King James Version

What Does Amos 2:14 Mean?

Amos 2:14 in the King James Version says “Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the might...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: himself: Heb. his soul, or, life”

Amos 2:14 · KJV

Salvation

Context

12

But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

13

Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves. I am: or, I will press your place, as a cart full of sheaves presseth

14

Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: himself: Heb. his soul, or, life

15

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

16

And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD. courageous: Heb. strong of his heart

Read Amos 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After pronouncing judgment, Amos describes its inescapability: "Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself." Speed, strength, and power—normally escape routes—will fail. Verse 15: "Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself." Archers, runners, cavalry—all military advantages become useless. Verse 16: "And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD." Even the bravest will flee in terror, abandoning armor. This teaches that no human resource can escape divine judgment. Psalm 33:16-17 says: "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is vain thing for safety." Only God's mercy saves, accessed through genuine repentance and faith in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Within 30 years of Amos's prophecy, Assyria conquered Israel (722 BC). Samaria fell after three-year siege; 27,290 Israelites were deported according to Assyrian records. Israel's military couldn't prevent this—God's word came true exactly. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace teaches that God's saving purposes cannot be thwarted; similarly, His judicial purposes cannot be escaped apart from grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What human resources (strength, intelligence, wealth, status) do people trust instead of God?
  2. How does recognizing that nothing can save us from divine judgment apart from God's mercy drive us to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאָבַ֤ד1 of 11

“shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מָנוֹס֙2 of 11

“Therefore the flight”

H4498

a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing

מִקָּ֔ל3 of 11

“from the swift”

H7031

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

וְחָזָ֖ק4 of 11

“and the strong”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

לֹא5 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְאַמֵּ֣ץ6 of 11

“shall not strengthen”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

כֹּח֑וֹ7 of 11

“his force”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וְגִבּ֖וֹר8 of 11

“neither shall the mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

לֹא9 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְמַלֵּ֥ט10 of 11

“deliver”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃11 of 11

“himself”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:23Amos 9:1-3Ecclesiastes 9:11Psalms 33:16Isaiah 30:16-17Job 11:20

Test Your Knowledge

Amos 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterAmos Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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