Amos 4:6
Amos 4:6 in Multiple Translations
“I beset all your cities with cleanness of teeth and all your towns with lack of bread, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.
¶ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah.
But in all your towns I have kept food from your teeth, and in all your places there has been need of bread: and still you have not come back to me, says the Lord.
It was I who made sure you had nothing to eat in all your cities, and a lack of food wherever you lived, but still you wouldn't return to me, says the Lord.
And therefore haue I giuen you cleannes of teeth in all your cities, and scarcenesse of bread in all your places, yet haue ye not returned vnto me, saith the Lord.
And I also — I have given to you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, And lack of bread in all your places, And ye have not turned back unto Me, an affirmation of Jehovah.
“I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in every town; yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned to me, saith the LORD.
Whereupon I also have given you dulness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet you have not returned to me, saith the Lord.
I am the one who caused there to be no food in any of your cities and towns [DOU], but you rejected me in spite of that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 4:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Amos 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַם
אֲנִי֩
נָתַ֨תִּי
לָ/כֶ֜ם
נִקְי֤וֹן
שִׁנַּ֨יִם֙
בְּ/כָל
עָ֣רֵי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/חֹ֣סֶר
לֶ֔חֶם
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
מְקוֹמֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם
וְ/לֹֽא
שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
עָדַ֖/י
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֲנִי֩
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
נָתַ֨תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ/כֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
נִקְי֤וֹן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
innocence
N-ms
שִׁנַּ֨יִם֙
shên
H8127
tooth
N-cd
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עָ֣רֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp | Suff
וְ/חֹ֣סֶר
chôçer
H2640
lack
Conj | N-ms
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מְקוֹמֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
עָדַ֖/י
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep | Suff
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 4:6
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֲנִי֩
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
נָתַ֨תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/כֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
נִקְי֤וֹן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
"innocence"
N-ms
This word refers to the state of being clear or innocent, either physically or morally. It is used in the Old Testament to describe a person's cleanness or innocence, such as in the book of Psalms where David asks God to create a clean heart within him.
Definition: 1) innocency 1a) freedom from guilt, innocency 1b) freedom from punishment 1c) cleanness of teeth (physical sense)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cleanness, innocency. See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 73:13; Psalms 26:6.
שִׁנַּ֨יִם֙
shên
H8127
"tooth"
N-cd
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עָ֣רֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/חֹ֣סֶר
chôçer
H2640
"lack"
Conj | N-ms
This word signifies a lack or want of something, often describing a state of poverty or need, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: want, lack, want of, lack of
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: in want of. See also: Deuteronomy 28:48; Deuteronomy 28:57; Amos 4:6.
לֶ֔חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְקוֹמֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-mp | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
עָדַ֖/י
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Amos 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 4:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 4:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 4:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 4:6
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 4:6
- Sermons on Amos 4:6
Context — Punishment Brings No Repentance
4“Go to Bethel and transgress; rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days.
5Offer leavened bread as a thank offering, and loudly proclaim your freewill offerings. For that is what you children of Israel love to do,” declares the Lord GOD.
6“I afflicted all your cities with cleanness of teeth and all your towns with lack of bread, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.
7“I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. 8People staggered from city to city for water to drink, but they were not satisfied; yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haggai 2:17 | I struck you—all the work of your hands—with blight, mildew, and hail, but you did not turn to Me, declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:3 | O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. |
| 3 | Isaiah 9:13 | But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Revelation 16:10–11 | And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds. |
| 5 | Revelation 2:21 | Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. |
| 6 | Hosea 5:15–1 | — |
| 7 | Leviticus 26:26 | When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 8:5–7 | Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. |
| 9 | Hosea 7:14–16 | They do not cry out to Me from their hearts when they wail upon their beds. They slash themselves for grain and new wine, but turn away from Me. Although I trained and strengthened their arms, they plot evil against Me. They turn, but not to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword for the cursing of their tongue; for this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 28:38 | You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it. |
Amos 4:6 Summary
In Amos 4:6, God is saying that even though He allowed the Israelites to experience hunger and lack, they still refused to turn back to Him. This shows that God sometimes uses difficult circumstances to get our attention and call us to repentance, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Psalm 119:67 and Jeremiah 31:18. Just like the Israelites, we can become stubborn and hard-hearted, but God's desire is for us to return to Him and seek His mercy, as promised in verses like 1 John 1:9. By acknowledging our sin and turning to God, we can experience His forgiveness and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cleanness of teeth' mean in Amos 4:6?
The phrase 'cleanness of teeth' is a metaphor for famine, as it describes a condition where people have nothing to eat, not even enough to fill their teeth, as seen in other scriptures like Leviticus 26:26 and Ezekiel 4:16-17.
Why did God send lack of bread to the cities of Israel?
God sent lack of bread to the cities of Israel as a form of judgment, to call them to repentance, as stated in Amos 4:6, and to remind them of their dependence on Him, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 8:3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and judgment?
This verse shows that God's mercy and judgment are intertwined, as He withholds blessing, in this case, bread, to prompt His people to return to Him, as seen in verses like Isaiah 55:6-7, where God calls His people to seek Him while He may be found.
What is the main message God is trying to convey through this verse?
The main message is that despite God's disciplinary actions, His people refused to return to Him, highlighting their stubbornness and rebellion, similar to the message in Jeremiah 5:3, where God laments the hardness of heart of His people.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to God's discipline in my own life, and what are the areas where I need to return to Him?
- In what ways can I examine my heart to ensure I am not stubbornly refusing God's call to repentance, like the Israelites in Amos 4:6?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of 'cleanness of teeth' or 'lack of bread' that God might use to get my attention and prompt me to seek Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's mercy and judgment in my life, and what role does gratitude play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 4:6
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities,.... Meaning a famine, having no food to foul them with, or to stick in them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 4:6
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I also have given you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 4:6
And I, the Lord, who gave many blessings to win you to repentance, hath also tried what might be done by judgments. Cleanness of teeth: this is a description of famine by one effect of it; where meat fails the teeth are not fouled, as where it is eaten. In all your cities; it was a general famine, and probably it was that long famine, . Want of bread in all your places; if there were some bread, yet it was very scarce every where: this passage explains the former. Yet have ye not returned unto me; yet this starving people repented not of their idolatries, nor cast off their idols; left not their sins of oppression and cruelty, &c.; see ,13; what you did like returning was partial and hypocritical, and not lasting.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 4:6
Amos 4:6 And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.Ver. 6. And I have also given you cleanness of teeth] So that you need not spend time in picking them, as those that are fully fed; for I have cut you short enough, and held you to hard allowance; as those that would tame wild creatures keep them empty and waking; but you have been, and so continue, untamed and untractable, incorrigibly flagitious, uncapable of repentance. Your diseases are complicated, yea, they are so ingrained, that they are not easily stirred, much less destroyed by any potion I have yet given you. In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction, Jeremiah 2:30. In all your cities] One as well as other, lest you should say as those Philistines, It was a chance, 1 Samuel 6:9 : and as the Rabbis tell us, that the idolatrous priests told Jeroboam that the drying up of his hand happened merely by accident. And want of bread in all your places] Thus the Scripture often interpreteth itself, and is ever its own best gloss. Some think that by "want of bread" here, is meant dearth of grain; as by cleanness of teeth, scarcity of flesh; and that by "all your places" we are to understand all your houses. This occured in the times of Elias and Elisha, 1 Kings 17:1 2 Kings 6:25; 2 Kings 8:1; and God would not have it to be forgotten, but is justly angry that they remained so irreformable. That dearth in Elias’ days lasted over three years; and might likely be as extreme as that here in England (about the year 700) of three years’ continuance; and so violent it was, that not only many died daily for hunger, but great numbers, joining hand in hand, 40 or 50 in a company, threw themselves headlong into the sea. A like three years’ famine also we read to have been in Bohemia and Polonia, A.D. 1312, so great, that children devoured their parents, and parents their children; some fed upon the dead carcases that hanged in gibbets.
Wolves also were so famished, that they fell upon all they met, and fed upon them. Yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord] Ye have lost the fruit of your afflictions ( perdidistis fructum afflictionis. Aug.), and all mine hammers hitherto have but beatten cold iron. The bellows are burnt, the lead is consumed, the founder melteth it in vain, for the wicked are not plucked away, sc. from their wickedness; his dross is yet with him, his great scum still in him, Ezekiel 24:6; Ezekiel 24:12-13, it is woven into the very texture of his heart, and cannot be separated. Reprobate silver shall men call him, because he returneth not to God that smiteth him, Jeremiah 6:29-30 Isaiah 9:12-13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 4:6
(6) Cleanness of teeth is, by the poetic parallelism, identified with the want of bread, the former phrase being a graphic representation of one of the ghastly aspects of famine; clean, sharp, prominent teeth projecting from the thin lips. Notwithstanding their chastisement, God says, “Ye have not returned even up to me.” Jehovah is here introduced as grieving over the failure of his disciplinary treatment of Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 4:6
Verse 6. Cleanness of teeth] Scarcity of bread, as immediately explained. Ye shall have no trouble in cleaning your teeth, for ye shall have nothing to eat. Yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.] This reprehension is repeated five times in this chapter; and in it are strongly implied God's longsuffering, his various modes of fatherly chastisement, the ingratitude of the people, and their obstinate wickedness. The famine mentioned here is supposed to be that which is spoken of 2Kg 8:1; but it is most likely to have been that mentioned by Joel, Joe 1:1-2:17.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 4:6
4–13. Here the people at large are addressed by the prophet, perhaps at some festal religious gathering.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 4:6
And I, I too have given you - Such had been their gifts to God, worthless, because destitute of that which alone God requires of His creatures, a loving, simple, single-hearted, loyal obedience.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 4:6
6. Famine. And I also — The contrast is brought out more clearly by rendering, “But I on my part” (Amos 2:9). Have given — See on Amos 3:6.
Sermons on Amos 4:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Is Inescapable by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of outward religious practices without true inward devotion. He emphasizes that this message from the book of Amos is not just ancie |
|
(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all th |
|
(Amos) Yet You Have Not Returned to Me by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about watching the Rocky movies and how the preparation for the boxing matches is the main focus of the plot. The |
|
Under His Wings by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories and illustrations to emphasize the importance of accepting God's invitation for protection and salvation. He describes a scene where a c |
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 5 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the biblical theme of God's response to the wickedness of men through various calamities and weather phenomena. It explores how the children of Israel faced |
|
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the consequences of improper responses to God's instructions and calls for repentance, confession, and proper alignment with God's will. It highlights the im |
|
They Repented Not by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl |