gilgal, and going into captivity refers to being captured and taken away. Alternate translation: “For the people of Gilgal will surely be captured and taken away” or “For your enemies will surely capture the people of Gilgal and take them away” (See: Metonymy)

Here “become nothing” represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: “Bethel will be completely destroyed” or “enemies will completely destroy Bethel” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 5:6

Here “Seek Yahweh” represents asking him for help. Alternate translation: “Ask Yahweh for help” or “Ask me, Yahweh, for help” (See: Metaphor)

Here “break out like a fire” represents destroying things as fire destroys things. Alternate translation: “he will become like a fire that breaks out suddenly and destroys everything” or “he will destroy everything like a fire” (See: Simile)

This phrase is a metonym for the descendants of Joseph. Here it represents the northern kingdom of Israel, whose two largest tribes were the descendants of Joseph. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph” or “Israel” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

The word “it” refers to the fire, and “devour” represents destroying everything. God destroying everything is spoken of as if a fire were to destroy everything. Alternate translation: “It will destroy everything” or “He will destroy everything” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “there will no one to stop it” or “there will be no one to stop him from destroying everything”

Amos 5:7

Here “a bitter thing” represents actions that harm people, and “turn justice into a bitter thing” represents harming people rather than doing for them what is just. Alternate translation: “say that they are doing what is just, but instead they harm people” or “refuse to do what is just and harm people instead” (See: Metaphor)

This represents treating righteousness as if it were worthless. Alternate translation: “treat righteousness as though it were as unimportant as dirt” or “you despise what is righteous” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 5:8

People saw patterns in the stars in the sky and gave names to them. These are two of those patterns. Alternate translation: “the stars” or “the groups of stars” (See: Translate Unknowns)

“he makes the night become morning, and he makes the day become night.” This refers to causing the times of the day.

This represents God causing the sea water to fall on the earth as rain. Alternate translation: “he takes the waters of the sea and makes them rain down on the surface of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

By declaring his name, Yahweh is declaring his power and authority to do these things.

Amos 5:9

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” The phrase “the strong” refers to strong people, specifically soldiers. Alternate translation: “He suddenly destroys the strong people” or “He suddenly destroys the soldiers” (See: Abstract Nouns and Nominal Adjectives)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “so that the fortresses are destroyed” or “and he destroys the fortresses” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Amos 5:10

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel hate anyone”

Amos 5:11

Alternate translation: “cut stones” or “stones that people have cut”

The word “their” refers to the vineyards. This may imply that no one will make the wine, or even that there will not be enough good grapes to make wine. Alternate translation: “you will not drink the wine that is made from the grapes in your vineyards” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 5:12

This is a list of some of their sins.

The word “just” is a nominal adjective that refers to just people. Alternate translation: “just people” or “righteous people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “let people pay you to do bad things” or “let people pay you to lie about people”

Here “turn aside the needy” represents telling the needy people to leave. It can be made clear why the needy were at the city gate. Alternate translation: “do not allow poor people to bring their cases to the judges in the city gate” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “needy” is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are in need. Alternate translation: “people in need” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Amos 5:13

Those who do not want the evil people to harm them will not speak out against the evil deeds. Alternate translation: “wise people do not speak about the evil things people are doing”

Here “an evil time” represents a time when people are evil and do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “for it is a time when people are evil” or “for people do evil things” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 5:14

Here “Seek good” represents choosing to do what good. “Good” and “evil” represent good actions and evil actions. Alternate translation: “Choose to do what is good and not what is evil” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 5:15

“Hate evil actions, and love good actions.” Here “good” and “evil” represent good actions and evil actions.

