King James Version

What Does Amos 9:12 Mean?

Amos 9:12 in the King James Version says “That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doet...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. which: Heb. upon whom my name is called”

Amos 9:12 · KJV

Context

10

All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

11

In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: close: Heb. hedge, or, wall

12

That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. which: Heb. upon whom my name is called

13

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. soweth: Heb. draweth forth sweet: or, new

14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Read Amos 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name (לְמַעַן יִירְשׁוּ אֶת־שְׁאֵרִית אֱדוֹם וְכָל־הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר־נִקְרָא שְׁמִי עֲלֵיהֶם)—this verse comes within Amos's restoration prophecy (9:11-15), following the devastating judgment oracles. The verb yarash (יָרַשׁ, possess/inherit) indicates sovereign claim, not merely military conquest. The she'erit Edom (שְׁאֵרִית אֱדוֹם, remnant of Edom) is stunning—Edom, Israel's ancient enemy (descended from Esau), will be included in restored Israel's inheritance. Even more remarkably: all the heathen, which are called by my name (kol ha-goyim asher niqra shemi aleihem, כָל־הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר־נִקְרָא שְׁמִי עֲלֵיהֶם)—the goyim (nations/Gentiles) bearing Yahweh's name means covenant inclusion.

This is explosive Gentile missiology in the Old Testament. James quotes this passage at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:15-17) to demonstrate that Gentile inclusion in the church fulfills Amos's prophecy, not contradicts it. The Septuagint (Greek OT) translates "possess the remnant of Edom" as "seek the Lord"—possibly reflecting a textual variant or interpretive translation, but the meaning is clear: restored Israel will bring nations into covenant relationship. The phrase "called by my name" signifies ownership and covenant belonging (Deuteronomy 28:10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 43:7; Jeremiah 14:9). Paul's Gentile mission realizes this promise: through Christ, the Seed of David (9:11's restored booth/tabernacle of David), all nations enter God's people (Galatians 3:7-9, 28-29; Ephesians 2:11-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historically, Edom remained Israel's enemy throughout the monarchy, gloating over Jerusalem's fall (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 10-14). That Edom's remnant would be possessed by restored Israel seemed impossible. Yet in Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile collapsed (Ephesians 2:14). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, ~AD 49) faced controversy: must Gentiles become Jews (circumcision, law-keeping) to join God's people? James cited Amos 9:11-12 to show that Gentile inclusion was always God's plan—rebuilding David's fallen tent (the Messiah's kingdom) means gathering all nations called by God's name. The church is that restored Davidic kingdom, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Amos's prophecy that even Edom (Israel's enemy) and all nations will be called by God's name challenge ethnic, cultural, or class barriers in the church?
  2. What does James's use of this passage (Acts 15) teach about the relationship between Old Testament promises and New Covenant fulfillment in Christ's multi-ethnic church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לְמַ֨עַן1 of 15
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִֽירְשׁ֜וּ2 of 15

“That they may possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁאֵרִ֤ית4 of 15

“the remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אֱדוֹם֙5 of 15

“of Edom”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וְכָל6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם7 of 15

“and of all the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר8 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְרָ֥א9 of 15

“which are called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמִ֖י10 of 15

“by my name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נְאֻם12 of 15

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹ֥שֶׂה14 of 15

“that doeth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹּֽאת׃15 of 15
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 9:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Amos 9:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 43:7Isaiah 65:1Acts 15:17Jeremiah 14:9Daniel 9:18-19Isaiah 63:19

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in Amos 9 →

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