Amos 5:11
Amos 5:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.
Forasmuch therefore as ye trample upon the poor, and take exactions from him of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine thereof.
So because the poor man is crushed under your feet, and you take taxes from him of grain: you have made for yourselves houses of cut stone, but you will not take your rest in them; the fair vine-gardens planted by your hands will not give you wine.
Because you trample down the poor and impose a tax on their grain, building for yourselves impressive houses, you will not live in them, and you will not drink wine from the fine vineyards you have planted.
Forasmuch then as your treading is vpon the poore, and yee take from him burdens of wheate, ye haue built houses of hewen stone, but ye shall not dwel in them: ye haue plated pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drinke wine of them.
Therefore, because of your trampling on the poor, And the tribute of corn ye take from him, Houses of hewn work ye have built, And ye do not dwell in them, Desirable vineyards ye have planted, And ye do not drink their wine.
Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take taxes from him of wheat, you have built houses of cut stone, but you will not dwell in them. You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.
Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.
Therefore because you robbed the poor, and took the choice prey from him: you shall build houses with square stone, and shall not dwell in them: you shall plant most delightful vineyards, and shall not drink the wine of them.
You oppress poor people and force them to pay big taxes. You have built big stone mansions for yourselves, but you will not be able to live in them. You have planted vineyards, but there will not be any grapes for you to harvest to make wine.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 5:11
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 5:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֠/כֵן
יַ֣עַן
בּוֹשַׁסְ/כֶ֞ם
עַל
דָּ֗ל
וּ/מַשְׂאַת
בַּר֙
תִּקְח֣וּ
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
בָּתֵּ֥י
גָזִ֛ית
בְּנִיתֶ֖ם
וְ/לֹא
תֵ֣שְׁבוּ
בָ֑/ם
כַּרְמֵי
חֶ֣מֶד
נְטַעְתֶּ֔ם
וְ/לֹ֥א
תִשְׁתּ֖וּ
אֶת
יֵינָֽ/ם
לָ֠/כֵן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
יַ֣עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
בּוֹשַׁסְ/כֶ֞ם
bâshaç
H1318
to trample
V-m-Inf-a | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דָּ֗ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
וּ/מַשְׂאַת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
Conj | N-fs
בַּר֙
bâr
H1250
grain
N-ms
תִּקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
בָּתֵּ֥י
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp
גָזִ֛ית
gâzîyth
H1496
cutting
N-fs
בְּנִיתֶ֖ם
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תֵ֣שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
בָ֑/ם
Prep | Suff
כַּרְמֵי
kerem
H3754
vineyard
N-cp
חֶ֣מֶד
chemed
H2531
delight
N-ms
נְטַעְתֶּ֔ם
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יֵינָֽ/ם
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms | Suff
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 5:11
לָ֠/כֵן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יַ֣עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
בּוֹשַׁסְ/כֶ֞ם
bâshaç
H1318
"to trample"
V-m-Inf-a | Suff
Bashaç means to trample or tread down, often used to describe conquering or overwhelming something. It is used in the Bible to describe military victories or dominance.
Definition: 1) to tread down, trample 1a) (Poel) trampling
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: tread. See also: Amos 5:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
דָּ֗ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
וּ/מַשְׂאַת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
Conj | N-fs
This word signifies a tribute or offering, often given as a gift or contribution. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or utterance. The KJV translates it as burden, collection, or gift.
Definition: 1) uprising, utterance, burden, portion, uplifting 1a) that which rises, uprising, uplifting, signal, rising 1b) utterance, oracle 1c) burden 1d) portion, present, largesse, gift, contribution, offering, tribute
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess, oblation, reward. See also: Genesis 43:34; Psalms 141:2; Jeremiah 6:1.
בַּר֙
bâr
H1250
"grain"
N-ms
In Aramaic, 'bar' refers to a field of grain, like wheat or corn. It can also describe the open countryside. This term is used in books like Daniel, where it describes rural areas.
Definition: corn, grain
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: corn, wheat. See also: Genesis 41:35; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 65:14.
תִּקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
בָּתֵּ֥י
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp
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.
גָזִ֛ית
gâzîyth
H1496
"cutting"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to cut or dressed stone, often used in construction, like the temple in 1 Kings 5:17. It describes something that has been carefully prepared. This word is about precision and craftsmanship.
Definition: a cutting, hewing
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hewed, hewn stone, wrought. See also: Exodus 20:25; 1 Kings 7:12; Isaiah 9:9.
בְּנִיתֶ֖ם
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תֵ֣שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָ֑/ם
""
Prep | Suff
כַּרְמֵי
kerem
H3754
"vineyard"
N-cp
A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.
Definition: vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.
חֶ֣מֶד
chemed
H2531
"delight"
N-ms
This word refers to a strong feeling of delight or pleasure, often used to describe something or someone highly valued. It's about finding joy and happiness in a person, place, or thing. The Bible uses it to talk about the beauty of God's world.
Definition: desire, delight, beauty, desirable, pleasant
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: desirable, pleasant. See also: Isaiah 27:2; Ezekiel 23:12; Isaiah 32:12.
נְטַעְתֶּ֔ם
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
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.
