The Lord GOD has sworn by himself (Hebrew: his life)/The Sovereign LORD Almighty has given this solemn warning. See 3.7; 4.2. In some cases there is no need to make a distinction between promise (4.2) and warning as the Good News Translation has done. In other languages, however, “promise” is always for good and “warning” is for evil, so that the distinction should be made.

I abhor … hate/I hate. See 5.21.

The pride of Jacob/The pride of the people of Israel. See 3.13, where it is suggested the translator keep the name of Jacob. The reasons given for that passage do not apply here, and it may be clearer to translate people of Israel. Pride of Jacob may have been a proverbial expression for the first readers, but it is practically meaningless for the average reader today.

Strongholds/luxurious mansions. These were symbols of Israel’s pride. Other translations which have been used include “palaces” and even “buildings with several stories.” Where languages do not have close equivalents, see 1.4.

And I will deliver up the city and all that is in it/I will give their capital city and everything in it to the enemy. City can only refer to Samaria, and Good News Translation is correct in translating their capital city. In many languages the translator will have to state to what or to whom the city has been abandoned. The same Hebrew word was used in 1.6 with the specific meaning of “to give completely into the power of the enemy,” and this meaning is used here also in The Translator’s Old Testament and Good News Translation. In many cases it would be best to say “their enemies.”

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 .