Amos 5:24

וְיִגַּ֥ל כַּמַּ֖יִם מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וּצְדָקָ֖ה כְּנַ֥חַל אֵיתָֽן׃

But let justice roll like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Morphology

1. וְיִגַּל (ve-yigal) – Root: גלל (galal); Form: Conjunction וְ + Qal imperfect 3rd person masculine singular; Translation: “and let roll” or “but let roll”; Notes: Expresses a wish or command for continuous flow, metaphorically depicting the outpouring of justice.
2. כַּמַּיִם (ka-mayim) – Root: מים (mayim); Form: Preposition כְּ + noun masculine plural; Translation: “like waters”; Notes: Simile illustrating abundance and unstoppable movement—justice should flow freely and powerfully.
3. מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) – Root: שׁפט (shafat); Form: Noun masculine singular; Translation: “justice”; Notes: Refers to social and moral order rooted in divine law; contrasts the corruption condemned earlier.
4. וּצְדָקָה (u-tsedaqah) – Root: צדק (tsadaq); Form: Conjunction וְ + noun feminine singular; Translation: “and righteousness”; Notes: Represents ethical integrity and fairness in human relationships; often paired with “justice.”
5. כְּנַחַל (ke-naḥal) – Root: נחל (naḥal); Form: Preposition כְּ + noun masculine singular; Translation: “like a stream”; Notes: Symbol of sustained and life-giving force, flowing constantly unlike temporary floods.
6. אֵיתָן (eitan) – Root: איתן (eitan); Form: Adjective masculine singular; Translation: “mighty” or “ever-flowing”; Notes: Conveys strength, permanence, and stability, describing the enduring quality of true righteousness.