Amos 2:15
Amos 2:15 in Multiple Translations
The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life.
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.
neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself; neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself;
And the bowman will not keep his place; he who is quick-footed will not get away safely: and the horseman will not keep his life.
The archer will not stand his ground. The quickest on his feet will not be able to get away, and even those on horseback will not save themselves.
Nor he that handleth the bowe, shall stand, and he that is swift of foote, shall not escape, neyther shall he that rideth the horse, saue his life.
And the handler of the bow standeth not, And the swift with his feet delivereth not [himself], And the rider of the horse delivereth not his soul.
He who handles the bow won’t stand. He who is swift of foot won’t escape. He who rides the horse won’t deliver himself.
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself : neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.
And he that holdeth the bow shall not stand, and the swift of foot shall not escape, neither shall the rider of the horse save his life.
Even if you are able to shoot arrows well, you will be forced to retreat [LIT]; even if you run fast or if you ride away on a horse, you will not be able to save yourself.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 2:15
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 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/תֹפֵ֤שׂ
הַ/קֶּ֨שֶׁת֙
לֹ֣א
יַעֲמֹ֔ד
וְ/קַ֥ל
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
לֹ֣א
יְמַלֵּ֑ט
וְ/רֹכֵ֣ב
הַ/סּ֔וּס
לֹ֥א
יְמַלֵּ֖ט
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
וְ/תֹפֵ֤שׂ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal
הַ/קֶּ֨שֶׁת֙
qesheth
H7198
bow
Art | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַעֲמֹ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/קַ֥ל
qal
H7031
swift
Conj | Adj
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְמַלֵּ֑ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ/רֹכֵ֣ב
râkab
H7392
to ride
Conj | V-Qal
הַ/סּ֔וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Art | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְמַלֵּ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 2:15
וְ/תֹפֵ֤שׂ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
הַ/קֶּ֨שֶׁת֙
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
לֹ֣א
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.
יַעֲמֹ֔ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
וְ/קַ֥ל
qal
H7031
"swift"
Conj | Adj
This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.
Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
לֹ֣א
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.
יְמַלֵּ֑ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
וְ/רֹכֵ֣ב
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
הַ/סּ֔וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
לֹ֥א
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.
יְמַלֵּ֖ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Amos 2:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 2:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 2:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:15
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:15
- Sermons on Amos 2:15
Context — Judgment on Moab, Judah, and Israel
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.
15The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life.
16Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 33:16–17 | No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 39:3 | Then I will strike the bow from your left hand and dash down the arrows from your right hand. |
Amos 2:15 Summary
[Amos 2:15 teaches us that no matter how skilled or strong we are, we cannot escape God's judgment on our own. This is similar to what we see in the book of Judges 7:2, where Gideon's army is reduced to emphasize God's power. The archer, the fast runner, and the horseman all represent different kinds of people who think they can save themselves, but they will all fail. This reminds us that our true strength and salvation come from God, as seen in Psalm 28:7, which says the Lord is our strength and shield.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the archer, fleet of foot, and horseman in Amos 2:15?
These represent different types of warriors or individuals with unique skills, emphasizing that no one will be able to escape God's judgment, regardless of their abilities, as seen in Amos 2:14 where it says the strong will not prevail by his strength.
How does Amos 2:15 relate to the idea of salvation and redemption?
This verse highlights the inability of human strength or skill to save oneself, pointing to the need for salvation through God, as expressed in Psalm 33:16-17, which says that a king is not saved by the size of his army, and in Proverbs 21:31, which states that the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.
What is the overall message of Amos 2:15 in the context of God's judgment?
The verse underscores the absolute power of God's judgment, where all human attempts at escape or self-preservation will fail, as declared in Amos 2:16, where even the bravest will flee, emphasizing the universal reach of God's judgment, similar to what is seen in the book of Revelation 6:15-17.
How should believers respond to the message of Amos 2:15?
Believers should respond with humility and a reliance on God's power and salvation, recognizing that true strength and deliverance come from Him, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:31, which promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I rely on my own strength or abilities, rather than trusting in God's power and salvation?
- How can I apply the lesson of Amos 2:15 to my own life, recognizing the limits of human power and the importance of seeking God's deliverance?
- What are some areas where I feel like I am trying to 'stand my ground' or 'escape' through my own efforts, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and salvation, rather than relying on my own abilities or strengths?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:15
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow,.... That is, at some distance, and can make use of his instruments of war afar off; yet will not think it safe to stand his ground, but will betake
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:15
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:15
Neither shall he stand; though at distance from the enemies, yet shall not dare to keep his place. That handleth the bow; much used in the wars of those times, and used by strong and valiant men, but now both strength and valour should fail Israel’ s bow-men. He that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: this is the same, and explains that in the 14th verse. Neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself: here the prophet foretells that the swiftness of the horse, which some will make use of, shall as little avail, nor his strength joined with his speed shall deliver the rider; neither the strength of the horse shall carry him through, nor his swiftness carry him away from the hand of the pursuer.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:15
Amos 2:15 Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.Ver. 15. Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow] Arcitenens, though he can do it never so dexterously, yet if he trust in his bow, Psalms 44:6, God will break it, Jeremiah 49:35, or otherwise render it unuseful; as it befell the army of Sennacherib in Egypt, of Maximus against Theodosius, and the French in the battle between our Edward III and their King Philip, who being enraged with a defeat, resolved presently to revenge it, being elevated with an assured hope of triumphant victory. But it happened otherwise; for there fell at the instant of the battle a piercing shower of rain which dissolved their strings, and made their bows useless. Neither shall he that rideth the horse] Though it be as good a one as Cain is feigned by Dubertas to have managed, or as Alexander’ s Bucephalus, or Julius Cesar’ s great horse serviceable, and full of terror. A horse is so swift that Job saith he "eateth up the ground"; and the Persians dedicated him to their god the sun, as the swiftest creature to the swiftest power divine, ωσπερτοταχιστοντωταχυτατφθεων (Pausan.). But as the sun in heaven can neither be outrun nor stopped in his race, so neither by men nor means can God be frustrated, or his anger avoided. The Canaanites had both horses and chariots, the Israelites had neither; and yet they found a horse a vain thing for victory, Psalms 33:17; Psalms 147:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 2:15
(15) Is omitted in some of Kennicott’s and De Rossi’s MSS., but without authority.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:15
Verse 15. Neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.] I believe all these sayings, Amos 2:13-16, are proverbs, to show the inutility of all attempts, even in the best circumstances, to escape the doom now decreed, because the cup of their iniquity was full.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:15
15. stand] i.e. keep his place, or halt in the flight: so Nahum 2:8; Jeremiah 46:21. swift of foot] For this virtue of a warrior cf. 2 Samuel 1:23; 2 Samuel 2:18 (the same expression as here), 1 Chronicles 12:8. deliver himself] As the text stands, himself must be understood from the next clause: but it is better, with a change of vowel-points, to read yimmâlçṭ ?, which will itself mean ‘deliver himself.’
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:15
13-16. The punishment. Righteous retribution will overtake the sinful nation.
Sermons on Amos 2:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
|
God Works for Those Who Wait for Him by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord's work for those who wait for Him, emphasizing that God's labor surpasses human efforts in providing for our needs and |
|
To the Parliament, the Army by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message of repentance and humility to the Parliament, the Army, and all the Well-affected in the Nation who have strayed from the Good Old Cause. He high |