Amos 6:11
Amos 6:11 in Multiple Translations
For the LORD gives a command: “The great house will be smashed to pieces, and the small house to rubble.”
For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts.
For, behold, Jehovah commandeth, and the great house shall be smitten with breaches, and the little house with clefts.
For see, at the order of the Lord the great house will be full of cracks and the little house will be broken.
Watch out! When the Lord gives the command, large houses will be reduced to rubble, and small houses smashed to pieces.
For behold, the Lord commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the litle house with clefts.
For lo, Jehovah is commanding, And He hath smitten the great house [with] breaches, And the little house [with] clefts.
“For, behold, the LORD commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces, and the little house into bits.
For behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts.
And he shall answer: There is an end. And he shall any to him: Hold thy peace, and mention not the name of the Lord.
Terrible things like that will happen because Yahweh has commanded that large houses in Israel must be smashed into pieces, and small houses must be smashed into tiny bits.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 6:11
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 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הִנֵּ֤ה
יְהוָה֙
מְצַוֶּ֔ה
וְ/הִכָּ֛ה
הַ/בַּ֥יִת
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
רְסִיסִ֑ים
וְ/הַ/בַּ֥יִת
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
בְּקִעִֽים
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מְצַוֶּ֔ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel
וְ/הִכָּ֛ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
הַ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
רְסִיסִ֑ים
râçîyç
H7447
drop
N-mp
וְ/הַ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | Art | N-ms
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
בְּקִעִֽים
bᵉqîyaʻ
H1233
breach
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 6:11
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
יְהוָה֙
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.
מְצַוֶּ֔ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
וְ/הִכָּ֛ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
הַ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
רְסִיסִ֑ים
râçîyç
H7447
"drop"
N-mp
This word describes something that's broken into fragments, like a dropped object that shatters. It can also mean a small drop, like a dewdrop. In the Bible, it's used to describe damage or destruction.
Definition: drop (of dew)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: breach, drop. See also: Song of Solomon 5:2; Amos 6:11.
וְ/הַ/בַּ֥יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
בְּקִעִֽים
bᵉqîyaʻ
H1233
"breach"
N-mp
A breach refers to a fissure or cleft, like a hole or gap in something. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical openings or divisions.
Definition: fissure, breach, cleft
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: breach, cleft. See also: Isaiah 22:9; Amos 6:11.
Study Notes — Amos 6:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 6:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 6:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 6:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 6:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 6:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 6:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 6:11
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 6:11
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 6:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 6:11
- Sermons on Amos 6:11
Context — The Pride of Israel
9And if there are ten men left in one house, they too will die.
10And when the relative who is to burn the bodies picks them up to remove them from the house, he will call to one inside, “Is anyone else with you?” “None,” that person will answer. “Silence,” the relative will retort, “for the name of the LORD must not be invoked.”
11For the LORD gives a command: “The great house will be smashed to pieces, and the small house to rubble.”
12“Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does one plow the sea with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood— 13you who rejoice in Lo-debar and say, ‘Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 3:15 | I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will also perish, and the great houses will come to an end,” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Isaiah 55:11 | so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 25:9 | He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. |
| 4 | Nahum 1:14 | The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh: “There will be no descendants to carry on your name. I will cut off the carved image and cast idol from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.” |
| 5 | Luke 19:44 | They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ” |
| 6 | Zechariah 14:2 | For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. |
| 7 | Amos 6:8 | The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself—the LORD, the God of Hosts, has declared: “I abhor Jacob’s pride and detest his citadels, so I will deliver up the city and everything in it.” |
| 8 | Amos 9:9 | “For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground. |
| 9 | Psalms 105:16 | He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. |
| 10 | Psalms 105:34 | He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number. |
Amos 6:11 Summary
This verse is saying that God is going to bring judgment on everyone, no matter how rich or poor they are. He will destroy the big houses and the small houses, because He is concerned with what is in our hearts, not just our outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). This is a reminder that we should focus on building our spiritual houses on a strong foundation, rather than just trying to accumulate wealth or status (Matthew 7:24-27). By doing so, we can avoid the destruction that comes from living a life that is not pleasing to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LORD's command to smash the great house and small house to rubble mean?
This command signifies God's judgment on the wealthy and the poor alike, emphasizing that no one will be spared from the consequences of their sins, as seen in Amos 6:9-10 and Deuteronomy 28:30.
Is this verse talking about a physical destruction or a spiritual one?
While the verse does mention physical destruction, it also alludes to the spiritual decay and moral corruption that will lead to this downfall, as mentioned in Amos 6:12 and Isaiah 5:8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of social justice?
The verse highlights the importance of social justice, as the wealthy and the powerful will be held accountable for their actions, and the poor will not be ignored, as seen in Amos 5:24 and Micah 6:8.
What is the significance of the contrast between the great house and the small house?
The contrast emphasizes that God's judgment is not limited to the wealthy or the powerful, but will affect everyone, regardless of their social status, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 12:42-48.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can ensure that my own 'house' is built on a strong foundation, rather than being prone to destruction?
- How can I apply the principles of social justice in my own life, and what are some ways in which I can advocate for the poor and marginalized?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing material wealth or status over spiritual well-being, and how can I adjust my priorities?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, and how can I apply that knowledge to my own relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 6:11
For, behold, the Lord commandeth,.... Hath determined and ordered the judgment before, and what follows: Kimchi paraphrases it, hath decreed the earthquake, as in Amos 3:15; of which he understands
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 6:11
For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts. For, behold, the Lord commandeth, and he will smite.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 6:11
For, behold; consider this well: it seems to be the continued speech of him who took care of the dead, . The Lord commandeth; God, provoked by our sins, hath sent out thy enemies; war, famine, and pestilence all come commissioned of God, and when the arrow is shot it will hit and kill. He will smite the great house with breaches; the palaces of great men, and their families, shall have great breaches made in them, by which they shall be ruined. And the little house with clefts; the cottages and lesser dwellings of poor men, with their families, shall by lesser strokes be ruined, their clefts shall be enough to do this. All shall be overthrown, and we must submit to it.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 6:11
Amos 6:11 For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts.Ver. 11. For, behold, the Lord commandeth] Calamities, and they come; the Chaldeans, and they are at hand with their battle axes, but it is he that gives them their commission, and biddeth them fall on. And he will smite the great house with breaches, &c.] i.e. He will destroy rich and poor together; pale death will knock at both their houses with an even foot ( aequo pulsat pede), as in time of plague, earthquake, or the like epidemic evil. The grave is the congregation house of all living, Job 30:23, whereinto men chop often before they think; as a man that walks in the snow may fall into a clay pit. The mortal scythe is master of the royal sceptre; and it mows down the lilies of the crown as well as the grass of the field. Death is the only king "against whom there is no rising up," as Agur phraseth the most absolute predominance, Proverbs 30:31; it levelleth lords and lowlies, and lays all waste; breaking down the greater houses and cleaving the lesser, with an utter extermination of all. Search you therefore, search you, O nation not desired; before the decree come forth, &c., Zephaniah 2:1-2. Being wise after the fact helps not; repentance, though true, may come too late in respect of temporal judgments, as in Moses, Deuteronomy 1:37, and David, 2 Samuel 12:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 6:11
(11) Breaches.—For this read ruins. (See end of Note on Amos 6:8.) The overthrow of all classes of the population is here referred to.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 6:11
Verse 11. He will smote the great house with breaches] The great and small shall equally suffer; no distinction shall be made; rich and poor shall fall together; death has received his commission, and he will spare none. Horace has a sentiment precisely like this, Carm. Lib. i., Od. iv., v. 13. Pallida mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum TABERNAS, Regumque TURRES. With equal pace impartial fate Knocks at the palace as the cottage gate. But this may refer particularly to the houses of the poor in Eastern countries; their mud walls being frequently full of clefts; the earth of which they are built seldom adhering together because of its sandiness.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 6:11
11. For behold, &c.] The words give the reason for Amos 6:8, rather than for Amos 6:9-10, which describe merely an episode in the ruin. commandeth] viz. the human agents, by whose instrumentality (cf. Isaiah 10:6) He carries out His will. Who these agents are conceived by Amos to be will appear in Amos 6:14. the great house into fragments and the little house into clefts] Neither the palaces of the wealthy, nor the more modest dwellings of the ordinary citizens, will escape the coming ruin.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 6:11
The Lord commandeth and He will smite - Jerome: “If He commandeth, how doth He smite? If He smiteth, how doth He command?
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 6:11
8, 9. Lord Jehovah — See on Amos 1:8. Hath sworn — See on Amos 4:2. By himself — Literally, by his soul. The most solemn oath, since there is no greater than Jehovah (see also on Amos 4:2; compare Jeremiah 51:14).
Sermons on Amos 6:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Lecture for Little-Faith by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and finding gladness in one's heart. It encourages those who have been fasting or feeling sad to anoint thei |
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(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Ascending the Holy Hill by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and the need for it to be restored to its exalted status in the church. He shares the story of a Swiss pastor nam |
|
(Biographies) Charles Spurgeon by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in preaching, even in the face of adversity and criticism. He encourages preachers to have a long-term perspec |
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God Wants to Make Covenant With You! by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in serving God. Under the Old Covenant, people tried to please God through thei |
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You Don't Have to Quit by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the difficult times that people are facing both personally and nationally. He emphasizes the importance of Christian friends and the support a |
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(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - My Soul by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He highlights the tendency of people to rely on others for spiritual nourishment, |
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The Principles of Missions (Basis for Missions - Part 1) by Paris Reidhead | The video is a sermon that emphasizes the eternal purpose of God to bring people to Himself and reveal His glory and grace. It highlights the importance of viewing the Bible as a m |