Flight (Hebrew: a refuge) shall perish from the swift/Not even fast runners will escape. In many languages some form of restructuring will be necessary, such as “swift runners will find no refuge” (The Translator’s Old Testament), or Not even fast runners will escape, “he who is quick will not escape,” etc. There has been a slight shift in the language from earlier verses. God is now talking about, not directly to, people once more, so far as the grammar is concerned: “the swift,” not “you who are swift” (see discussion under 2.6a). In English there is no problem, as these various people are examples of the you in verse 13. However, in some languages it would be better to translate “you fast runners” or “your fast runners” or “the fast runners among you.” This continues through verse 16.

The strong shall not retain (Hebrew: unfold) his strength/strong men will lose their strength. Another possibility for the Hebrew: “his strength will not strengthen the strong.” In some languages one may have to say something like: “strong (or mighty) people will not be able to use their strength” or “the strong will become weak.”

Nor shall the mighty save his life/and soldiers will not be able to save their own lives. Another possibility: “and the warriors will not be able to save (or: protect) themselves.”

Quoted with permission from de Waard, Jan & Smalley, William A. A Handbook on Amos. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1979. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .