King James Version

What Does Amos 6:4 Mean?

Amos 6:4 in the King James Version says “That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calv...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; stretch: or, abound with superfluities”

Amos 6:4 · KJV

Context

2

Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great : then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?

3

Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; seat: or, habitation

4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; stretch: or, abound with superfluities

5

That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David; chant: or, quaver

6

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. wine: or, in bowls of wine affliction: Heb. breach

Read Amos 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That lie upon beds of ivory (הַשֹּׁכְבִים עַל־מִטּוֹת שֵׁן, hashochevim al-mitot shen)—ivory-inlaid beds represented extreme luxury in the ancient world. And stretch themselves upon their couches (וּסְרֻחִים עַל־עַרְשׂוֹתָם, useruchim al-arsotam)—the verb סָרַח (sarach) implies sprawling indolently. And eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall—consuming the choicest meat without concern for cost or scarcity. This isn't merely enjoying God's blessings but self-indulgent luxury while others starve.

The condemnation isn't wealth per se but indifference: they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph (Amos 6:6). They feast while their brothers suffer, displaying the same cold self-absorption as Dives ignoring Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Luxury that breeds apathy toward suffering is sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations at Samaria uncovered ivory fragments from palace decorations, confirming the biblical account. The Northern Kingdom's aristocracy lived in opulence while exploiting the poor through unjust courts, predatory lending, and land seizure—wealth built on others' suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might modern Christians live in ivory-bed comfort while remaining indifferent to brothers and sisters suffering persecution or poverty?
  2. What does it mean to consume 'the choicest' of everything while others lack basics—is this stewardship or self-indulgence?
  3. How can believers cultivate grief over others' affliction rather than insulating ourselves in comfortable isolation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הַשֹּֽׁכְבִים֙1 of 13

“That lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַל2 of 13
H5921

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

מִטּ֣וֹת3 of 13

“upon beds”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

שֵׁ֔ן4 of 13

“of ivory”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

וּסְרֻחִ֖ים5 of 13

“and stretch”

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

עַל6 of 13
H5921

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

עַרְשׂוֹתָ֑ם7 of 13

“themselves upon their couches”

H6210

a couch (properly, with a canopy)

וְאֹכְלִ֤ים8 of 13

“and eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כָּרִים֙9 of 13

“the lambs”

H3733

a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)

מִצֹּ֔אן10 of 13

“out of the flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וַעֲגָלִ֖ים11 of 13

“and the calves”

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

מִתּ֥וֹךְ12 of 13

“out of the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

מַרְבֵּֽק׃13 of 13

“of the stall”

H4770

a stall (for cattle)

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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 3:12Isaiah 22:13Isaiah 5:11-121 Samuel 25:36-38James 5:5Luke 12:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Amos 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterAmos Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Amos 6 with CommentaryAll Amos ChaptersComplete Amos QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes