Amos 6:6 kjv
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
Amos 6:6 nkjv
Who drink wine from bowls, And anoint yourselves with the best ointments, But are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
Amos 6:6 niv
You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.
Amos 6:6 esv
who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Amos 6:6 nlt
You drink wine by the bowlful
and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions.
You care nothing about the ruin of your nation.
Amos 6 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Amos 6:6 | Those who drink from bowls and anoint themselves with fine oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! | Lamentations 2:11; Isaiah 22:12-13 |
| Isaiah 5:11 | Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may pursue strong drink, who linger till the evening, till wine inflames them! | Proverbs 23:20, 30; 1 Samuel 1:14 |
| Proverbs 31:4 | It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink. | Ephesians 5:18 |
| Luke 12:16-21 | Parable of the rich fool who stores up wealth for himself but is not rich toward God. | Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17 |
| Amos 8:4 | Hear this, you who trample on the needy to make the poor of the land cease. | Psalm 10:2; Ezekiel 18:12-13 |
| Amos 4:1 | Hear this word, you kine of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the weak, who crush the needy. | Micah 3:2-3; Psalm 94:4-6 |
| James 5:1-6 | Condemnation of the rich who have hoarded wealth and oppressed workers. | Luke 6:24; Matthew 19:23-24 |
| Deuteronomy 28:49 | The Lord will bring a nation from far off, from the end of the earth, as the eagle soars. | Jeremiah 5:15; Lamentations 4:19 |
| Jeremiah 5:15 | Lo, I will bring a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel, declares the LORD. | Deuteronomy 28:49; Ezekiel 17:3 |
| Ezekiel 17:3 | And say, Thus says the Lord GOD: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, rich in plumage, of various colors, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar. | Daniel 4:10-11; Revelation 9:14 |
| Amos 5:10-13 | Denunciation of those who love wickedness and pervert justice in the city gates. | Amos 5:7; Micah 7:3 |
| Amos 3:10 | They do not know how to do right, declares the LORD, those who store up violence and ruin in their fortresses. | Proverbs 1:11, 18 |
| Isaiah 10:1-2 | Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees and writeﻀ hardship. | Micah 2:1-2; Psalm 12:5 |
| Luke 16:19-31 | Parable of the rich man and Lazarus. | Proverbs 22:2; Isaiah 3:16-17 |
| 1 Corinthians 6:10 | Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. | Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-6 |
| Nahum 3:12 | Your fortress are like figs in the first ripe figs; if shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater. | Song of Solomon 2:3; Lamentations 2:5 |
| Hosea 7:8 | Ephraim, he mixes himself with the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned. | Jeremiah 5:6; 1 Corinthians 15:33 |
| Ecclesiastes 10:17 | Blessed are you, O land, when you have a king, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness. | Proverbs 20:1; Ecclesiastes 10:16 |
| Habakkuk 2:15 | Woe to him who makes his neighbor drink of the cup of his wrath and makes him drunk, to gaze on their nakedness! | Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 25:15 |
| Romans 13:12-14 | Putting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. | Ephesians 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:7 |
Amos 6 verses
Amos 6 6 Meaning
The verse describes the carefree indifference of the wealthy elite to the suffering of others. They are unconcerned about the nation's destruction or the hardship faced by their fellow Israelites. This self-absorption stems from their secure and comfortable lifestyle, built upon exploitation and injustice.
Amos 6 6 Context
Chapter 6 of Amos primarily addresses the affluent and powerful in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria). They are characterized by their luxurious lifestyle, feasting, and self-indulgence, all while ignoring the moral and spiritual decay of the nation. Amos is a prophet of social justice, and he fiercely condemns their indifference to the suffering of the poor and their disregard for God's commands. This specific verse highlights their opulent habits and lack of remorse or concern over the impending judgment and destruction of their nation, particularly their perceived security within their comfortable societal structures. The broader context of Amos' prophecy is one of impending divine judgment for the sins of Israel, including their social injustices, idolatry, and rejection of God's word.
Amos 6 6 Word Analysis
- "Woe" (Hebrew: א֣וֹי - 'ôy): An interjection expressing grief, sorrow, or denunciation. It is a common prophetic cry signifying impending disaster or judgment. It sets a tone of condemnation.
- "to those who are at ease" (Hebrew: שַׁאֲנַ֤נִים - sha'ananim): Describes individuals who are complacent, living in comfort, security, and without concern for adversity. This state of ease is often linked to a detachment from the realities of suffering.
- "in Zion" (Hebrew: בְּצִיּוֹן - bəṣiyyôn): Refers to Zion, often a poetic or metonymic reference to Jerusalem and the wider kingdom of Judah. However, in Amos' context, when he addresses the northern kingdom (Israel), using "Zion" here might be ironic, implying that their "ease" is in their own luxurious cities (like Samaria) rather than a true spiritual security associated with Zion. Some interpretations suggest it's an inclusion of their counterparts in Judah who might share similar sinful attitudes.
- "and to those who feel secure" (Hebrew: וּבְטַ֖חִים - ūḇəṭaḥîm): Literally "and trust," conveying a sense of confidence and safety. This security is misplaced, resting on their wealth and power rather than on God. It speaks of an unwarranted and self-made assurance.
- "in the mountain of Samaria" (Hebrew: בְּהַ֥ר שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן - bəhăr šomrôn): Clearly identifies the location of this complacency as the capital city of the Northern Kingdom, Samaria. Samaria was known for its fortifications and often seen as a place of false security by the prophets.
- "insolent" (Hebrew: זְדוּנִֽים - zəḏūnîm): Denotes arrogance, presumptuousness, and a defiant boldness against God and man. It points to a heart that is lifted up in pride.
- "shepherd of" (Hebrew: רֹעֵ֥י - rō‘ê): Literally "shepherds of." In this context, it refers to leaders, kings, or ruling elite who should be tending to the flock (the people). The misuse of this term highlights their failure in leadership.
- "the first of the nations" (Hebrew: הַגּוֹיִם - haggôyim): This phrase might be referring to them being leaders among the surrounding nations, or, more critically, setting themselves up as equivalent to the "great nations" which God often judged. It could imply they felt themselves to be a premier nation, hence their confidence.
- "the house of Israel" (Hebrew: יִשְׂרָאֵל - yiśrā’ēl): Refers to the entire nation of Israel. The leaders are not just insulated; their actions and attitudes affect the whole people.
Words-Group By Words-Group Analysis
- "at ease in Zion... secure in the mountain of Samaria": This pairing establishes the luxurious and insulated lifestyle of the affluent class in both Jerusalem (represented by Zion, though Amos focuses on the North) and especially Samaria. Their geographical and social elevation breeds complacency.
- "insolent shepherds of the flock of the first of the nations": This depicts a leadership class that is not only proud but actively mismanaging and exploiting those under their care, considering themselves supreme and unaccountable.
Amos 6 6 Bonus Section
The imagery of “drinking from bowls” and anointing themselves with “fine oils” speaks to decadent feasts and luxurious self-care. This level of personal indulgence, while not inherently sinful, becomes sinful when it's at the expense of others and coupled with a complete disregard for societal suffering and divine accountability. The reference to "shepherds of the flock" carries a deep theological weight in the Old Testament, where leaders are expected to care for God's people like a shepherd tends his sheep (Ezekiel 34). Amos highlights their failure in this fundamental role, acting as predators rather than protectors. The comparison of Israel, especially its elite, to "the first of the nations" serves as a critical jab, suggesting they aspire to the greatness of the very nations God often judges for their iniquities, revealing their corrupted values.
Amos 6 6 Commentary
This verse is a sharp indictment against a prosperous but morally bankrupt elite. Their wealth is derived from injustice, yet they display no remorse, even as the nation faces potential collapse. Their “ease” is a dangerous illusion, built on exploitation and ignoring divine warnings. The prophet contrasts their decadent feasting with the potential destruction awaiting them, a stark reminder that outward comfort does not guarantee God's favor or protection. Their security is superficial; their true state is spiritual and moral vulnerability.