Pronunciation Guide: ah-MOCE (rhymes with ‘dose’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G301: Ἀμώς (Amōs) is a proper noun of Hebrew origin meaning “carried” or “burden-bearer.” As a personal name appearing in the genealogy of the Messiah Jesus, it carries the meaningful concept of one who is “carried by God” or “whom God carries.” This name shares its etymology with the Old Testament prophet Amos but refers to a different individual in the New Testament.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun derived from Hebrew עָמַס (amas), meaning “to load” or “to carry”
• Appears in narrative genealogical sections
• Hellenized form of the Hebrew name עָמוֹס (Amos)
• Used exclusively as a personal name in the New Testament

Ἀμώς Morphology:

• Ἀμώς (nominative singular) – Amos
• τοῦ Ἀμώς (genitive singular) – of Amos
• τῷ Ἀμώς (dative singular) – to/for Amos
• τὸν Ἀμώς (accusative singular) – Amos (as direct object)

Origin & History

The name Ἀμώς represents the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name עָמוֹס (Amos), which appears multiple times in Jewish history. The root עָמַס (amas) appears frequently in classical Hebrew literature with the consistent meaning of “to carry, bear a load, or lift a burden.” In the Septuagint, this name appears both for the prophet Amos and in genealogical lists, maintaining its Hebrew semantic value.

The name gained particular significance through the prophet Amos (8th century BCE), though the Ἀμώς mentioned in Luke 3:25 is a different individual. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “On the Change of Names,” discusses how Hebrew names often carry theological significance, with names containing elements of divine action being particularly meaningful in Jewish thought.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who is carried or borne (particularly by God)
• A burden-bearer or one who lifts up
• One who is sustained or supported

Ἀμώς Translation Options:

• Amos – The standard transliteration maintained across most English versions
• Carried One – A meaningful translation capturing the Hebrew etymology
• Burden-Bearer – An alternative emphasizing the active meaning of the root
• God’s Sustained One – A dynamic equivalent capturing the theological implications

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἀμώς appears exclusively in Luke 3:25 as part of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. This placement is significant as it occurs in Luke’s version of the genealogy, which traces Jesus’ lineage through Mary’s line back to Adam, emphasizing His full humanity and role as the “Second Adam.”

The name’s appearance in a genealogy that culminates in the Messiah adds deeper meaning to its etymology – one who is “carried by God.” This resonates with the broader biblical theme of God carrying His people and sustaining His messianic line throughout history.

• “…the son of Ἀμώς [Amos]…” (Luke 3:25)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, names were chosen with great care and often served as prophetic declarations over a child’s life or reflected circumstances around their birth. The concept of being “carried by God” would have resonated deeply with the Jewish understanding of divine providence and care, recalling passages like Deuteronomy 1:31 where God is described as carrying Israel “as a father carries his son.”

The appearance of this name in the Messiah’s genealogy takes on added significance when considering the Jewish concept of שְׁאֵרִית (she’erit) or “remnant” – those preserved and carried by God through history to fulfill His purposes. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of divine preservation leading to the Messiah’s advent.

Theological Significance

The meaning of Ἀμώς points to the fundamental biblical truth of God’s sustaining power and faithful care for His people. This name appears in the genealogy of the One who would ultimately carry humanity’s greatest burden – our sin. The theological symbolism is profound: one whose name means “carried by God” stands in the lineage of Him who would carry our iniquities (Isaiah 53:4).

This connection between being carried and carrying others reflects the dual nature of our relationship with God – we are both carried by Him and called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The presence of this name in the Messiah’s genealogy reminds us that God’s sustaining power runs throughout redemptive history.

Personal Application

When we encounter Ἀμώς in Scripture, we’re reminded that we too are carried by God through life’s challenges and trials. Just as each person in the Messiah’s genealogy was sustained by divine providence, we can trust in God’s faithful care for us today. This name invites us to reflect on how God has carried us through difficult seasons and challenges us to be burden-bearers for others.

Consider keeping a journal of times when you’ve experienced God carrying you through difficulties, and look for opportunities to be like Ἀμώς – one who both experiences being carried by God and helps carry others’ burdens in His name.

Related Words

• αἴρω (airō) – to lift up, carry, bear – Shares the concept of bearing or carrying, though used more broadly in physical and metaphorical contexts. See G142
• βαστάζω (bastazō) – to bear, carry, sustain – Often used for carrying burdens, both physical and spiritual. See G941
• φέρω (pherō) – to bear, carry, bring forth – A general term for carrying or bringing, often used in contexts of divine enablement. See G5342

Did you Know?

• The name Ἀμώς appears in ancient Jewish inscriptions outside the Bible, indicating its continued use in Jewish communities throughout the Second Temple period, showing its enduring significance in Jewish culture.
• While this Ἀμώς in Luke’s genealogy is distinct from the prophet Amos, both names derive from the same Hebrew root עָמַס (amas), which appears over 35 times in the Hebrew Bible.
• Modern Hebrew still uses the root amas (עמס) in everyday language, particularly in military contexts where it refers to carrying equipment or bearing a load, maintaining its ancient meaning even in contemporary usage.

Remember This

Ἀμώς stands as an eternal reminder in the Messiah’s genealogy that God faithfully carries His people and His purposes through history, leading to the ultimate Burden-Bearer, Jesus the Messiah.