Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(weighty). One of the lesser prophets. Lived during reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II. (Amos 1:1-7; 7:14-15). His book is 30th of O. T. It rebukes the sins of Israel and closes with God’s promise. Book abounds in rural allusions.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
One of the minor Prophets, a native of Tekoa in Judah, possibly the father of the prophet Isaiah. He told Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit: and the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel” (Amos 7:14-15). His language indicates an acquaintance with things that would be familiar to one leading an agricultural life (compare Amos 2:13; Amos 3:12; Amos 4:9; Amos 5:8; Amos 6:12; Amos 7:1-2). He tells us that his prophecy was given in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and of Jeroboam II, son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake; or at least began at that time, Amos 1:1. For about 25 years these two kings were contemporaneous (B.C. 810-785).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
from 6006; burdensome; Amos, an Israelite prophet
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
to lade, to burden
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
Strong; vigorous; burdened; who is being borne:―an Israelite prophet, Amos 1:1. {Potens; qui gestatur}