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.

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

General Information:

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

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Quote: These are the things concerning Israel that Amos, one of the shepherds in Tekoa, received in revelation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

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Quote: These are the things (0)

Alternate translation: “This is the message”

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Quote: in Tekoa (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

“Tekoa” is the name of a town or village.

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Quote: He received these things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

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Quote: in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and also in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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Quote: two years before the earthquake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The assumed knowledge is that the original hearers would be aware of when a large earthquake had affected the area.

Amos 1:2

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Quote: Yahweh will roar from Zion; he will raise his voice from Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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

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Quote: Yahweh will roar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author speaks of the voice of Yahweh as if it sounded like the roar of a lion or the roar of thunder.

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Quote: Yahweh (0)

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

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Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Damascus (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Damascus” represents the people of the city of Damascus. Alternate translation: “the people of Damascus”

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Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: they threshed Gilead with instruments of iron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Yahweh speaks of how Damascus treated Gilead as if they had threshed grain with iron tools or weapons.

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Quote: Gilead (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Gilead” represents the people of the region of Gilead. Alternate translation: “the people of Gilead”

Amos 1:4

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Quote: I will send a fire into the house of Hazael (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Yahweh speaks of his judgment against the house of Hazael as if it were a consuming fire.

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Quote: the house of Hazael (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

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Quote: it will devour the fortresses of Ben Hadad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: Hazael … Ben Hadad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of men.

Amos 1:5

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on Damascus.

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Quote: cut off the man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: Valley of Aven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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 also: Metonymy)

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Quote: the man who holds the scepter in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: Beth Eden (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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 also: Metonymy)

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Quote: Kir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a region from which the people of Aram originally came.

Amos 1:6

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Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Gaza (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Gaza” represents the people of the region of Gaza. Alternate translation: “the people of Gaza”

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Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: hand them over to (0)

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

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Quote: Edom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Edom” represents the people of the country of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom”

Amos 1:7

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Quote: it will devour her fortresses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 1:8

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues his message of judgment on Gaza.

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Quote: cut off the man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: the man who holds the scepter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: I will turn my hand against Ekron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: Ekron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Ekron” represents the people of the city of Ekron. Alternate translation: “the people of Ekron”

Amos 1:9

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Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Tyre (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Tyre” represents the people of the city of Tyre. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre”

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Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: their covenant of brotherhood (0)

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

Amos 1:10

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Quote: it will devour her fortresses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 1:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Edom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Edom” represents the people of the country of Edom. Alternate translation: “the people of Edom”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: he pursued his brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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. Alternate translation: “he pursued the people of Israel”

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Quote: cast off all pity (0)

Alternate translation: “showed them no mercy”

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Quote: His anger raged continually, and his wrath lasted forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize his continued anger. Alternate translation: “He was continually angry and always furious”

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Quote: his wrath lasted forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration that is meant to express the ongoing nature of his wrath.

Amos 1:12

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Quote: Teman … Bozrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of places.

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Quote: it will devour the palaces of Bozrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 1:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: enlarge their borders (0)

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

Amos 1:14

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: it will devour the palaces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: tempest … whirlwind (0)

These are two kinds of violent storms.

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Quote: whirlwind (0)

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

Amos 1:15

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Quote: Their king will go into captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word captivity, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “capture.” Alternate translation: “Their enemies will capture their king and take him away as a prisoner”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This represents the Moabite people. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab”

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Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: he burned the bones (0)

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

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Quote: to lime (0)

Alternate translation: “to ashes”

Amos 2:2

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: Kerioth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city or town.

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Quote: Moab will die (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Moab” represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “The people of Moab will die”

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Quote: in an uproar (0)

An uproar is a very loud noise.

Amos 2:3

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Quote: the judge in her (0)

Alternate translation: “the ruler of Moab”

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Quote: all the princes (0)

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

Amos 2:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: Their lies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: go astray … walked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Worshiping false gods is spoken of as if people were walking behind them.

Amos 2:5

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Quote: it will devour the fortresses of Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 2:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For three sins of … even for four (0)

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.

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Quote: Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not turn away punishment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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

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Quote: the innocent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to innocent people in general. Alternate translation: “innocent people”

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Quote: the needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to needy people in general. Alternate translation: “needy people”

Amos 2:7

General Information:

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

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: They trample on the heads of the poor as people trample on dust on the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

How the people of Israel treated the poor is compared to how people step heavily on the ground

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Quote: trample (0)

repeatedly step heavily or roughly

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Quote: the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people”

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Quote: they push the oppressed away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means they refused to listen when the oppressed people said they were being treated unfairly

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Quote: the oppressed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to oppressed people in general. Alternate translation: “oppressed people”

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Quote: go in to the same girl (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

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

Amos 2:8

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Quote: those who were fined (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Amos 2:9

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: whose height was like the height of cedars; he was strong as the oaks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration. It describes how tall and strong the Amorite people were. Alternate translation: “who were tall and strong like great trees”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cedars (0)

cedar trees

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Quote: oaks (0)

oak trees

Amos 2:11

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: raised up (0)

Alternate translation: “appointed”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is it not so, people of Israel? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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!”

Amos 2:13

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

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

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Quote: I will crush you as a cart that is full of grain can crush someone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh compares his judgment on the people of Israel to crushing them with something very heavy.

Amos 2:14

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Quote: The swift … the strong … the mighty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

Amos 2:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The archer will not stand (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fast runner will not escape (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implied information is that the fast runner will not escape from his enemies. Alternate translation: “the fast runner will be captured”

Amos 2:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: flee naked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in that day (0)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

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Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

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

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Quote: Hear this word (0)

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

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Quote: that Yahweh has spoken against you … against the whole family (0)

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

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Quote: you, people of Israel … the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt (0)

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.

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Quote: the whole family (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 3:2

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Quote: I have chosen only you from all the families of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: all the families of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: Therefore I will punish you for all your sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Amos 3:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

General Information:

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.

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Quote: Will two walk together unless they have agreed? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Two people will walk together only if they have first agreed to walk together”

Amos 3:4

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Quote: Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no victim? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to roar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A lion will roar in the forest only when he has a victim.”

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Quote: Will a young lion growl from his den if he has caught nothing? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to growl. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A young lion will growl from his den only if he has caught something.”

Amos 3:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

General Information:

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.

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Quote: Can a bird fall in a trap on the ground when no bait is set for him? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a bird to fall into a trap. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A bird can fall into a trap on the ground only when bait has been set for him.”

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Quote: Will a trap spring up from the ground when it has not caught anything? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a trap to spring up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A trap will spring up from the ground only when it has caught something.”

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Quote: Will a trap spring up from the ground (0)

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

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Quote: If a trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not tremble? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what happens when a trumpet sounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “When the trumpet sounds in the city, the people will tremble”

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Quote: If a trumpet sounds in a city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: tremble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The reason for trembling can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “tremble because they are afraid” or “be afraid of the enemy and tremble”

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Quote: If disaster overtakes a city, has Yahweh not sent it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind the people of what they should already know about what causes a disaster. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “If disaster overtakes a city, Yahweh has sent it”

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Quote: If disaster overtakes a city, (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Something terrible happening to a city is spoken of as if disaster overtakes it.

Amos 3:7

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Quote: Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing unless … the prophets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing unless he reveals … prophets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

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”

Amos 3:8

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Quote: The lion has roared; who will not fear? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to remind people of what people do when a lion roars. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The lion has roared; so we know that everyone will be afraid”

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Quote: The Lord Yahweh has spoken; who will not prophesy? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Amos uses this question to emphasize what people should already know about what prophets do when God speaks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The Lord Yahweh has spoken; so we know that the prophets will prophesy”

Amos 3:9

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Quote: Assemble yourselves (0)

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

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Quote: see what great confusion is in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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

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Quote: what great confusion is in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “great confusion is in her” refers to people’s fear because of the fighting and rioting there. Alternate translation: “how the people in Samaria riot”

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Quote: what oppression is in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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 can 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”

Amos 3:10

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Quote: For they do not know how to do right (0)

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

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Quote: They store up violence and destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 3:11

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Quote: Therefore, this is what the Lord Yahweh says (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: An enemy will surround the land (0)

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

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Quote: plunder your fortresses (0)

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

Amos 3:12

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Quote: As the shepherd rescues … so will the people of Israel … be rescued (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

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Quote: As the shepherd rescues out of the mouth of the lion two legs only, or a piece of an ear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: As the shepherd … the lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here the phrases “the shepherd” and “the lion” refer to any shepherd or lion. Alternate translation: “As a shepherd … a lion”

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Quote: they will be left with only the corner of a couch or a piece of a bed (0)

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.

