King James Version

What Does Amos 5:9 Mean?

Amos 5:9 in the King James Version says “That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress. spoiled: Heb. sp...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress. spoiled: Heb. spoil”

Amos 5:9 · KJV

Context

7

Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

8

Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:

9

That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress. spoiled: Heb. spoil

10

They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.

11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them. pleasant: Heb. vineyards of desire

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress (הַמַּבְלִיג שֹׁד עַל־עָז וְשֹׁד עַל־מִבְצָר יָבוֹא, haMavlig shod al-az veshod al-mibtsar yavo)—this verse concludes the doxology (vv. 8-9) by celebrating God's power to reverse fortunes. The verb balag (בָּלַג, "flash forth/cause to shine") may describe sudden, unexpected action. "The spoiled" (shod, שֹׁד) can mean "destruction" or "the despoiled/plundered one"—the victim of violence. "The strong" (az, עָז) means the mighty, powerful oppressor. God empowers the devastated victim to overcome the strong oppressor.

The phrase so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress means the formerly powerless victim will assault the fortified stronghold of the powerful. "Fortress" (mibtsar, מִבְצָר) represents defensive strength, military power, security. God can reverse any human power structure—making the weak strong and bringing down the mighty. This theme resonates throughout Scripture: Hannah's song celebrates how God "raises the poor from the dust" and "brings low the mighty" (1 Samuel 2:7-8). Mary's Magnificat echoes this: "He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree" (Luke 1:52). In context, Amos warns Israel's powerful elite: the God you've ignored can empower your victims to destroy you.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's wealthy oppressors felt secure in their fortified cities and military might. Archaeological excavations reveal impressive fortifications at Samaria and other Israelite cities—massive walls, elaborate palaces, stored goods suggesting wealth and security. Yet Amos declares these fortresses offer no protection against God's judgment. Historically, Assyria was God's instrument to "strengthen the spoiled against the strong"—the formerly insignificant Assyrian power grew mighty and conquered Israel's fortresses. The fall of Samaria (722 BC) after three-year siege proved no fortress withstands God's judgment. This principle applies to all history: God governs by His sovereign will, not human military or economic power. Empires rise and fall at His command.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's power to reverse fortunes (empowering victims against oppressors) relate to His justice?
  2. What does this verse teach about the futility of trusting military strength and fortifications against divine judgment?
  3. How should believers respond when seeing powerful oppressors seemingly secure in their fortresses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַמַּבְלִ֥יג1 of 8

“That strengtheneth”

H1082

to break off or loose (in a favorable or unfavorable sense), i.e., desist (from grief) or invade (with destruction)

וְשֹׁ֖ד2 of 8

“so that the spoiled”

H7701

violence, ravage

עַל3 of 8
H5921

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

עָ֑ז4 of 8

“against the strong”

H5794

strong, vehement, harsh

וְשֹׁ֖ד5 of 8

“so that the spoiled”

H7701

violence, ravage

עַל6 of 8
H5921

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

מִבְצָ֥ר7 of 8

“against the fortress”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

יָבֽוֹא׃8 of 8

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 13:25Micah 5:112 Kings 13:17Jeremiah 37:10Hebrews 11:34

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