Here “establish justice” represents making sure that justice is done. Alternate translation: “make sure that justice is done in the city gates” or “make sure that the judges make just decisions in the city gates” (See: Idiom)

City gates were where business transactions occurred and judgments were made, because city walls were thick enough to have gateways that produced cool shade from the hot sun Alternate translation: “in your courts” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “remnant” refers to people who are still living in Israel after the others are killed or taken away as captives. Here “Joseph” represents the northern kingdom of Israel, whose two largest tribes were the descendants of Joseph. See how you translated “house of Joseph” in Amos 5:6. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph who are still alive” or “those of Israel who survive” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 5:16

Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh, the God of hosts, the Lord says”

Alternate translation: “People will wail in all the town squares”

long, loud, sad cries

broad open places in the town where people gather

The phrase “they will call” is understood from the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: “they will call the mourners to wail” (See: Ellipsis)

Amos 5:17

God speaks of punishing the people as if he were to come and punish them while walking through the group of them. Alternate translation: “I will come and punish you” or “I will punish you”

Amos 5:18

God uses this question to rebuke the people for saying that they want the day of Yahweh to be soon. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You long for the day of Yahweh.” or “You should not long for the day of Yahweh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “darkness” represents a time when disasters happen, and “light” represents a time when good things happen. Alternate translation: “It will be a time of darkness and disaster, not of light and blessing” or “On that day there will be disasters, not blessings” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 5:20

This question emphasizes that bad things will happen then. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “The day of Yahweh will certainly be darkness and not light!” or “Bad things, not good things, will certainly happen on the day of Yahweh!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The words “Will not the day of Yahweh be” is understood from the previous sentence. Like the previous question, it emphasizes that terrible things, not good things, will happen on the day of Yahweh. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “It will be a time of when terrible things, not good things, will happen. (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

Amos 5:21

The word “despise” is a strong word for “hate.” Together the two words emphasize the intensity of Yahweh’s hatred for their religious festivals. Alternate translation: “I hate your festivals very much” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “Your solemn assemblies do not please me at all”

Amos 5:23

This speaks of the noise of songs as if it could be put somewhere else. It represents stopping singing. Alternate translation: “Stop singing your noisy songs” (See: Metaphor)

unpleasant sounds

Amos 5:24

This represents causing there to be much justice and righteous. Alternate translation: “let there be so much justice that it is like flowing water, and let there be so much righteousness that it is like a constantly flowing stream” or “let justice abound like a flood, and let righteousness abound like a stream that never stops” (See: Simile)

Amos 5:25

This could mean: (1) God uses this question to rebuke them because they did not offer sacrifices. Alternate translation: “You did not bring me sacrifices … Israel.” or (2) God uses this question to remind them that the sacrifices were not the most important part about their relationship. Alternate translation: “You did not have to bring me sacrifices … Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

God speaks as though the Israelites he is speaking to were part of the group that wandered in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “Did your ancestors bring” (See: Metonymy)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. See how you translated it in Amos 5:1. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel” or “you Israelite people group” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 5:26

Here “lifted up the images” represents worshiping them. Alternate translation: “You have worshiped the images of Sikkuth … and Kaiwan” (See: Metonymy)

These are the names of two false gods. The people had made images to represent them. (See: How to Translate Names)

Some versions write this as “Kiyyun.”

Amos 6

Amos 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues to be written in poetic style except for verses 9-10, which are in prose. These two verses contain many interested features.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Verses 9-10 will probably be difficult to translate because the situation is vague and details don’t appear to align easily. It is appropriate to translate these verses with some ambiguity remaining. It may be helpful to read many different versions prior to translating these verses.

Amos 6:1

“who feel safe.” The people are comfortable and not concerned that God will judge them.

“the most important men of this great nation.” Yahweh may be using irony to describe how these men think of themselves. Alternate translation: “the men who think they are the most important people in the best nation” (See: Irony)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants. Alternate translation: “the Israelites come” or “the Israelite people group comes” (See: Metonymy)

Here “comes” can be stated as “goes.” Alternate translation: “goes for help” (See: Go and Come)

Amos 6:2

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

The notable men use this question to emphasize that the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are better than those other kingdoms. Alternate translation: “Your two kingdoms are better than they are.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The notable men use this question to emphasize that their kingdoms are larger than those other kingdoms. Alternate translation: “Their border is smaller than yours.” or “Those countries are smaller than Judah and Samaria.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 6:3

Refusing to believe that Yahweh will cause disaster is spoken of as if the “day of disaster” were an object the people could put far from themselves. Alternate translation: “to those who refuse to believe that I will cause them to experience disaster” (See: Metaphor)

Here “throne” is a metonym that represents reign or rule. The people doing evil things, which causes Yahweh to bring disaster on them, is spoken of as if they were causing “violence” to rule them. Alternate translation: “but who are actually causing me to send violent people to destroy you” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Amos 6:4

Israelites at that time usually ate while sitting on a floor cloth or a simple seat.

Alternate translation: “beds decorated with ivory” or “costly beds”

a white substance made from the teeth and horns of large animals (See: Translate Unknowns)

lie around like lazy people

soft seats large enough to lie down on

Amos 6:5

This could mean: (1) they invent new songs and ways of playing the instruments or (2) they invent new instruments.

Amos 6:6

This implies that they drink a lot of wine because they drink it from a large bowl rather than a regular wine cup. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “Joseph” represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “they do not grieve about the descendants of Joseph whom enemies will soon destroy” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 6:7

Alternate translation: “they will be among the first ones to go into exile” or “I will send them into exile first”

Alternate translation: “there will be no more feasts for people to lie around at ease”

Amos 6:8

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Amos 3:13. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here “Jacob” represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “I hate the descendants of Jacob because they have become arrogant” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that Yahweh hates the fortresses because the people believed the fortresses would keep them safe. Alternate translation: “I hate the people of Israel because they trust in their fortresses, not in me, to protect them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 6:9

In 6:9-10 Amos describes a hypothetical situation of what it will be like when Yahweh hands the people of Israel over to their enemies. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

This seems to imply that something terrible is happening, and these ten men go into the house to hide. Alternate translation: “if ten men are hiding inside of a house, they will all still die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 6:10

The meaning of these words is not clear. This could mean: (1) the “man’s relative” is the one who will “take their bodies up” and “cremate … the corpses,” and he speaks to a person who hid in the house after the ten family members died or (2) the “man’s relative” who “comes to take their bodies up” is a different person from “the one who is to cremate … the corpses,” and they talk to each other in the house. Alternate translation: “a man’s relative comes to take their bodies up, and the one who will burn the corpses after they have been brought out of the house is with him—if while they are in the house the relative says to the burner of the corpses, ‘Is … you?’”

to burn a dead body

Alternate translation: “bringing the dead bodies”

The meaning of this is not clear. It seems to imply that the one who asked the question is afraid the one answering will mention Yahweh’s name carelessly. If he does this, it may draw Yahweh’s attention to them, and he may kill them too. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 6:11

Alternate translation: “listen” or “pay attention”

These two phrases share similar meanings. The contrast between “the big house” and “the little house” means that this refers to all houses. Alternate translation: “all the houses will be smashed into small pieces” (See: Parallelism and Merism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the enemy will smash the big house to pieces” (See: Active or Passive)

You can use the same word for both of these phrases.

This can be stated with the understood information included. Alternate translation: “enemies will smash the little house to bits” (See: Ellipsis)

Amos 6:12

Amos uses two rhetorical questions to draw attention to the rebuke that follows.

It is impossible for a horse to run on rocky cliffs without getting hurt. Amos uses this rhetorical question to rebuke them for their actions. Alternate translation: “Horses do not run on rocky cliffs.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

One does not plow on rocky ground. Amos uses this rhetorical question to rebuke them for their actions. Alternate translation: “A person does not plow with oxen on rocky ground.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Distorting what is just is spoken of as if the leaders “turned justice into poison.” Alternate translation: “Yet you distort what is just” or “But you make laws that hurt innocent people” (See: Metaphor)

This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Distorting what is right is spoken of as if righteousness were a sweet fruit that the people made bitter tasting. Alternate translation: “you distort what is right” or “you punish those who do what is right” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Amos 6:13

These are names of towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

The people use a question to emphasize that they believe they captured a city because of their own power. Alternate translation: “We captured Karnaim by our own power!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 6:14

Alternate translation: “listen” or “pay attention”

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Amos 3:13. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here “Lebo Hamath” represents the northern border of Israel, and “brook of the Arabah” represents the southern border. Alternate translation: “from the northern border of your nation to the southern border” (See: Metonymy)

a small river that flows only during the wet season

Amos 7

Amos 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is mainly written as a narrative about the prophet Amos interacting with Yahweh. Yahweh presents three different scenarios of judgment before Amos who pleads with God and he does not carry out His judgment. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and judge, judgment)

Special concepts in this chapter

Reported speech

In the latter part of the chapter, it is important to follow the conversation carefully to understand who is speaking. There are some instances of “reported speech.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Amos 7:1

The writer is telling the reader that he is about to say something surprising. Your language may have a way of doing this.

See how you translated this in Amos 4:9.

Alternate translation: “after the king takes his share from the harvest”

Amos 7:2

The words “your people” or “us” are understood. Alternate translation: “please forgive your people” or “please forgive us” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “Jacob” represents his descendants the Israelites. Alternate translation: “how will we Israelites survive? We are so small and weak!” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 7:4

The writer is telling the reader that something surprising is about to happen. Your language may have a way of doing this.

Alternate translation: “the Lord Yahweh used burning fire to punish the people”

Amos 7:5

Here “Jacob” represents his descendants the Israelites. See how you translated this in Amos 7:2. Alternate translation: “how will the Israelites survive? We are so small and weak!” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 7:7

thin rope with a weight at one end used in building to make sure walls stand straight up and down

Amos 7:8

Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate translation: “tell me what you see.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Judging the people and determining they are wicked is spoken of as if the Israelites were a wall, and Yahweh determines the wall is not straight by using a plumb line. Alternate translation: “my people Israel are wicked. They are like a wall that is not straight up and down” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 7:9

Here “sword” represents an army. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will send an army to attack the house of Jeroboam, and the army will destroy the high places of Isaac and the sanctuaries of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Both of these represent the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Isaac … the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Here “house” represents “family.” Translate “Jeroboam” as you did in Amos 1:1. Alternate translation: “Jeroboam and his family” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 7:10

This could mean: (1) Amaziah was the only priest at Bethel or (2) Amaziah was the leader of the priests at Bethel.

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “house” represents “people.” Alternate translation: “Amos is right here among the Israelites, and he is planning to do bad things to you” (See: Metonymy)

Here “land” represents “people.” Disrupting the peace is spoken of as if Amos’s words were a heavy object that the land could not carry. Alternate translation: “What his is saying disturb the peace among the people” or “His message will cause trouble among the people” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Amos 7:11

Here “sword” represents the enemies. Alternate translation: “Enemies will kill Jeroboam” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 7:12

Here “eat bread” is an idiom that means to earn money or make a living for doing something. Alternate translation: “see if you can get the people there to pay you for prophesying” or “prophesy there and let them provide you with food” (See: Idiom)

Amos 7:13

Here “king’s sanctuary” and “royal house” refer to the same place. Alternate translation: “this is where the national temple is, the place where the king worships” (See: Doublet)

Amos 7:14

This here probably means “one who takes care of sheep” since he is called a “shepherd” in Amos 1:1.

Sycamores are broad trees that grow up to 15 meters tall. Alternate translation: “fig trees” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Amos 7:16

Here the word “now” is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Here “house” represents the family or descendants of Isaac. Alternate translation: “do not speak against the descendants of Isaac” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 7:17

Here “sword” represents enemies. Alternate translation: “enemies will kill your sons and daughters” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “other people will take your land and divide it up among themselves” (See: Active or Passive)

A land full of people that are unacceptable to God is spoken of as if the land were physically unclean. Here it means a land other than Israel. Alternate translation: “a foreign land” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 8

Amos 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is written in poetic form and it shows the way Yahweh’s people are sinning and how he is going to respond. (See: people of God and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“This is the declaration of Yahweh”

This phrase is used to introduce prophecy. It highlights what God is proclaiming. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Amos 8:1

The word “look” here shows that Amos saw something interesting. Alternate translation: “I saw a basket of summer fruit!”

Alternate translation: “ripe fruit”

Amos 8:2

Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you see, Amos.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos 8:3

Alternate translation: “at that time”

This could mean: (1) Yahweh is to telling the people to be silent as they hear about the severity of his punishment or (2) the people will be silent because of their grief after Yahweh’s punishment.

Amos 8:4

Amos is speaking to the wealthy merchants who harm those who are poor.

