Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 6:9
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Context — The Pride of Israel
7Therefore, you will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and your feasting and lounging will come to an end.
8The 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.”
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.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Amos 5:3 |
This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will only see a hundred return, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.” |
| 2 |
Job 1:2 |
He had seven sons and three daughters, |
| 3 |
Psalms 109:13 |
May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. |
| 4 |
Esther 9:10 |
They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. |
| 5 |
Isaiah 14:21 |
Prepare a place to slaughter his sons for the iniquities of their forefathers. They will never rise up to possess a land or cover the earth with their cities. |
| 6 |
Job 20:28 |
The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. |
| 7 |
Esther 5:11 |
Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. |
| 8 |
Job 1:19 |
when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” |
| 9 |
1 Samuel 2:33 |
And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. |
Amos 6:9 Summary
Amos 6:9 is a warning that even when it seems like there are still some good people left, God's judgment can still come. This means that being part of a group doesn't necessarily keep us safe from God's judgment if we are living in sin. It's like what is said in Proverbs 29:1, that stubbornness can lead to punishment. We should take this as a reminder to personally repent and turn to God, as encouraged in Acts 3:19, to avoid His judgment and find His mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for ten men to be left in one house in Amos 6:9?
This verse is referring to a severe judgment where even a small remaining group of people will not be spared, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's judgment, as seen in similar passages like Deuteronomy 28:63 and Jeremiah 25:11.
Is this verse talking about a literal death or a spiritual one?
In the context of Amos 6, it appears to be referring to a literal death, as part of the judgment on Israel for their sins, similar to what is described in Leviticus 26:22 and Ezekiel 5:12.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy?
While this verse highlights God's judgment, it also underscores the depth of Israel's sin, implying that God's mercy has been rejected, as spoken of in Romans 2:4 and Hebrews 10:26-27, where it is clear that God's mercy is available but can be spurned.
What does this say about the idea of safety in numbers?
Amos 6:9 suggests that even being among a group will not provide safety from God's judgment if that group is sinful, echoing the principle found in Proverbs 11:21 that wickedness cannot ultimately save anyone.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that I am not caught up in the judgment that comes upon the wicked, as warned in Amos 6:9?
- What are some sins in my life that I need to repent of to avoid facing God's judgment?
- In what ways can I be a light to those around me and warn them of the coming judgment, as Amos did to Israel?
- How does the promise of judgment in this verse impact my understanding of God's character, especially in relation to His mercy and love as described in Psalm 103:8-14?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 6:9
And it shall come to pass,.... When the city is delivered up and taken: if there remain; who are not carried captive, or destroyed by the sword: ten men in one house; that is, many, a certain number
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 6:9
And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die. If there remain ten men in one house ... they shall die - (Leviticus 26:26; Zechariah 8:23).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 6:9
It shall come to pass; the thing is decreed, and shall take effect. If there remain, or escape the enemies’ sword, or the famine of Samaria, besieged three years. Ten men in one house; many men, for it is a certain number expressed, though an uncertain be understood. They shall die, either of pestilence, or by some other stroke of God’ s hand; though they escape a while they shall not finally escape, .
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 6:9
Amos 6:9 And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die.Ver. 9. And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men, &c.] That is, many, as Zechariah 8:23 Leviticus 26:26, because ten is the utmost of single number: q.d. though a considerable company escape the enemy, yet pestilence or some other destruction shall put an end to them. They shall die] See this fulfilled 2 Kings 17:5. In which common calamity what a happiness had they, that belonging to the election of grace, could confidently say, as Habakkuk 1:12, "Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One? We shall not die" (or if we do, death may kill us, but cannot hurt us, Occidere potest, non laedere). "O Lord, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction." The wicked are killed with death, Revelation 2:23, undone by it; to them it is no other but a trap door to hell, as to the saints it is as the valley of Achor, a door of hope, the very daybreak of eternal brightness, Hosea 2:15.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 6:9
(9, 10) Ten . . . uncle.—In some large house it might be that ten are left remaining, but even these are devoured by the pestilence which hovers in the track of war. Nine have fallen victims. Fathers and brothers are all gone, and the uncle comes in as the funereal burner, to carry out the corpse to the pyre, and finds in the innermost parts of the house the tenth victim of the fell disease yet alive. A hurried word or two passes between them: “Is there yet another with thee?” and the answer comes, “Not one.” Then shall he say “Hush!” The lonely sufferer begins to curse the Lord for His judgments, or it may be he begins to call upon the Name of the Lord when it is too late, when, as a finishing touch of darkest gloom and despair, he is interrupted by a warning not to stir up Jehovah’s wrath in this day of His visitation by even mentioning His name. This and one other passage (1 Samuel 31:12) imply that under special circumstances the Hebrews burned their dead. In this case pestilence made cremation a necessity. The references in 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19; Jeremiah 34:5, are to honorific burning of spices in memory of the dead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 6:9
Verse 9. Ten men - they shall die.] ALL shall be cut off by the sword, or by captivity, or by famine.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 6:9
9–10. The terrible consequences of the siege.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 6:9
If there shall remain ten men - He probably still denounces the punishment of the rich inhabitants of the palaces, since in these only, of old, would there be found “ten men.” They died, it seems, at
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 6:9
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 6:9
| Sermon | Description |
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The Book of Job
by Keith Daniel
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In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Job from the Bible. Job, a wealthy and righteous man, experiences a series of devastating losses, including the death of his child |
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Sermons on Job #2 (Riches, Poverty, Family, etc.)
by John Calvin
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In this sermon, the Reverend John Calvin focuses on the story of Job from the book of Job in the Bible. He begins by describing Job's wealth and the feasts that his children would |
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Often Reproved
by Rolfe Barnard
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In this sermon, the preacher talks about a series of events that occurred over three days. He mentions that there was a great fear that came upon the community and that the spirit |
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Of Good Angels
by John Wesley
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John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas abo |