King James Version

What Does Amos 3:10 Mean?

Amos 3:10 in the King James Version says “For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. robbery: or, spoil” — study this verse from Amos chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. robbery: or, spoil”

Amos 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

9

Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. oppressed: or, oppressions

10

For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. robbery: or, spoil

11

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

12

Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch. taketh: Heb. delivereth in Damascus: or, on the bed's feet

Read Amos 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They know not to do right (וְלֹא־יָדְעוּ עֲשׂוֹת־נְכֹחָה, v'lo yad'u asot n'chochah)—The Hebrew יָדְעוּ (yad'u, 'to know') implies not mere intellectual ignorance but moral corruption; they've lost the capacity to recognize righteousness. The word נְכֹחָה (n'chochah, 'right, straight, honest') contrasts with their crooked dealings. Who store up violence and robbery in their palaces (הָאוֹצְרִים חָמָס וָשֹׁד בְּאַרְמְנוֹתֵיהֶם, ha'otz'rim chamas v'shod b'armenoteihem)—their wealth is 'stored up' violence (חָמָס, chamas) and plunder (שֹׁד, shod).

This indicts economic systems built on exploitation. Their palaces—symbols of success—are actually warehouses of injustice. James 5:1-6 echoes this: the wages of defrauded workers cry out to God. When injustice becomes normalized, people lose moral clarity entirely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Jeroboam II's reign (793-753 BC), Israel experienced unprecedented prosperity through military expansion and trade. The wealthy elite accumulated luxury goods through predatory lending, land seizure, and corrupt courts. Amos confronts this 'prosperity gospel'—wealth divorced from justice proves spiritual bankruptcy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might modern Christians 'store up violence and robbery' through economic systems we benefit from but don't examine?
  2. What does it mean to lose the ability to recognize what is right due to cultural or economic complicity in injustice?
  3. How can churches today avoid confusing material prosperity with God's blessing when it's built on exploitation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 10
H3808

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

יָדְע֥וּ2 of 10

“For they know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

עֲשׂוֹת3 of 10

“not to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

נְכֹחָ֖ה4 of 10

“right”

H5229

properly, straightforwardness, i.e., (figuratively) integrity, or (concretely) a truth

נְאֻם5 of 10

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הָאֽוֹצְרִ֛ים7 of 10

“who store”

H686

to store up

חָמָ֥ס8 of 10

“up violence”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

וָשֹׁ֖ד9 of 10

“and robbery”

H7701

violence, ravage

בְּאַרְמְנֽוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃10 of 10

“in their palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zephaniah 1:9Jeremiah 4:22Psalms 14:4Zechariah 5:3-42 Peter 3:5Habakkuk 2:8-11

Test Your Knowledge

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