Meaning of the Name Amos
Amos is commonly explained from a root associated with carrying or bearing a load. That is why it is often glossed as "burden-bearer" or, more figuratively, "one who carries a load." Even so, some caution is appropriate when dealing with short personal names.
Origin
The name Amos is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Amos in the Bible?
Amos is the shepherd and dresser of sycamore figs from Tekoa who prophesies especially to the northern kingdom of Israel. Social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and coming judgment are emphasized strongly in his book. Although the name may occur elsewhere, the prophet of the book of Amos is the primary bearer in view.
The story of Amos in the Bible
Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah; by his own account he was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but a herdsman who also tended sycamore-fig trees. The LORD took him from following the flock and sent him to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel. The opening of his book dates his ministry to the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. Amos first lists the crimes of the surrounding nations one by one, then turns his aim on Israel itself: the crushing of the poor, the twisting of justice, and worship turned into display draw his harshest words. He declares that the LORD takes no pleasure in feasts and songs, desiring instead that justice roll on like a river. When Amaziah the priest of Bethel tried to silence him and send him back to Judah, Amos stood his ground, insisting his call came from the LORD. Even so, the book closes in hope, with the promise that David's fallen shelter will be rebuilt.
Is Amos mentioned in the Quran?
The name Amos does not appear in the Quran; he is known from the book of Amos in the Old Testament as the shepherd-prophet who spoke powerfully for justice.
Verses where Amos appears
- Amos 1:1 —
The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
- Amos 5:24 —
But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
- Amos 7:14 —
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs;