King James Version

What Does Amos 9:14 Mean?

Amos 9:14 in the King James Version says “And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; an... — study this verse from Amos chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Amos 9:14 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel (וְשַׁבְתִּי אֶת־שְׁבוּת עַמִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל, v'shavti et-sh'vut ami Yisrael)—After chapters of unrelenting judgment, Amos concludes with restoration promise. The verb שׁוּב (shuv, 'to return, restore') signals covenant renewal. And they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them (וּבָנוּ עָרִים נְשַׁמּוֹת וְיָשָׁבוּ, uvanu arim neshamot v'yashavu)—reversing covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:30, 39). And they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them—full covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:4, 11) restored.

This demonstrates covenant faithfulness: God judges sin but doesn't abandon His purposes. James's citation in Acts 15:16-17 applies this to Gentile inclusion—God's restoration exceeds ethnic Israel, encompassing all nations through Christ. The ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return, when creation itself is restored (Romans 8:19-23).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

While a small remnant returned from Babylonian exile, this prophecy awaits complete fulfillment in the Messianic age. The New Testament interprets it Christologically—Jesus as the tabernacle of David (John 1:14), gathering both Jews and Gentiles into one people (Ephesians 2:11-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise of restoration after judgment demonstrate covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
  2. In what ways does the New Covenant in Christ fulfill these restoration prophecies beyond merely national Israel?
  3. How should future hope of complete restoration motivate present faithfulness and evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְשַׁבְתִּי֮1 of 19

And I will bring again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

שְׁב֣וּת3 of 19

the captivity

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

עַמִּ֣י4 of 19

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵל֒5 of 19

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבָנ֞וּ6 of 19

and they shall build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עָרִ֤ים7 of 19

cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

נְשַׁמּוֹת֙8 of 19

the waste

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְיָשָׁ֔בוּ9 of 19

and inhabit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְנָטְע֣וּ10 of 19

them and they shall plant

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

כְרָמִ֔ים11 of 19

vineyards

H3754

a garden or vineyard

וְשָׁת֖וּ12 of 19

and drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אֶת13 of 19
H853

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

יֵינָ֑ם14 of 19

the wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְעָשׂ֣וּ15 of 19

thereof they shall also make

H6213

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

גַנּ֔וֹת16 of 19

gardens

H1593

a garden

וְאָכְל֖וּ17 of 19

and eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת18 of 19
H853

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

פְּרִיהֶֽם׃19 of 19

the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)


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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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