King James Version

What Does Amos 6:7 Mean?

Amos 6:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves sh...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.”

Amos 6:7 · KJV

Context

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

7

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

8

The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein. that: Heb. the fulness thereof

9

And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive (לָכֵן עַתָּה יִגְלוּ בְּרֹאשׁ גֹּלִים, lachen atah yiglu v'rosh golim)—the phrase בְּרֹאשׁ גֹּלִים (v'rosh golim, 'at the head of exiles') means they'll be first deported. The leaders in luxury become leaders in exile. And the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed (וְסָר מִרְזַח סְרוּחִים, v'sar mirzach seruchim)—מִרְזֵחַ (mirzeach) refers to funeral feasts or revelry; their parties end abruptly.

This is poetic justice: those who lived most comfortably suffer most severely in judgment. Jesus taught similar reversal: 'many that are first shall be last' (Matthew 19:30). Privilege without responsibility, comfort without compassion, leadership without integrity—all bring greater accountability (Luke 12:48).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Assyria conquered Samaria in 722 BC, they deported the leadership and aristocracy first—standard ancient Near Eastern practice. The wealthy elite who ignored warnings experienced the judgment they dismissed. Archaeological evidence confirms Samaria's destruction and deportation of its upper classes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does greater privilege bring greater responsibility and potentially greater judgment?
  2. What 'banquets' or comforts might God remove to discipline His people and wake them from spiritual apathy?
  3. How should Christian leaders respond to this warning about being 'first' in judgment if they lead in unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לָכֵ֛ן1 of 8
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עַתָּ֥ה2 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

גֹּלִ֑ים3 of 8

“Therefore now shall they go captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

בְּרֹ֣אשׁ4 of 8

“with the first”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

גֹּלִ֑ים5 of 8

“Therefore now shall they go captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

וְסָ֖ר6 of 8

“themselves shall be removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִרְזַ֥ח7 of 8

“and the banquet”

H4797

a cry, i.e., (of job), a revel

סְרוּחִֽים׃8 of 8

“of them that stretched”

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 7:111 Kings 20:16-20Daniel 5:4-6Amos 5:5Nahum 1:10Amos 7:17

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