King James Version

What Does Amos 4:3 Mean?

Amos 4:3 in the King James Version says “And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, sait...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD. cast: or, cast away the things of the palace”

Amos 4:3 · KJV

Context

1

Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

2

The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks .

3

And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD. cast: or, cast away the things of the palace

4

Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: three: Heb. three years of days

5

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. offer: Heb. offer by burning this: Heb. so ye love

Read Amos 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her (וּפְרָצִים תֵּצֶאנָה אִשָּׁה נֶגְדָּהּ)—Following Amos's scathing address to Samaria's elite women as 'kine of Bashan' (v. 1), this verse depicts their humiliating exile. Peratsim (breaches) refers to gaps smashed in city walls during siege warfare. Each woman exits straight ahead through the nearest breach—no orderly evacuation but panicked flight. Ye shall cast them into the palace (וְהִשְׁלַכְתֶּנָה הַהַרְמוֹנָה)—The Hebrew harmonah is difficult; some translate it as 'Harmon' (unknown location), others as 'the heap/dunghill,' indicating these pampered aristocrats will be dumped like refuse.

The imagery reverses Israel's conquest under Joshua. Then, God breached Jericho's walls for Israel's entrance (Joshua 6:20); now He breaches Samaria's walls for their exit into exile. The 'cows of Bashan' who oppressed the poor (v. 1) and demanded luxury are reduced to stampeding cattle—dehumanized, stripped of dignity, herded through rubble. Fulfilled literally when Assyria besieged Samaria (722 BC), deporting the population to Mesopotamia (2 Kings 17:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bashan (modern Golan Heights) was famous for well-fed cattle on lush pastures. Calling Samaria's wealthy women 'cows of Bashan' condemned their self-indulgent luxury funded by oppression. Ancient Near Eastern sieges ended with wall demolition, through which captives were marched to exile. Archaeological evidence from Samaria shows massive destruction layers from the Assyrian conquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does material luxury, when built on injustice toward others, make us spiritually complacent and vulnerable to God's judgment?
  2. In what ways might you be demanding comfort and prosperity while remaining indifferent to how your lifestyle affects the vulnerable?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּפְרָצִ֥ים1 of 8

“at the breaches”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

תֵּצֶ֖אנָה2 of 8

“And ye shall go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִשָּׁ֣ה3 of 8

“every”

H802

a woman

נֶגְדָּ֑הּ4 of 8
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וְהִשְׁלַכְתֶּ֥נָה5 of 8

“cow at that which is before her and ye shall cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

הַהַרְמ֖וֹנָה6 of 8

“them into the palace”

H2038

a castle (from its height)

נְאֻם7 of 8

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃8 of 8

“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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 12:5Ezekiel 12:12Matthew 16:26Isaiah 31:7Zephaniah 1:182 Kings 7:15

Places in This Verse

HarmonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Amos 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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