King James Version
What Does Amos 8:6 Mean?
“That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?”
Context
4
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,
5
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
6
That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?
7
The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
8
Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned , as by the flood of Egypt.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) On this perverse straining of the Law, comp. Amos 2:6. Their money-making propensity was carried to such unscrupulous lengths, that they even sold the refuse of corn, little better than mere chaff.
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 8:6 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 8:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge