Amos 4 11

Amos 4:11 kjv

I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Amos 4:11 nkjv

"I overthrew some of you, As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, And you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning; Yet you have not returned to Me," Says the LORD.

Amos 4:11 niv

"I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.

Amos 4:11 esv

"I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me," declares the LORD.

Amos 4:11 nlt

"I destroyed some of your cities,
as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
Those of you who survived
were like charred sticks pulled from a fire.
But still you would not return to me,"
says the LORD.

Amos 4 verses

Amos 4 11 Meaning

The verse describes God's actions as a destroyer who brought disaster upon Israel. This disaster was like the overturning of Sodom and Gomorrah, a cataclysmic judgment meant to serve as a severe warning and a clear indication of divine wrath against disobedience and unfaithfulness. God intervened through devastating means, leaving the people of Israel as "a brand plucked out of the fire," signifying their near destruction and remnant status.

Amos 4 11 Context

Amos 4:11 is part of a prophetic oracle that denounces the sins of Israel, specifically the wealthy and powerful. Following a series of "I have done" statements (vv. 6-10) detailing God's attempts to bring Israel to repentance through various judgments like famine, drought, pestilence, and war, this verse highlights a particularly devastating act of judgment. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah signifies utter destruction and divine retribution for deep-seated sin. The verse implies that Israel's unfaithfulness has brought them to the brink of complete annihilation, like a "brand plucked from the fire," suggesting a remnant is preserved, though barely. The immediate context in Amos 4 is the ongoing critique of social injustice, idolatry, and false security within Israel.

Amos 4 11 Word analysis

• hēḇāpôk tähpôk (הפכת הפך):

  • "You have been overthrown, overthrown."
  • The verb hapak (הפך) means "to turn," "to overthrow," "to overturn," "to subvert." The repetition emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the destruction. It signifies a radical reversal of fortune.
  • This phrase captures the sense of complete ruin and devastation that befell the nation.

• kēpōkê (כּהפך):

  • "as when overthrowing."
  • The kê (כ) prefix denotes "like" or "as." It sets up a comparison.

• ’elohîm (אלהים):

  • "God."
  • Refers to the supreme Being, the covenant Lord who exercises power and judgment over nations.

• ’elohîm ’ōtah (אלהים אותה):

  • "God overthrew it."
  • The Hebrew places emphasis on God as the active agent of this extreme judgment.

• Sĕdôm (סדם):

  • "Sodom."
  • A city known for its profound wickedness and divine judgment of destruction by fire and brimstone (Gen. 19). Its name is synonymous with utter ruin due to sin.

• Wĕgômôrâh (וגמרה):

  • "and Gomorrah."
  • Paired with Sodom, emphasizing the scale and nature of the destruction—total annihilation. The conjunction wĕ (ו) means "and."

• kĕrî (קרי):

  • "a burning"? "refuse"? "carrion"?
  • This word is challenging. Some translations interpret it as a "brand" or "burning ember." Others suggest "refuse" or something caught in the fire.
  • The common interpretation as "brand" or "burning ember" signifies something rescued from destruction, charred and damaged but still extant. This implies a remnant.

• mî-’ēš (מיש):

  • "from the fire."
  • The preposition mî (מ) means "from." The ’ēš (אש) means "fire," linking the object rescued to the consuming judgment.

Amos 4 11 Bonus section

The phrase "a brand plucked out of the fire" is a powerful metaphor for a remnant. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, representing a portion of God's people who are preserved through judgment, embodying hope and the continuation of God's redemptive plan. This preservation is not due to their merit but due to God's grace and His promises. The ultimate fulfillment of this remnant concept is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true remnant of Israel and through whom all nations can be blessed. Even in the face of imminent destruction, God secures a future for a faithful few, emphasizing His mercy alongside His justice.

Amos 4 11 Commentary

This verse underscores God's sovereign authority and the dire consequences of persistent sin and rebellion. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah leaves no room for doubt regarding the severity of God's judgment against unfaithfulness. It highlights a moment of extreme divine intervention where Israel, like a brand snatched from the fire, was spared complete annihilation, indicating a preserved remnant. This remnant status does not signify a lack of consequence but a demonstration of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even amidst severe chastisement. The Lord's judgment, while severe, is intended to warn and ultimately to purify His people.