King James Version

What Does Amos 4:13 Mean?

Amos 4:13 in the King James Version says “For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh t... — study this verse from Amos chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name. wind: or, spirit

Amos 4:13 · KJV


Context

11

I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

12

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name. wind: or, spirit


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This doxology proclaims Yahweh's cosmic sovereignty: He that formeth the mountains (יֹצֵר הָרִים, yotzer harim)—the participle emphasizes continuous creative power. And createth the wind (וּבֹרֵא רוּחַ, uvore ruach)—רוּחַ (ruach) means both 'wind' and 'spirit,' suggesting God's control over both physical and spiritual realms. And declareth unto man what is his thought (וּמַגִּיד לְאָדָם מַה־שֵּׂחוֹ, umagid l'adam mah-secho)—God reveals His purposes to humans through prophetic revelation. That maketh the morning darkness (עֹשֶׂה שַׁחַר עֵיפָה, oseh shachar eifah)—He controls day and night. And treadeth upon the high places of the earth (וְדֹרֵךְ עַל־בָּמֳתֵי אָרֶץ, v'dorech al-bamotei aretz)—walking on earth's high places demonstrates absolute authority. The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי־צְבָאוֹת שְׁמוֹ, YHWH Elohei-tzva'ot sh'mo).

This hymnic interruption follows severe judgment oracles, reminding Israel who they're resisting. The God who judges is the Creator-Sustainer of all reality. Similar doxologies appear in Amos 5:8-9 and 9:5-6, structuring the book around God's cosmic majesty—rebellion against such a God guarantees destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These doxological fragments may derive from ancient Israelite hymns. Their placement after judgment oracles serves theological purpose: reminding hearers that Amos speaks for the sovereign Creator, not merely offering political opinion. The phrases echo creation language from Genesis and anticipate New Testament Christology (Colossians 1:15-17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as Creator of mountains and wind humble human pride and self-sufficiency?
  2. What does it mean that the same God who reveals His thoughts is also the God who judges sin?
  3. How should God's cosmic sovereignty shape our understanding of His authority to judge nations and individuals?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֡י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּה֩2 of 21
H2009

lo!

יוֹצֵ֨ר3 of 21

For lo he that formeth

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

הָרִ֜ים4 of 21

the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּבֹרֵ֣א5 of 21

and createth

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

ר֗וּחַ6 of 21

the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וּמַגִּ֤יד7 of 21

and declareth

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְאָדָם֙8 of 21

unto man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

מַה9 of 21
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שֵּׂח֔וֹ10 of 21

what is his thought

H7808

communion, i.e., (reflexively) meditation

עֹשֵׂ֥ה11 of 21

that maketh

H6213

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

שַׁ֙חַר֙12 of 21

the morning

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

עֵיפָ֔ה13 of 21

darkness

H5890

obscurity (as if from covering)

וְדֹרֵ֖ךְ14 of 21

and treadeth

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

עַל15 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּ֣מֳתֵי16 of 21

upon the high places

H1116

an elevation

אָ֑רֶץ17 of 21

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְהוָ֥ה18 of 21

The LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵֽי19 of 21

The God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֖וֹת20 of 21

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁמֽוֹ׃21 of 21

is his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character


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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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