This can be restated to remove the nominal adjectives “the needy” and “the poor.” Alternate translation: “you who trample those who are in need and remove those in the land that are poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Harming people is spoken of as if it were stomping on people. Alternate translation: “you who harm” or “you who oppress” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 8:5

The merchants use theses question to emphasize that want to start selling their items again. This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “They are always asking when the new moon will be over or when the Sabbath will be over so that can sell their grain and wheat again.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Direct and Indirect Quotations)

The merchants would use false scales that showed that the amount of grain they were giving was greater than it really was and that the weight of the payment was less than it really was.

Amos 8:6

The words “and buy” are understood. Alternate translation: “buy the needy for a pair of sandals” (See: Ellipsis)

Amos 8:7

Here “pride of Jacob” is a title for Yahweh. Also “Jacob” represents his descendants, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has sworn by himself, saying” or “Yahweh, of whom the Israelites are so proud, has sworn” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 8:8

Amos uses a question to emphasize that these things will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause the land to shake, and every one who lives in it will mourn.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Amos compares the rising and sinking of the waters of the Nile River to how Yahweh will cause the land to shake when he judges the people. (See: Simile)

This is another name for the Nile River.

Amos 8:9

Alternate translation: “It will happen at that time”

Amos 8:10

A person shaves his head to show that he is grieving. Alternate translation: “cause you all to shave your heads” (See: Symbolic Action)

It is understood that the only son has died. Alternate translation: “like mourning for an only son who has died” (See: Ellipsis)

Terrible and sad things happening during a day is spoken of as if the day had a bitter taste. Alternate translation: “everything that happens at that time will cause you great sorrow” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 8:11

This speaks of a future time as if “days are coming.” Alternate translation: “there will be a time” or “in the future” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh refusing to give messages when the people want to hear from him is spoken of as if there would be a famine of his words. Alternate translation: “when I will cause something like a famine in the land … but for hearing the words of Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “words from me, Yahweh” or “my messages” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Amos 8:12

Here “sea to sea” and “the north to the east” represent all of the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “They will wander here and there and search all over for the word of Yahweh” (See: Merism)

This implies the Dead Sea in the south and the Mediterranean Sea in the west. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 8:13

Alternate translation: “At that time”

to lose all strength

Amos 8:14

Here “sin” represents the false god the people worship in Samaria. Alternate translation: “by the false god of Samaria” (See: Metonymy)

This is a way of making a solemn oath. The people declare that they believe the god of Dan is certainly alive to emphasize that they will certainly do what they promise to do.

This is probably a reference to the roads that pilgrims would take to Beersheba in order to worship idols there. Again, this is a way of making a solemn oath. They state that the way to Beersheba certainly exists in order to emphasize that they will certainly do what they promise to do.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they will die” (See: Idiom)

Amos 9

Amos 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is written in poetic form and continues to show the awesome and terrible judgment of Yahweh on his people. In verse 11, the writer writes about the forgiveness and mercy of God on the kingdom of Israel. (See: judge, judgment, people of God and forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, pardon, pardoned and mercy, merciful)

Special concepts in this chapter

“The declaration of Yahweh”

This phrase is used to introduce prophecy. It highlights what God is proclaiming. Try to remain consistent in translating this phrase throughout the book. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Amos 9:1

Yahweh shows Amos another vision.

It is uncertain to whom Yahweh is speaking these commands.

It is implied that Yahweh is speaking about the pillars and foundations of a temple. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “foundations” represents the whole temple. Alternate translation: “so that the whole temple will shake” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “heads” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Break the pillars so that the temple falls on all of the people and kills them” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “sword” represents an army attacking with their weapons. Alternate translation: “I will send an enemy army to kill the rest of them” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 9:2

Yahweh uses an exaggerated image of people fleeing to Sheol or heaven to try to escape being killed. Here “Sheol” and “heaven” are a merism that represents all places. Alternate translation: “Even if they were to flee to Sheol or to heaven, they would not be able to escape me” (See: Hyperbole and Merism)

Here “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “I will pull them up from there” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 9:3

Yahweh gives an exaggerated image of the people fleeing to the top of mount Carmel or to the bottom of the sea to escape being killed. Here “top of Carmel” and “bottom of the sea” are a merism that represents all places. Alternate translation: “Even if they were to hide on the top of Carmel … Even if they tried to go the bottom sea, thinking that I could not see them” (See: Hyperbole and Merism)

an unknown fierce sea animal, not the snake in the garden of Eden and not a common snake

