For thus says the LORD/The LORD says. The opening word in Hebrew introduces a separate saying and does not show a relationship with the preceding paragraph. In contrast with older translations which had “for” (Revised Standard Version, Smith-Goodspeed), it seems better in many languages not to translate this word at all. Note some of the translations in addition to Good News Translation: “These are the words of the LORD to the people of Israel” (New English Bible) and “This is what the LORD has said to the nation of Israel” (The Translator’s Old Testament); (compare also Moffatt: “Here is the Eternal’s message for the house of Israel”). On the structural importance of this phrase, see Appendix, Section 1.3.

The house of Israel/the people of Israel. See 5.1.

Seek me and live/Come to me, and you will live. Often a verb “to seek” implies a search for something or someone lost or inaccessible, which is, of course, not the case here. The best translation in some languages is come to me (so also The Translator’s Old Testament) or, more clearly, “come (back) to worship me” or “come to me for help,” “come to me for advice” (compare New English Bible: “resort to me”). “Turn back” is a possibility in some languages.

Of these, “come/turn (back) to worship me” may be the easiest to fit into the context because of the contrast with places of worship in Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba. However, a term for “worship” is not enough if it simply means a ritual. Some possibilities: “come and let me be your LORD” or “come back to being my people.”

The Hebrew has two commands, of which “seek” is the condition and “live” the consequence: Come to me, and you will live or “Come and let me be your LORD. Then you will live,” or even “If you come to me for help, you will live” or “Come back to be my people, so you can live.” You will live may have to be expressed as “you will remain alive,” “you will survive (my judgment),” or in some languages it may be better to translate “so you may not die.” In translating this sentence it is important to keep in mind the parallel sentence in verse 6.

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 .