King James Version

What Does Amos 1:5 Mean?

Amos 1:5 in the King James Version says “I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the scept... — study this verse from Amos chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden : and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. the plain: or, Bikathaven the house: or, Betheden

Amos 1:5 · KJV


Context

3

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: and: or, yea, for four turn: or, convert it, or, let it be quiet

4

But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.

5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden : and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. the plain: or, Bikathaven the house: or, Betheden

6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: away captive: or, them away with an entire

7

But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD." The "bar" refers to the massive wooden beam securing city gates—breaking it means the city falls. Damascus, Syria's capital, would be conquered and depopulated. "Plain of Aven" (Biq'at-Aven, "valley of wickedness") likely refers to Baalbek, site of pagan worship. "House of Eden" (Beth-Eden) was a Syrian region. The prophecy specifies total collapse: religious centers destroyed, rulers deposed, population exiled to Kir (somewhere in Mesopotamia). The phrase "saith the LORD" (ne'um-YHWH) functions as divine signature—this isn't human prediction but God's decreed purpose. When God speaks, it's as good as accomplished.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This detailed prophecy found precise fulfillment when Assyria conquered Damascus in 732 BC under Tiglath-Pileser III, deporting inhabitants to Kir (2 Kings 16:9)—exactly as Amos predicted. This demonstrates the supernatural character of biblical prophecy. Skeptics who deny predictive prophecy must resort to late-dating texts after-the-fact, but Amos's mid-8th century date is well-attested. The Reformed doctrine of inspiration affirms that Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), making accurate prediction natural when God reveals His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fulfilled prophecy strengthen confidence in Scripture's divine authority and reliability?
  2. What does precise historical fulfillment teach about God's sovereignty over nations and history?
  3. How should prophetic certainty shape Christian confidence in God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְשָֽׁבַרְתִּי֙1 of 17

I will break

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

בְּרִ֣יחַ2 of 17

also the bar

H1280

a bolt

דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק3 of 17

of Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְהִכְרַתִּ֤י4 of 17

and cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יוֹשֵׁב֙5 of 17

the inhabitant

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מִבִּקְעַת6 of 17

from the plain

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

אָ֔וֶן7 of 17

of Aven

H206

aven, the contemptuous synonym of three places, one in coele-syria, one in egypt (on), and one in palestine (bethel)

וְתוֹמֵ֥ךְ8 of 17

and him that holdeth

H8551

to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close

שֵׁ֖בֶט9 of 17

the sceptre

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

מִבֵּ֣ית10 of 17

from the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֶ֑דֶן11 of 17
H5730

pleasure

וְגָל֧וּ12 of 17

shall go into captivity

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

עַם13 of 17

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲרָ֛ם14 of 17

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

קִ֖ירָה15 of 17

unto Kir

H7024

kir, a place in assyrian

אָמַ֥ר16 of 17

saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Amos. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Amos 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Amos 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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