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Quote: couch (0)

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

Amos 3:13

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Quote: the house of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 3:14

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Quote: in the day that I punish the sins of Israel (0)

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

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Quote: I will also punish the altars of Bethel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: The horns of the altar will be cut off and fall to the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: horns of the altar (0)

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

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Quote: the winter house with the summer house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

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Quote: The houses of ivory will perish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The houses of ivory (0)

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ivory (0)

the teeth and horns of large animals

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the large houses will vanish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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

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Quote: you cows of Bashan, you who are in the mountain of Samaria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who oppress the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The phrase “the poor” refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “you who oppress poor people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who crush the needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Hear “crush” is a metaphor that represents treating people badly. Alternate translation: “you who treat needy people badly”

Amos 4:2

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Quote: The Lord Yahweh has sworn by his holiness (0)

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.

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Quote: the days will come on you (0)

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

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Quote: the days will come on you when they will take you away with hooks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: they will take you away with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Amos 4:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

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Quote: breaks in the city wall (0)

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

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Quote: you will be thrown out toward Harmon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Harmon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.

Amos 4:4

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go to Bethel and sin, to Gilgal and multiply sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bring your sacrifices … every three days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every three days (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Offer a thanksgiving sacrifice … proclaim freewill offerings; announce them, for this pleases (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: announce them (0)

Alternate translation: “boast about them”

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Quote: for this pleases you, you people of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Amos 4:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I gave you cleanness of teeth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lack of bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have not returned to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Amos 4:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I also withheld rain from you (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when there were still three months to the harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: One piece of land was rained on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the piece of land where it did not rain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to any piece of land where it did not rain. Alternate translation: “the pieces of land where it did not rain”

Amos 4:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Two or three cities staggered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have not returned to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 4:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I afflicted you with blight and mildew (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: blight (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mildew (0)

This is another disease that kills plants.

Amos 4:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I sent a plague on you as on Egypt (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I sent a plague on you (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I killed your young men with the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: carried away your horses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made the stench of your camp come up to your nostrils (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The stench coming up to their nostrils represents them smelling something terrible. Alternate translation: “I made you smell the terrible odor of the dead bodies in your camp”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have not returned to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 4:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You were like a burning stick snatched out of the fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 4:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

God continues to speak to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prepare to meet your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

God says this to warn the people of Israel that he will judge them. Alternate translation: “prepare to meet me, your God”

Amos 4:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who forms the mountains … reveals his thoughts … is his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: makes the morning darkness (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: treads on the high places of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh, God of hosts, is his name (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 5:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The virgin Israel has fallen … no one to raise her up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she is forsaken on her land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Amos 5:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The city that went out with a thousand … the one that went out with a hundred (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The city that went out with a thousand will have a hundred left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrases “a thousand” and “a hundred” refer to a thousand soldiers and a hundred soldiers.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The city that went out with a thousand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will have a hundred left (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Seek me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “Seek me” represents asking God for help. Alternate translation: “Ask me for help”

Amos 5:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not seek Bethel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor enter Gilgal (0)

Alternate translation: “and do not enter Gilgal”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Gilgal will surely go into captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bethel will become nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 5:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Seek Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will break out like fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of Joseph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This phrase is a metonym for the descendants of Joseph. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will devour (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word “it” refers to the fire, and “devour” represents destroying everything. Alternate translation: “It will destroy everything”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there will be no one to quench it (0)

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

Amos 5:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turn justice into a bitter thing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: throw righteousness down to the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents treating righteousness as if it were worthless. Alternate translation: “treat righteousness as though it were as unimportant as dirt”

Amos 5:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Pleiades and Orion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he turns darkness into the morning … day dark with night (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: calls for the waters … on the surface of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh is his name! (0)

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

Amos 5:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He brings sudden destruction on the strong (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “He suddenly destroys the strong people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that destruction comes on the fortresses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can 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”

Amos 5:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They hate anyone (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel hate anyone”

Amos 5:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: worked stone (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not drink their wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Amos 5:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: afflict the just, take bribes, and turn aside the needy in the city gate (0)

This is a list of some of their sins.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the just (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The word “just” is a nominal adjective that refers to just people. Alternate translation: “just people” or “righteous people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take bribes (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turn aside the needy in the city gate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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

Amos 5:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any prudent person is silent (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for it is an evil time (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 5:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Seek good and not evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 5:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hate evil, love good (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: establish justice in the city gate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the city gate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the remnant of Joseph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 5:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is what Yahweh says, the God of hosts, the Lord (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Wailing will be in all the squares (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Wailing (0)

long, loud, sad cries

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the squares (0)

broad open places in the town where people gather

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mourners to wail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

Amos 5:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will pass through your midst (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

God uses this question to rebuke the people for saying that they want the day of Yahweh to be soon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You long for the day of Yahweh.” or “You should not long for the day of Yahweh!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be darkness and not light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 5:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Will not the day of Yahweh be darkness and not light? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gloom and no brightness? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.

Amos 5:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I hate, I despise your festivals (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I take no delight in your solemn assemblies (0)

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

Amos 5:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Remove from me the noise of your songs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: noise (0)

unpleasant sounds

Amos 5:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let justice flow like water, and righteousness like a constantly flowing stream (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Amos 5:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Did you bring me sacrifices … Israel? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Did you bring (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Amos 5:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have lifted up the images of Sikkuth … and Kaiwan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sikkuth … Kaiwan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of two false gods. The people had made images to represent them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kaiwan (0)

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.

Amos 6:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are at ease (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the notable men of the best of the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of Israel comes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: comes for help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Here “comes” can be stated as “goes.” Alternate translation: “goes for help”

Amos 6:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kalneh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Are they better than your two kingdoms? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is their border larger than your border? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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”

Amos 6:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to those who put off the day of disaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and make the throne of violence come near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “throne” is a metonym that represents reign or rule. Alternate translation: “but who are actually causing me to send violent people to destroy you”

Amos 6:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lie … lounge (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: beds of ivory (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ivory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a white substance made from the teeth and horns of large animals

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lounge (0)

lie around like lazy people

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: couches (0)

soft seats large enough to lie down on

Amos 6:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they improvise on instruments (0)

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

Amos 6:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: drink wine from bowls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This implies that they drink a lot of wine because they drink it from a large bowl rather than a regular wine cup.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 6:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will now go into exile with the first exiles (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the feasts of those who lounge about will pass away (0)

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

Amos 6:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I detest the pride of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I hate his fortresses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Amos 6:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

General Information:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if there are ten men left in one house, they will all die (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Amos 6:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cremate (0)

to burn a dead body

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bringing the corpses (0)

Alternate translation: “bringing the dead bodies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then he will say, “Be quiet, for we must not mention Yahweh’s name.” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

Amos 6:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look (0)

Alternate translation: “listen” or “pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the big house will be smashed to pieces, and the little house to bits (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases share similar meanings. Alternate translation: “all the houses will be smashed into small pieces”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the big house will be smashed to pieces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to pieces … to bits (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the little house to bits (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

Amos 6:12

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do horses run on the rocky cliffs? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Does one plow there with oxen? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yet you have turned justice into poison (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruit of righteousness into bitterness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: “you distort what is right”

Amos 6:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lo Debar … Karnaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of towns.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have we not taken Karnaim by our own strength? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Amos 6:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look (0)

Alternate translation: “listen” or “pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from Lebo Hamath to the brook of the Arabah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: brook (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look … look (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: locust (0)

See how you translated this in Amos 4:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: after the king’s harvest (0)

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

Amos 7:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: please forgive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how will Jacob survive? For he is so small. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 7:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Lord Yahweh called on fire to judge (0)

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

Amos 7:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: how will Jacob survive? For he is so small. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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!”

Amos 7:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plumb line (0)

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

Amos 7:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what do you see? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate translation: “tell me what you see.”

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Quote: I will put a plumb line among my people Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 7:9

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Quote: The high places of Isaac will be destroyed, the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents an army. 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”

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Quote: Isaac … Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: the house of Jeroboam (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 7:10

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Quote: Amaziah, the priest of Bethel (0)

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

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Quote: Amaziah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a man.

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Quote: Amos has conspired against you in the middle of the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: The land cannot bear all his words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” represents “people.” Alternate translation: “What his is saying disturb the peace among the people” or “His message will cause trouble among the people”

Amos 7:11

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Quote: Jeroboam will die by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents the enemies. Alternate translation: “Enemies will kill Jeroboam”

Amos 7:12

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Quote: there eat bread and prophesy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Amos 7:13

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Quote: for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

Amos 7:14

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Quote: herdsman (0)

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

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Quote: sycamore fig trees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Sycamores are broad trees that grow up to 15 meters tall. Alternate translation: “fig trees”

Amos 7:16

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Quote: Now (0)

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

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Quote: do not speak against the house of Isaac (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 7:17

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Quote: your sons and your daughters will fall by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: your land will be measured and divided up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

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Quote: an unclean land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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

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Quote: Look, a basket of summer fruit! (0)

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

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Quote: summer fruit (0)

Alternate translation: “ripe fruit”

Amos 8:2

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Quote: What do you see, Amos? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you see, Amos.”

Amos 8:3

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Quote: in that day (0)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

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Quote: Silence! (0)

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

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Quote: Listen to this (0)

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

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Quote: you who trample the needy and remove the poor of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

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Quote: you who trample (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Amos 8:5

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Quote: They say, “When will the new moon be over, so we can sell grain again? When will the Sabbath day be over, so that we can sell wheat? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The merchants use theses question to emphasize that want to start selling their items again. 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”

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Quote: We will make the measure small and increase the price, as we cheat with false scales (0)

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

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Quote: the needy for a pair of sandals (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

Amos 8:7

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Quote: Yahweh has sworn by the pride of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Amos 8:8

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Quote: Will not the land quake for this, and every one who lives in it mourn? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: All of it will rise up like the Nile River … like the river of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

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Quote: river of Egypt (0)

This is another name for the Nile River.

Amos 8:9

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Quote: It will come in that day (0)

Alternate translation: “It will happen at that time”

Amos 8:10

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Quote: have baldness on every head (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

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

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Quote: like mourning for an only son (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

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Quote: a bitter day to its end (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 8:11

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Quote: the days are coming (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: when I will send a famine in the land … but for hearing the words of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Amos 8:12

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Quote: They will stagger from sea to sea; they will run from the north to the east to seek the word of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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”

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Quote: from sea to sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This implies the Dead Sea in the south and the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

Amos 8:13

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Quote: In that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

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Quote: faint (0)

to lose all strength

Amos 8:14

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Quote: by the sin of Samaria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: As your god lives, Dan (0)

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.

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Quote: As the way to Beersheba exists (0)

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.

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Quote: they will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they will die”

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)

Amos 9:1

General Information:

Yahweh shows Amos another vision.

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Quote: Strike the tops … Break them (0)

It is uncertain to whom Yahweh is speaking these commands.

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Quote: Strike the tops of the pillars so that the foundations will shake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that Yahweh is speaking about the pillars and foundations of a temple.

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Quote: so that the foundations will shake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

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Quote: Break them in pieces on all of their heads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: I will kill the last of them with the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 9:2

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Quote: Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Yahweh uses an exaggerated image of people fleeing to Sheol or heaven to try to escape being killed. Alternate translation: “Even if they were to flee to Sheol or to heaven, they would not be able to escape me”

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Quote: there my hand will take them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 9:3

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Quote: Though they hide on the top of Carmel … Though they are hidden from my sight in the bottom of the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

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”

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Quote: serpent (0)

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

Amos 9:4

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Quote: Though they go into captivity, driven by their enemies before them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

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Quote: there will I give orders to the sword, and it will kill them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: I will keep my eyes on them for harm and not for good (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “eyes” represents seeing. Alternate translation: “I will watch closely and make sure only bad things happen to them and not good things”

Amos 9:5

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Quote: all of it will rise up like the River, and sink again like the river of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Amos 9:6

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Quote: he who builds his steps in the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

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Quote: has established his vault over the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: He calls for the waters of the sea … on the surface of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: Yahweh is his name (0)

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

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Quote: Are you not like the people of Cush to me, & Israel—this … declaration—did I not bring up Israel … the Philistines … the Arameans from Kir? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: Kir (0)

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

Amos 9:8

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Quote: the eyes of the Lord Yahweh are on the sinful kingdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “eyes” represents seeing. Alternate translation: “I, the Lord Yahweh, see that the people of this kingdom are very sinful”

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Quote: I will destroy it from the face of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

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Quote: the house of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Amos 9:9

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Quote: the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

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Quote: I will shake the house of Israel … as one shakes grain in a sieve, so that not the smallest stone will fall to the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

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Quote: sieve (0)

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

Amos 9:10

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Quote: All the sinners of my people will die by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: Disaster will not overtake or meet us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Amos 9:11

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Quote: In that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

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Quote: I will raise up the tent of David that has fallen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: close up its breaches (0)

Alternate translation: “I will repair its walls”

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Quote: I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old (0)

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

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Quote: breaches (0)

parts of a wall that have fallen down

Amos 9:12

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Quote: the remnant of Edom (0)

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

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Quote: all the nations that are called by my name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “all the nations that once belonged to me”

Amos 9:13

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Quote: Look (0)

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

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Quote: the days will come … when the plowman (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: when the plowman … him who plants seed (0)

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.

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Quote: The mountains will drip sweet wine, and all the hills will flow with it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two lines mean basically the same thing.

Amos 9:15

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Quote: I will plant them upon their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: they will never again be uprooted from the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: uprooted (0)

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