Amos 9:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Though enemies capture them and force them to go to a foreign land” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “sword” represents their enemies. Alternate translation: “there I will cause their enemies to kill them” (See: Metonymy)

Here “eyes” represents seeing. The phrase “keep my eyes on them” is an idiom that means to watch closely. Alternate translation: “I will watch closely and make sure only bad things happen to them and not good things” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Amos 9:5

Here “the River” and “river of Egypt” both refer to the Nile river. Yahweh causing the land to shake violently is compared to the waters of the Nile river rising and sinking. (See: Simile)

Amos 9:6

These are probably the steps that ancient people imagined led up to God’s palace in the heavens. However, some modern versions wish to read a different Hebrew word meaning “palace” or “rooms.” Here “his steps” probably is a metonym for God’s palace. (See: Metonymy)

Here “vault” refers to the sky which biblical writers described as being a dome over the earth. Alternate translation: “he sets the sky over the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This represents God causing the sea water to fall on the earth as rain. See how you translated this in Amos 5:8. Alternate translation: “He takes the waters of the sea and makes them rain down on the surface of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

By declaring his name, Yahweh is declaring his power and authority to do these things. See how you translated this in Amos 5:8.

Amos 9:7

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people of Israel are no more special to him than the people of Cush, the Philistines, and the Arameans. Alternate translation: “You people of Israel, you are certainly no more important to me than the people of Cush—this … declaration—I brought up Israel … the Philistines … the Arameans from Kir.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated these words in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this i what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated the name of this place in Amos 1:5.

Amos 9:8

Here “eyes” represents seeing. Also, Yahweh speaks of himself in third person. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, see that the people of this kingdom are very sinful” (See: Metonymy and First, Second or Third Person)

The idiom “from the face of the earth” means “completely.” Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy this kingdom” (See: Idiom)

Here “house” represents a family. And, “Jacob” represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

Amos 9:9

Here “house” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The picture here is of grain falling through the sieve and stones being kept out. The idea is that Yahweh will remove all of the sinful people from Israel. (See: Simile)

a surface with many small holes that allow small things to pass through and keep larger things from passing through

Amos 9:10

Here “sword” represents their enemies. Alternate translation: “Enemies will kill all the sinners of my people” (See: Metonymy)

Experiencing disaster is spoken of as disaster could overtake or meet someone. Alternate translation: “We will not experience disaster” or “Bad things will not happen to us” (See: Metaphor)

Amos 9:11

Alternate translation: “At that time”

Causing the people of Israel to be great again is spoken of as if David’s kingdom were a tent that fell down and Yahweh will set it back up. Alternate translation: “David’s kingdom will be like tent that has fallen down, but I will raise it back up again” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I will repair its walls”

Alternate translation: “I will rebuild its ruins and make it strong like it was long ago”

parts of a wall that have fallen down

Amos 9:12

Alternate translation: “the remaining part of Edom’s territory”

Here “name” represents Yahweh. The idiom “called by my name” means they once belonged to Yahweh. This means that in the past the people had conquered and taken control of these territories. Alternate translation: “all the nations that once belonged to me” or “all the nations that I caused the people of Israel to conquer in the past” (See: Metonymy and Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Amos 9:13

The writer is telling the reader that he is going to say something surprising. Your language may have a way of doing this.

A future time is spoken of as if “days will come.” Alternate translation: “there will be a time … when the plowman” or “in the future … the plowman” (See: Metaphor)

These are two images of Yahweh restoring prosperity in Israel. This means grain will grow faster than the people can harvest it, and there will be so many grapes, those crushing the grapes will still be working when farmers start planting more vineyards.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Amos 2:11. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

These two lines mean basically the same thing. The huge amount of grapes and wine in Israel is spoken of as if wine flows down the hills and mountains. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Amos 9:15

Bringing the people back to their land and keeping them safe from enemies is spoken of as if Israel were a plant that Yahweh would put in the ground and not let anyone pull the plant up from the ground. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to live in the land forever like a plant that is never uprooted” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever again uproot them from the land” (See: Active or Passive)

for a plant and its roots to be pulled out of the ground