King James Version
Amos 8:12 in the King James Version says “And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word o...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”
Amos 8:12 · KJV
And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.
They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again. manner: Heb. way
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And they shall wander”
H5128to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
“from sea”
H3220a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“from sea”
H3220a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
“and from the north”
H6828properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“they shall run to and fro”
H7751properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel
“to seek”
H1245to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and shall not find”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge