King James Version

What Does Amos 7:13 Mean?

Amos 7:13 in the King James Version says “But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court. chapel: or, sanctuar...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court. chapel: or, sanctuary king's court: Heb. house of the kingdom”

Amos 7:13 · KJV

Context

11

For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.

12

Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court. chapel: or, sanctuary king's court: Heb. house of the kingdom

14

Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: sycomore: or, wild figs

15

And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. as: Heb. from behind

Read Amos 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But prophesy not again any more at Beth-el: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court—Amaziah forbids Amos from further prophesying at Bethel, claiming jurisdictional authority. The phrase the king's chapel (מִקְדַּש־מֶלֶךְ, miqdash-melekh) and the king's court (בֵּית מַמְלָכָה, beit mamlakhah, literally "house of the kingdom") reveal Bethel's true nature: a royal sanctuary serving political purposes, not a house of God serving covenant faithfulness.

This verse exposes the fatal error of state-controlled religion. Amaziah appeals to royal patronage and national loyalty rather than divine authority. He effectively declares: "This sanctuary belongs to the king, not to God; therefore, the king's interests trump prophetic truth." The sanctuary (miqdash) should be God's dwelling place where His word is heard, but Amaziah has made it the king's domain where royal interests determine permissible speech. The phrase "king's court" (beit mamlakhah) emphasizes Bethel's political function—it's government property, and Amos is trespassing by delivering unwelcome messages.

This represents the perennial temptation to domesticate God's word for human purposes. When religious institutions prioritize institutional preservation, political loyalty, or financial interests over prophetic faithfulness, they become "the king's chapel" rather than God's house. Jesus drove money-changers from the temple precisely because they had transformed His Father's house into a marketplace (John 2:13-17). The Reformation battle cry sola Scriptura challenged exactly this kind of institutional authority that silenced God's word. Amaziah's claim "it is the king's chapel" would be answered by the Reformers: "The church belongs to Christ alone, not to kings or popes."

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tension between prophetic authority and royal/priestly authority runs throughout Israel's history. Samuel confronted Saul (1 Samuel 13:8-14, 15:10-23), Nathan confronted David (2 Samuel 12:1-14), Elijah confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18, 21:17-24), and Elisha confronted various kings. True prophets spoke God's word regardless of consequences; false prophets told kings what they wanted to hear (1 Kings 22:1-28; Jeremiah 28).

Bethel's status as "the king's chapel" meant its priesthood owed allegiance to royal authority. Amaziah's accusation to Jeroboam (7:10-11) and dismissal of Amos (7:12-13) demonstrate how state religion suppresses prophetic truth. The pattern repeats when institutional interests conflict with God's word—suppress the message rather than repent. Amos's confrontation with Amaziah previews Jesus's conflicts with temple authorities and the Reformers' battles with corrupt church hierarchies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern religious institutions sometimes prioritize institutional preservation over prophetic faithfulness to God's word?
  2. What's the difference between legitimate church order and illegitimate suppression of biblical truth under the guise of authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּבֵֽית1 of 13
H0
אֵ֔ל2 of 13

“any more at Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

לֹֽא3 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוֹסִ֥יף4 of 13

“not again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֖וֹד5 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְהִנָּבֵ֑א6 of 13

“But prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

כִּ֤י7 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִקְדַּשׁ8 of 13

“chapel”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

מֶ֙לֶךְ֙9 of 13

“for it is the king's”

H4428

a king

ה֔וּא10 of 13
H1931

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

וּבֵ֥ית11 of 13

“court”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מַמְלָכָ֖ה12 of 13

“and it is the king's”

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

הֽוּא׃13 of 13
H1931

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

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:32Amos 2:121 Kings 12:291 Kings 13:1Acts 5:40Acts 4:17-18

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
View all places in Amos 7 →

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