from עָמַס; burdensome; Amos, an Israelite prophet; Amos.
Transliteration:ʻÂmôwç
Pronunciation:aw-moce'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָמוֹס (ʻÂmôwç), Strong's number `{{H5986}}`, derives directly from the verb עָמַס (ʻâmas), meaning "to load, to bear a burden, to carry a heavy load" (`{{H6006}}`). Thus, עָמוֹס semantically signifies "burdensome" or, more accurately in the context of a person's name, "burden-bearer" or "one who carries a burden." This etymological root is highly significant, as it intrinsically links the name to the concept of carrying a weighty responsibility or message. The burden is not merely physical but often refers to the spiritual or prophetic weight of a divine message, a common motif in prophetic literature where oracles are sometimes referred to as "burdens" (מַשָּׂא, *massa'*, `{{H4853}}`).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary and most significant occurrence of עָמוֹס (ʻÂmôwç) in the Hebrew Bible is as the name of the prophet Amos, author of the book bearing his name. Amos is identified as a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore figs from Tekoa, a town in Judah, yet he was called by Yahweh to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel ([[Amos 1:1]]). His humble, non-professional background as a prophet is explicitly stated in his confrontation with Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, where Amos declares, "I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs; but the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel'" ([[Amos 7:14-15]]).
The context of his prophecy is one of pervasive social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and spiritual complacency in Israel. Amos's message is characterized by its unyielding pronouncements of divine judgment against Israel and surrounding nations for their ethical failures and idolatry. He condemns the wealthy for oppressing the poor, the corrupt legal system, and the empty rituals of worship that lacked true righteousness ([[Amos 2:6-8]], [[Amos 5:21-24]]). The "burden" of his name is vividly reflected in the severe and often unwelcome nature of his prophetic message, which he faithfully delivered despite opposition. His prophecies, while primarily focused on judgment, also contain glimpses of future restoration and hope for a remnant ([[Amos 9:11-15]]), demonstrating the comprehensive scope of God's covenant faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root עָמַס (ʻâmas, `{{H6006}}`), from which עָמוֹס is derived. This root appears in various contexts denoting the act of loading or bearing a burden, whether literal (e.g., carrying a load of wood) or figurative (e.g., bearing a heavy responsibility). The concept of a "burden" (מַשָּׂא, *massa'*, `{{H4853}}`) is also closely related, often referring to a prophetic oracle or a weighty divine pronouncement. Other prophets, such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, also spoke of the "burden" of the Lord's word upon them.
The ministry of Amos connects to broader biblical themes:
* **Divine Calling:** God's sovereign choice of individuals from diverse backgrounds to serve His purposes.
* **Social Justice:** The emphasis on righteousness and justice as core components of true worship and covenant fidelity.
* **Prophetic Intercession/Confrontation:** The role of the prophet as a messenger who both pleads with God on behalf of the people and confronts the people with God's truth.
* **Judgment and Restoration:** The cyclical pattern of divine judgment for sin followed by the promise of future restoration for a faithful remnant.
### Theological Significance
The name עָמוֹס (ʻÂmôwç), "burden-bearer," carries profound theological significance when applied to the prophet. It aptly foreshadows the nature and intensity of his prophetic ministry. Amos was called to carry a heavy "burden" from God – a message of impending judgment and condemnation for Israel's deep-seated sins. This burden was not merely a message to be delivered but a weight of divine sorrow and righteous anger that Amos, as God's chosen vessel, had to internalize and articulate.
His calling from a simple, rural life underscores God's freedom to choose His instruments regardless of their social standing or formal training. This highlights God's sovereignty and the fact that prophetic authority derives solely from Him. The "burden" also speaks to the inherent difficulty and often unpopularity of speaking God's unvarnished truth to a complacent and rebellious people. Amos's willingness to bear this burden demonstrates faithfulness and obedience to his divine commission. His message serves as a timeless reminder of God's unyielding demand for justice and righteousness, His intolerance of religious hypocrisy, and His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant, even through judgment that leads to purification and future hope.
### Summary
עָמוֹס (ʻÂmôwç), Strong's number `{{H5986}}`, means "burden-bearer" or "one who carries a burden," derived from the verb עָמַס (ʻâmas, `{{H6006}}`), "to load, to bear." This name is preeminently associated with the prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa called by God to deliver a weighty message of judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His ministry, as detailed in the Book of Amos, involved confronting widespread social injustice, idolatry, and religious formalism. The "burden" of his name powerfully reflects the severe and often unwelcome nature of his prophetic pronouncements, emphasizing God's righteous indignation against sin and His demand for justice. Theologically, Amos's name and calling underscore God's sovereign choice of His messengers, the difficult but essential role of bearing God's truth, and the divine commitment to both judgment and ultimate restoration.
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