Amos 8:4
Amos 8:4 in Multiple Translations
Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land,
¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,
Hear this, O ye that would swallow up the needy, and cause the poor of the land to fail,
Give ear to this, you who are crushing the poor, and whose purpose is to put an end to those who are in need in the land,
Listen to this, you who trample down the needy, and wipe out the poor of the land.
Heare this, O yee that swallowe vp the poore, that ye may make the needie of the lande to fayle,
Hear this, ye who are swallowing up the needy, To cause to cease the poor of the land,
Hear this, you who desire to swallow up the needy, and cause the poor of the land to fail,
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,
Hear this, you that crush the poor, and make the needy of the land to fail,
It is as though you people trample on needy people, and you destroy the poor people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 8:4
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 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְעוּ
זֹ֕את
הַ/שֹּׁאֲפִ֖ים
אֶבְי֑וֹן
וְ/לַ/שְׁבִּ֖ית
ענוי
עֲנִיֵּי
אָֽרֶץ
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
זֹ֕את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
הַ/שֹּׁאֲפִ֖ים
shâʼaph
H7602
to long for
Art | V-Qal
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
וְ/לַ/שְׁבִּ֖ית
shâbath
H7673
to cease
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
ענוי
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Adj
עֲנִיֵּי
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 8:4
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
זֹ֕את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
הַ/שֹּׁאֲפִ֖ים
shâʼaph
H7602
"to long for"
Art | V-Qal
To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.
Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.
אֶבְי֑וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
וְ/לַ/שְׁבִּ֖ית
shâbath
H7673
"to cease"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To keep the Sabbath means to rest and stop working, as commanded by God in the book of Exodus. This Hebrew word is used to describe the act of observing the Sabbath day, and is an important part of Jewish tradition and worship.
Definition: 1) to cease, desist, rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease 1a2) to rest, desist (from labour) 1b) (Niphal) to cease 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cease, put an end to 1c2) to exterminate, destroy 1c3) to cause to desist from 1c4) to remove 1c5) to cause to fail
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away. See also: Genesis 2:2; Isaiah 14:4; Psalms 8:3.
ענוי
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
עֲנִיֵּי
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Amos 8:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 8:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 8:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 8:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 8:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 8:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 8:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 8:4
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 8:4
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 8:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 8:4
- Sermons on Amos 8:4
Context — The Basket of Summer Fruit
2“Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.”
3“In that day,” declares the Lord GOD, “the songs of the temple will turn to wailing. Many will be the corpses, strewn in silence everywhere!”
4Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land,
5asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. 6Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:14 | there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men. |
| 2 | Psalms 14:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. |
| 3 | Amos 5:11 | Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:6–7 | For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. |
| 5 | Amos 2:6–7 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. |
| 6 | Psalms 140:12 | I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. |
| 7 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 8 | Matthew 23:13 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. |
| 9 | James 5:6 | You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:19 | Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. |
Amos 8:4 Summary
[This verse is a warning from God to those who take advantage of the poor and vulnerable, and it reminds us that God sees and cares about how we treat others, as seen in Amos 8:4 and also in Jeremiah 22:13. He calls us to love and serve those in need, and to treat them with kindness and respect, just as we would want to be treated, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12. By doing so, we can show God's love to a world in need, and bring glory to His name, as seen in Micah 6:8. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving the poor and vulnerable, and bringing hope and healing to those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trample the needy?
To trample the needy means to take advantage of or oppress those who are poor and vulnerable, often for personal gain, as seen in Amos 8:4 and also in Isaiah 10:2 where it talks about depriving the poor of their rights.
Why is God addressing those who do away with the poor of the land?
God is addressing those who exploit the poor because He is a God of justice and compassion, as seen in Psalm 140:12, and He will not tolerate the oppression of the vulnerable.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God cares deeply about how we treat the poor and vulnerable, and we are called to love and serve them, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the sheep from the goats based on how they treated the least of these.
What is the consequence of trampling the needy?
The consequence of trampling the needy is God's judgment and wrath, as seen in Amos 8:4 and also in Proverbs 21:13, where it says that those who close their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
Reflection Questions
- How do I treat those who are less fortunate than me, and what changes can I make to show them more love and compassion?
- What are some ways that I can practically serve the poor and vulnerable in my community, and how can I get involved?
- What does it mean to 'do away with' the poor, and how can I make sure I am not contributing to their oppression?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the call to care for the poor, and what does the Bible say about this balance, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 8:4
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy,.... Like a man that pants after a draught of water when thirsty; and, when he has got it, greedily swallows it down at one gulp; so these rich men swallowed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 8:4
Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, Hear this. The nobles needed to be urged thus, as hating to hear reproof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 8:4
Though the prophet had several times told them what were the sins for which God would thus punish Israel, yet on a repeated threat he repeateth the rehearsal of the sins which draw down these judgments on their heads. Hear this, attend, and consider it, O ye that swallow up, greedily and cruelly devour, that do, like the greater fish, swallow up the lesser fry: in this one word the prophet includeth all the methods of their cruel oppression, wasting tho poor. The needy; such as were objects of your mercy, had you been just and honest, as well as rich and great. Even to make the poor of the land to fail; either to root them out, or to enslave them, while their necessities force them to sell themselves for bread.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 8:4
Amos 8:4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,Ver. 4. Hear this, ye that swallow up the needy] That seep them up as drink (our word seep seems to come of the Hebrew Shaaph), that would make but a breakfast, nay, but a bit of them; that would swallow them at once down their wide gullets, and do, for that purpose, pant and even faint, as well nigh windless, after them, to devour them. Hence they are called man eaters, cannibals, Psalms 14:4. See Amos 2:7. Even to make the poor of the land to fail] Heb. the meek of the, land. Poverty should meeken and tame men’ s spirits; howbeit, some are humbled but not humble, low but not lowly. Those that are both are often oppressed by the great ones of the earth; and even devoured, as the lesser fish are by the bigger. "Ye have condemned and killed the just," saith St James to the wicked rich men of his time, "and he doth not resist you," James 5:6. He only committeth his cause to him that judgeth righteously, 1 Peter 2:23, and indeed he need do no more than so; for God is the poor man’ s king, as James V of Scotland was termed for his charity; yea, he is the world’ s refuge, Awlen Penaugh, as the Great Turk vain gloriously styleth himself, and would have the world to take notice, that such poor people as lament to him shall be relieved by him, although his ministers fail them or abuse them, through their injustice, to make the poor of the land fail. "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him," Psalms 12:5.
Neither doth God say it only (though that were sufficient), but swear it too in this chapter, yea, in this text (the two next following verses are put in as by a parenthesis), and these cormorants are called upon to hear it, and not to pass it by with a deaf ear, tanquam monstra marina, as such kind of creatures used to do.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 8:4
(4) Ye that swallow up . . .—Better, ye that pant (or are greedy) for the very ashes on their heads.Make . . . to fail.—Literally, make . . . to cease: i.e., destroy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 8:4
Verse 4. Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy] Ye that bruise the poor; exact from them, and tread them under foot.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 8:4
4–14. A fresh denunciation of Israel’s sin, followed by a fresh picture of the impending calamities.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 8:4
Here ye this, ye that swallow - Or, better in the same sense, “that pant for the needy;” as Job says, “the hireling panteth for the evening” Job 7:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 8:4
4-7. The greedy merchants of Israel. Hear this — See on Amos 3:1. Swallow up the needy — Literally, pant after (Amos 2:7). Here also Jerome renders ‘crush.” The verb is explained in the next clause.
Sermons on Amos 8:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 2. Man- Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the plight of being poor and needy in this world. He explains that those who are in such a condition have a special appeal to the merciful a |
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The Poor of the Land and the Pride of Jacob by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the message of Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, who delivered a warning of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite Amos' faithful procla |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 51-60 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God having the ability to record and playback every scene of our lives. He compares this to the experience of watching old home |
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(Christ Formed) 01 - Christ Formed in You by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the importance of an introductory lesson in understanding the message of God. He then highlights the significance of the second |
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The Higher They Are Raised, the More Is a Longing of Soul After Spiritual Attainments Increased. by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinguishing difference between gracious affections and false affections, emphasizing that true saints, as they grow in love for God and hatre |