Amos 6 4

Amos 6:4 kjv

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:4 nkjv

Who lie on beds of ivory, Stretch out on your couches, Eat lambs from the flock And calves from the midst of the stall;

Amos 6:4 niv

You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.

Amos 6:4 esv

"Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall,

Amos 6:4 nlt

How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds
and lounge on your couches,
eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock
and of choice calves fattened in the stall.

Amos 6 verses

Amos 6 4 Meaning

This verse pronounces judgment upon those who are at ease and secure in Zion and Samaria, the centers of luxury and false worship. It highlights their complacency stemming from comfort and excess, and warns that God will bring them into exile.

Amos 6 4 Context

Chapter 6 of Amos directly addresses the perceived complacency and corrupt leadership of the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly its wealthy elite. They are characterized by their luxurious lifestyles and disregard for social justice and God's covenant. This verse is part of a series of "woe" oracles directed against this sinful nation, highlighting the futility of their self-reliance and false security. Historically, this prophecy comes during a period of relative prosperity and political stability for Israel, which ironically lulls them into a false sense of security and allows their spiritual and moral decay to flourish, making them ripe for God's judgment.

Amos 6 4 Word Analysis

• woe (Hebrew: ה֖וֹי - hoy)

  • Meaning: An interjection expressing grief, distress, or condemnation. It serves as a prophetic declaration of impending doom or divine judgment.
  • Significance: This word immediately sets a tone of severe divine displeasure and announces that a pronouncement of judgment is about to follow.

• to those (Hebrew: לַֽ֭שְׁקַטִּים - la·šə·qə·ṭîm)

  • Word Breakdown: Derived from the root שׁקט (shaqat), meaning "to be quiet," "to be at rest," or "to be at ease."
  • Meaning: Those who are at ease, tranquil, or at rest.
  • Significance: This describes the state of complacency and lack of concern for spiritual matters or the plight of others. It's an ease born of material comfort, not spiritual peace.

• in Zion (Hebrew: צִיּוֹן - ṣî·yôn)

  • Meaning: Refers to Jerusalem and the stronghold of Zion, but here, metaphorically represents the spiritual and political center of Israel.
  • Significance: It points to the perceived security and prestige associated with the nation's capital and, by extension, the entire covenant people, which they misinterpret as God’s approval.

• and (Hebrew: וְ - wə)

  • Meaning: A conjunctive particle.

• on (Hebrew: עַל - ‘al)

  • Meaning: A preposition indicating location, position, or cause.

• mountain (Hebrew: הַר - har)

  • Meaning: A mountain or hill.

• of Samaria (Hebrew: שֹׁמְרוֹן - šō·mə·rôn)

  • Meaning: The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel.
  • Significance: Represents the heart of the northern kingdom, similar to how Zion represents Judah, highlighting judgment on both significant centers of Israelite life and prosperity.

• group analysis:

  • "at ease in Zion and on mountain of Samaria": This phrase encapsulates the target of God's judgment: those who have become spiritually and morally lazy due to material prosperity and national security, residing in the prominent cities of Israel. Their "ease" is not from true peace with God, but from comfortable self-sufficiency and a disregard for the consequences of their actions.

Amos 6 4 Bonus Section

The prophetic use of "Zion" and "Samaria" together points to the widespread nature of this sin and impending judgment throughout all of Israel, not just a specific region. It demonstrates that the moral and spiritual decline was systemic, affecting both the religious capital (Zion/Jerusalem in Judah) and the political capital (Samaria in Israel). The luxury described in these verses speaks to a deep-seated materialism that has replaced devotion to God. This echoes Jesus' warnings in the New Testament about the dangers of wealth and worldly cares choking the word of God (Matthew 13:22) and the judgment on those who enjoy comfort while ignoring the suffering of others, similar to the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

Amos 6 4 Commentary

The prophet Amos pronounces a severe "woe" upon the wealthy and influential citizens of Zion and Samaria. Their "ease" is not a blessing but a symptom of their deep spiritual decay. They live in luxury, building elaborate homes and indulging in fine furniture (Amos 6:4b, 6), completely oblivious or indifferent to the social injustices they perpetrate and the spiritual adultery they commit by turning away from God. This comfort blinds them to the imminent judgment they deserve. The "mountain of Samaria" emphasizes their pride and sense of elevated status. This complacency is precisely why God pronounces judgment, assuring them that their perceived security will be shattered and they will be among the first to be exiled. Their peace is superficial, and their comfort is a breeding ground for God's wrath.