King James Version
Amos 5:18 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.” — study this verse from Amos chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.”
Amos 5:18 · KJV
Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.
And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.
Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.
As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“is it for you the day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“to what end”
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“is it for you the day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“is darkness”
H2822the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and not light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
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.
Amos 5:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Amos 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge