Amos 2:12
Amos 2:12 in Multiple Translations
“But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.
But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
But ye gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
But to those who were separate you gave wine for drink; and to the prophets you said, Be prophets no longer.
But you made the Nazirites sin by drinking wine, and you told the prophets, “Don't tell us what God says.”
But ye gaue the Nazarites wine to drinke, and commanded the Prophetes, saying, Prophecie not.
And ye cause the Nazarites to drink wine, And on the prophets ye have laid a charge, Saying, 'Do not prophecy!'
“But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘Don’t prophesy!’
But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
And you will present wine to the Nazarites: and command the prophets, saying: Prophesy not.
But you commanded the prophets to not speak the messages that I gave to them, and you persuaded the Nazir-men to drink wine, which I told them never to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּשְׁק֥וּ
אֶת
הַ/נְּזִרִ֖ים
יָ֑יִן
וְ/עַל
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
צִוִּיתֶ֣ם
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
לֹ֖א
תִּנָּבְאֽוּ
וַ/תַּשְׁק֥וּ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נְּזִרִ֖ים
nâzîyr
H5139
Nazirite
Art | N-mp
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
צִוִּיתֶ֣ם
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִּנָּבְאֽוּ
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
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 2:12
וַ/תַּשְׁק֥וּ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2mp
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נְּזִרִ֖ים
nâzîyr
H5139
"Nazirite"
Art | N-mp
A Nazirite is a person who is consecrated or devoted to God, often taking a vow to abstain from certain things. This word is used in the Bible to describe someone who is set apart for God's service. It is a term used to describe a person's spiritual commitment.
Definition: 1) consecrated or devoted one, Nazarite 1a) consecrated one 1b) devotee, Nazarite 1c) untrimmed (vine) Also named: ne.zer (נֵ֫זֶר ": consecration" H5145)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Nazarite (by a false alliteration with Nazareth), separate(-d), vine undressed. See also: Genesis 49:26; Numbers 6:21; Amos 2:12.
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/נְּבִיאִים֙
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
צִוִּיתֶ֣ם
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-2mp
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
תִּנָּבְאֽוּ
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
Study Notes — Amos 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:12
- Sermons on Amos 2:12
Context — Judgment on Moab, Judah, and Israel
10And I brought you up from the land of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness, that you might take possession of the land of the Amorite.
11I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD.
12“But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.
13Behold, I am about to crush you in your place as with a cart full of grain. 14Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 7:13 | But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 11:21 | Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.” |
| 4 | Micah 2:6 | “Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” |
| 5 | Amos 7:16 | Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ |
Amos 2:12 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Israelites did two very wrong things: they made the Nazirites, who were special people dedicated to God, break their vows by drinking wine, and they told the prophets, who were speaking God's words, to be quiet. This shows that the Israelites were not listening to God or obeying His laws, which is also seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Matthew 5:17-20. We can learn from their mistakes by making sure to listen to God's voice and obey His commands, and by supporting those who are speaking His words to us. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and experience God's blessings instead.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nazirite and why were they important in the Bible?
A Nazirite was someone who had dedicated themselves to God for a period of time, abstaining from wine and other worldly pleasures, as seen in Numbers 6:1-21. In Amos 2:12, the fact that the Israelites made Nazirites drink wine shows their disregard for God's laws and covenant.
Why did God command prophets to prophesy and what does it mean for the Israelites to silence them?
God commanded prophets to speak His words and warn the people of their sins, as seen in Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Ezekiel 2:1-3:11. By silencing the prophets, the Israelites were essentially rejecting God's voice and refusing to repent, which is also seen in Isaiah 30:9-11.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Amos?
The book of Amos is a call to repentance, warning the Israelites of God's judgment for their sins, including their treatment of the poor and their rejection of God's laws, as seen in Amos 5:21-24 and Amos 8:4-7. This verse highlights their specific sins of disobeying God's laws and rejecting His prophets.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistakes in this verse?
