Amos 8:7 kjv
The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
Amos 8:7 nkjv
The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "Surely I will never forget any of their works.
Amos 8:7 niv
The LORD has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done.
Amos 8:7 esv
The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
Amos 8:7 nlt
Now the LORD has sworn this oath
by his own name, the Pride of Israel :
"I will never forget
the wicked things you have done!
Amos 8 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Amos 8:7 | The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "Surely I will never forget any of their deeds." | Amos 8:7 (own verse) |
| Jer 15:6 | "You have forsaken Me, declares the Lord; you have gone backward. So I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you..." | Jeremiah 15:6 (God's remembrance of Israel's sin) |
| Ps 1:6 | For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. | Psalm 1:6 (God's knowledge of ways) |
| Heb 4:13 | And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are exposed and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. | Hebrews 4:13 (God's all-seeing nature) |
| Gen 9:15 | I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. | Genesis 9:15 (God remembers covenant) |
| Ex 2:24 | God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. | Exodus 2:24 (God remembers covenant) |
| Deut 8:19 | And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. | Deuteronomy 8:19 (warning against forgetting God) |
| Jer 17:10 | "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." | Jeremiah 17:10 (God's searching the heart) |
| Ps 94:9 | Can he who made the ear not hear? Can he who formed the eye not see? | Psalm 94:9 (God's ability to see and hear) |
| Rev 20:12 | And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what each was commanded in the things written in the books. | Revelation 20:12 (final judgment based on deeds) |
| Isa 43:25 | "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and I will not remember your sins." | Isaiah 43:25 (God choosing not to remember sin) |
| Prov 19:17 | Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. | Proverbs 19:17 (God remembering deeds) |
| Rom 2:6 | who will give to each according to what he has done: | Romans 2:6 (Judgment according to deeds) |
| Gal 6:7 | Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. | Galatians 6:7 (Sowing and reaping) |
| Heb 6:10 | For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you have shown for his name, in serving the saints, as you still do. | Hebrews 6:10 (God remembers faithful work) |
| Amos 9:8 | "Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob," declares the Lord. | Amos 9:8 (God's gaze upon sinful kingdom) |
| Mal 3:16 | Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. | Malachi 3:16 (Book of remembrance) |
| Ps 139:2-4 | You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. | Psalm 139:2-4 (God's comprehensive knowledge) |
| Matt 25:35-40 | "For I was hungry and you gave me food..." | Matthew 25:35-40 (Judgment based on acts of mercy) |
| 1 Pet 5:7 | casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. | 1 Peter 5:7 (God's care) |
Amos 8 verses
Amos 8 7 Meaning
The Lord has sworn by Himself, the pride of Jacob, that He will not forget, nor overlook, any of their deeds. This declaration emphasizes God's unchangeable nature and His deep knowledge and remembrance of all human actions. It speaks to the certainty of divine justice and retribution for wickedness.
Amos 8 7 Context
Amos chapter 8 vividly describes the impending judgment upon Israel for their persistent sinfulness, particularly their economic corruption and oppression of the poor. The prophet uses strong imagery, such as a plumb line and a basket of summer fruit, to convey the thoroughness of the coming destruction. Verse 7, spoken by the Lord Himself, serves as a solemn declaration of God's unfailing remembrance of Israel's misdeeds, assuring that their actions will not escape His notice or His ultimate justice. This comes after pronouncements of impending doom due to their sin.
Amos 8 7 Word Analysis
- The Lord (Yahweh - יְהוָה): The personal, covenantal name of God. It signifies His eternal existence and faithfulness, underpinning the solemnity and surety of His oath.
- has sworn (nāshā‘ - נָשַׁע): Though this verb can mean "to draw," in the Hiphil conjugation and with God as the subject, it strongly implies an oath, a binding declaration. The emphasis is on the irrevocable commitment.
- by Himself (bîmîyātô - בִּמְיָתֹו or perhaps more contextually by His very being or holiness): An absolute affirmation, invoking His own essential nature, holiness, and truthfulness as the basis of His oath. There is no higher authority by which He can swear. Some understand "Himself" referring to His "Majesty" or "Holiness".
- the pride (gĕ’ôn - גְּאֹ֣ו): Refers to Jacob's lineage, his descendants, and by extension, their perceived excellencies and blessings, which God had bestowed. It also carries the sense of what Israel boasted in, their status, and perhaps even their self-sufficiency, which has become a source of spiritual pride.
- of Jacob (ya‘ăqōḇ - יַעֲקֹב): Refers to the nation descended from the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel. It signifies God's chosen people, with whom He had a special covenant relationship.
- Surely (’ak - אַךְ): An adverb of strong affirmation, indicating certainty and inevitability.
- I will not forget (lō’ ešḵāḥ - לֹֽא־אֶשְׁכַּח): A direct negation of forgetting. God's memory is perfect and active concerning His covenant and His people's actions, both good and bad. This is not an emotional recollection but an active awareness.
- nor overlook (wə’ô ēfēś ‘al - וְעֹףׂשׂ־עַל or more contextually: wəlo’ epyes ‘al – וְלֹא־אֶפֶס עַל, "nor let pass by/neglect"): This conveys that God will not be indifferent, passive, or fail to act regarding their deeds. Their actions will not go unexamined or unaddressed.
Words Group Analysis:
- "The Lord has sworn by Himself": This phrase establishes the ultimate authority and absolute certainty of God's statement. His oath is His being, His unchanging character.
- "the pride of Jacob": This refers to Israel, chosen by God. The mention of "pride" here can be interpreted as referring to their heritage and God-given status, or critically, their sinful pride and arrogance which God remembers.
- "I will not forget, nor overlook their deeds": This combines two affirmations. God's memory is comprehensive, and His justice will be comprehensive. No action will escape His perfect knowledge or His righteous response.
Amos 8 7 Bonus Section
The structure of Amos' prophecy often features a rhythm of judgment followed by a specific divine guarantee or principle. Verse 7 stands out as God Himself taking the oath, making the pronouncement of His active remembrance exceptionally authoritative. This isn't just the prophet speaking; it's God's voice confirming His unfailing knowledge and intent regarding human conduct. The reference to "pride of Jacob" can also be seen as a subtle counterpoint to Israel's worldly pride; God's sworn statement prioritizes His righteous memory over their transient arrogance. The Hebrew word ephēs (אֶפֶס) translated as "overlook" implies something becoming nothing or ceasing to exist in terms of divine notice, underscoring that their deeds are indelibly recorded and will not pass without divine recognition. This theme resonates in the New Testament with God’s perfect knowledge of His faithful followers (Heb 6:10).
Amos 8 7 Commentary
This verse is a profound declaration of God's immutable commitment to justice and His perfect knowledge of all human actions. The oath sworn by "Himself" elevates the statement to the highest level of divine certainty. It signifies that God's remembrance of Israel's deeds, particularly their transgressions and oppressions highlighted in the preceding verses, is not arbitrary but a core aspect of His covenant relationship and His commitment to righteousness. The "pride of Jacob" points to God's chosen people, whose unique position before Him makes their actions, especially their failings, particularly significant. God's promise "not to forget" is not about a lapse in memory, but an assurance that His judgment will be complete and unerring, not overlooking any detail of their behavior. This serves as both a warning against their continued wickedness and a foundational principle that God is actively involved in history and will ultimately hold accountable.
Practical Usage Examples:
- When facing injustices or observing persistent wickedness without immediate consequence, one can be reminded that God sees all and will address it according to His perfect justice.
- In personal accountability, remembering that God does not overlook our deeds can encourage greater diligence in righteous living and repentance for sins.