King James Version

What Does Amos 8:14 Mean?

Amos 8:14 in the King James Version says “They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they s...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Amos 8:14 · KJV

Context

12

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.

13

In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

14

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

Read Amos 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They that swear by the sin of Samaria (הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים בְּאַשְׁמַת שֹׁמְרוֹן, hanishba'im b'ashmat Shomron)—'sin' (אַשְׁמַת, ashmat) likely refers to the golden calf at Bethel or possibly Asherah worship. They swear oaths by idols rather than Yahweh. And say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth (וְאָמְרוּ חֵי אֱלֹהֶיךָ דָּן, v'am'ru chei Eloheicha Dan)—Dan had the other golden calf shrine (1 Kings 12:29). And, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth (וְחֵי דֶּרֶךְ בְּאֵר שָׁבַע, v'chei derech Be'er Sheva)—דֶּרֶךְ (derech) might mean 'way' (pilgrimage route) or refer to another cultic object. Even they shall fall, and never rise up again (וְנָפְלוּ וְלֹא־יָקוּמוּ עוֹד, v'naflu v'lo-yakumu od)—permanent spiritual death.

Swearing by false gods demonstrates complete apostasy—binding oneself to powerless idols rather than the living God. The irony: they say these gods 'live' (חֵי, chei), but worshipers themselves will fall and never rise. Psalm 115:8 warns: 'They that make them are like unto them'—idolaters share their idols' impotence. Only those who swear by the true God's name find life (Jeremiah 4:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The golden calves at Dan and Bethel represented Israel's foundational apostasy (1 Kings 12:28-29). Beer-sheba was in Judah's territory but apparently featured in northern pilgrimage practices. This syncretistic worship—mixing Yahweh forms with pagan content—epitomized covenant unfaithfulness that guaranteed exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents exist to 'swearing by idols'—binding ourselves to false securities and calling them 'alive'?
  2. How does syncretism (mixing true worship with false elements) ultimately prove deadlier than outright paganism?
  3. What does it mean to 'fall and never rise'—experiencing judgment without hope of restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים֙1 of 15

“They that swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בְּאַשְׁמַ֣ת2 of 15

“by the sin”

H819

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן3 of 15

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְאָמְר֗וּ4 of 15

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְחֵ֖י5 of 15

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙6 of 15

“Thy god”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דָּ֔ן7 of 15

“O Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

וְחֵ֖י8 of 15

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

דֶּ֣רֶךְ9 of 15

“and The manner”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּאֵֽר10 of 15
H0
שָׁ֑בַע11 of 15

“of Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

וְנָפְל֖וּ12 of 15

“even they shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וְלֹא13 of 15
H3808

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

יָק֥וּמוּ14 of 15

“and never rise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֽוֹד׃15 of 15
H5750

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

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 5:51 Kings 12:28-29Deuteronomy 9:21Acts 9:2Hosea 10:51 Kings 14:16

Places in This Verse

Beersheba 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E23 verses across 10 books
DanSettlement · Modern: Tel Dan · 33.25°N, 35.65°E25 verses across 12 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Amos 8 →

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