King James Version

What Does Amos 8:4 Mean?

“Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,”

Context

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. shall be howlings: Heb. shall howl with: Heb. be silent

Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? new: or, month set: Heb. open falsifying: Heb. perverting the balances of deceit

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Ye that swallow up** . . .—Better, *ye that pant* (or *are greedy*)* for the very ashes on their heads.* **Make . . . to fail.—**Literally, *make* . . . *to cease: i.e.,* destroy.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.