We can learn the importance of obeying God's laws and listening to His voice, as well as the dangers of rejecting His warnings and commands, as seen in Proverbs 1:24-31 and Luke 12:47-48.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to God's voice and warnings in my own life, and am I listening to His prophets and messengers?
- In what ways am I tempted to silence or reject God's words, and what are the consequences of doing so?
- How can I support and encourage those who are called to prophetic ministry, and what role can I play in speaking God's words to others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be disobeying God's laws or commands, and what steps can I take to repent and obey?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:12
But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink,.... Contrary to their vow and calling, and in contempt of it, and to make them like themselves; they either persuaded them, or forced them to it: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:12
But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink - ye so despised these my favours as to tempt the Nazarite to break his vow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:12
But ye, for whose benefit both Nazarites and prophets were raised, you who should have heard their word, and imitated their example, gave the Nazarites wine; importuned, urged, or it may be (as is the custom of excessive drinkers) forced them to drink wine, to violate their vow, and contemn God’ s law too, ,4. Commanded: by this passage it appears that they were men in authority who did this; it is not probable that mean persons who had no authority would enjoin silence on the prophets, . It is evident Amaziah was chief priest in Beth-el, and by virtue of his jurisdiction there silenceth the prophet. The prophets; the true, faithful, and plain-dealing prophets, who rebuked their sins, required them to repent, and threatened judgments if they did not repent. Saying, Prophesy not: see ,11;
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:12
Amos 2:12 But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.Ver. 12. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink] Opponit iam Propheta pessimam gratiam, saith Gualther. Here was the ill requital they made the Lord for all his benefits; they corrupted his young Nazarites (as buzzards snatch up young lapwings) and silenced his prophets, or enjoined them at least to meddle with toothless truths only, to preach placentia; pleasing things, threatening them if they did otherwise (for so the original importeth) that so they might sin without control, and go to hell without hindrance. This God heavily here complains of, as a horrible ingratitude. To render good for evil is Divine, good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish, but evil for good is devilish.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 2:12
(11, 12) God added to the mercies of His providence, the transcendent blessings of special revelation. The prophets of Israel were numerous, and renowned, and exposed to frequent persecution, e.g., the cases of Micaiah, Elijah, and others. “The Nazarite vow to abstain from wine, which, in the earliest case, that of Samson, appears a life-long vow, was undoubtedly a religious protest against Canaanite civilisation in favour of the simple life of ancient times.” (W. R. Smith, Prophets of Israel, p. 84.) The Nazarite was, moreover, a link between the prophet and the priest, upon whom, without hereditary rank or sacerdotal rite, great privileges were bestowed. The assault upon both is highly characteristic of the disloyalty of Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:12
Verse 12. But ye gave the Nazarites wine] This was expressly forbidden in the laws of their institution. See Numbers 6:1-3. Prophesy not.] They would not worship God, and they would not hear the voice of his prophets.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:12
12. But the Israelites had refused to respect either. They had tempted the Nazirites to break their vow; and had striven to silence the prophets. Ye shall not prophesy] Cf. 1 Kings 22:13-28 (Micaiah); Amos 7:13; Amos 7:16; Hosea 9:8; Isaiah 30:10-11; Micah 2:6; Jeremiah 11:21; Jeremiah 20:7-10.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 2:12
But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink - Literally, “and,” (this, on their part, was the consequence of what God did for them) “ye caused the Nazarites to drink wine.” God appointed; Israel strove to undo His appointment.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:12
9-12. What contrast between the actual conduct of the people and the conduct that might be expected of them in view of Jehovah’s loving care for them throughout their entire history!
Sermons on Amos 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the |
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Danger of Defiance by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message of Amos, particularly in chapter 5 and verse 24. He emphasizes the importance of hating evil, loving good, and establishing just |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Plain Old Gospel Message Path of Reward - Lake Johanna Conference by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the life of Tanny Crosby, who could have grumbled about being blind but instead chose to dig wells of blessings for others through her hymn |
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A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |
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Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of testing teachings and doctrines based on four criteria: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did th |