יֵינָֽ/ם
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Amos 5:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 5:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 5:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 5:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 5:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 5:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 5:11
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 5:11
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 5:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 5:11
- Sermons on Amos 5:11
Context — A Call to Repentance
9He flashes destruction on the strong, so that fury comes upon the stronghold.
10There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity.
11Therefore, 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.
12For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. 13Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:30 | You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. |
| 2 | Micah 6:15 | You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine. |
| 3 | Zephaniah 1:13 | Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine. |
| 4 | James 2:6 | But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 5 | Haggai 1:6 | You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” |
| 6 | Revelation 11:8–10 | Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified. For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb. And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them. |
| 7 | Micah 2:2 | They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. |
| 8 | Amos 3:15–1 | — |
| 9 | Micah 3:1–3 | Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 65:21–22 | They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands. |
Amos 5:11 Summary
[This verse is saying that if we treat the poor badly and take advantage of them, we will not be able to enjoy the good things we have, like our homes and possessions. God wants us to be kind and fair to everyone, especially those who are less fortunate, as seen in Matthew 19:21 and Luke 12:33-34. We should strive to live in a way that pleases God and treats others with love and respect, just like Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:37-40.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'trample on the poor' in Amos 5:11?
To trample on the poor means to oppress and take advantage of those who are less fortunate, which is a sin that God hates, as seen in Proverbs 28:3 and Isaiah 58:6-7. This verse is a call to treat the poor with kindness and respect.
What is the 'tax of grain' mentioned in this verse?
The tax of grain refers to the practice of demanding excessive taxes or tributes from the poor, leaving them without enough to live on, which is similar to the exploitation condemned in Leviticus 25:35-37 and Deuteronomy 24:14-15.
What is the consequence of trampling on the poor and exacting from them a tax of grain?
The consequence is that those who do so will not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, such as living in their stone houses or drinking wine from their vineyards, as stated in Amos 5:11, and will instead face God's judgment, as seen in Psalm 37:9-11.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is concerned about justice and fairness, especially towards the poor and vulnerable, and that we should strive to live in a way that honors Him, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly 'trampling on the poor' in my own life, and how can I change my behavior to be more compassionate and just?
- How do I balance my desire for material comfort and security with the need to care for the poor and vulnerable, as taught in James 1:27 and 1 John 3:17?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves' and 'defend the rights of the poor and needy', as commanded in Proverbs 31:8-9?
- How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and kindness towards those in need, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Galatians 2:10?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 5:11
Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor,.... This seems to be spoken to the princes, judges, and civil magistrates, as Kimchi observes; who oppressed the poor and needy, and crushed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 5:11
Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 5:11
Your treading; their oppression was more than ordinarily proud and tyrannous, expressed here by treading. It was very heavy on the poor, an effect of fraud, and executed with tyrannical insolence, as the word and its paraphrase imports. Is upon the poor, who have not power to withstand your violence, nor money to buy your friendship. Ye take from him, receive when offered, and ye force them to offer, you extort from the poor, burdens of wheat; great quantities of best wheat, on which the poor should live, either making bread of it to feed them, or else making money of it to serve other occasions. It is not said what burden, but probably as much as the poor man was able to carry. Ye have built houses; perhaps these corrupt judges had built for their children; so one greedy and ravenous judge might build as many houses as he had sons, or these judges being many, had built many houses. Of hewn stone; intimating the greatness, beauty, and strength of them, and they flatter themselves that they and their posterity shall long dwell at ease and multiply in these goodly houses. But ye shall not dwell in them; you by oppression build, but God will by his just hand, and by the Assyrians’ violence, turn you out of those houses, and make you captives in a land where your enemies please to carry you, you shall find that, , fulfilled on you. Pleasant vineyards; most desirable for situation, for fruitfulness, for sweetness and goodness of the grape; every way delightful. But ye shall not drink wine of them; either they shall not bear, or the enemy shall devour, or you shall be carried away into captivity.
The threat, , shall be executed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 5:11
(11) Burdens of wheat.—i.e., Ye take gifts of sifted corn, as a contribution to your own luxury, and which the poor man was not bound to offer, and only would offer to purchase your good will. Therefore your pomp and luxury shall be of no avail. Such is God’s judgment on indifference to the wants and feedings of the poor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 5:11
Verse 11. Your treading is upon the poor] You tread them under your feet; they form the road on which ye walk; and yet it was by oppressing and improverishing them that ye gained your riches. Ye take from him burdens of wheat] Ye will have his bread for doing him justice.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 5:11
11. The penalty for such unjust oppression of the poor is the oppressors’ own disappointment and spoliation: the houses and vineyards on which they lavished their money, and from which they expected much enjoyment, will be violently taken from them. Therefore, because ye trample upon the poor, and take from him exactions of wheat] The allusion is not specially to bribes exacted of the poor as the price of justice, but to the presents which the poor fellahin had to offer to the grasping aristocrats, out of the hard-won produce of their toil. ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them, &c.] For the form of the threat, comp. Deuteronomy 28:30; Deuteronomy 28:38-39; Micah 6:15; Zephaniah 1:13; and contrast the promise of Amo 9:14. Houses of ‘hewn stone’ are houses of exceptional solidity and beauty, such as might be built by the wealthy (cf. Isaiah 9:10).
Barnes' Notes on Amos 5:11
Forasmuch therefore - (Since they rejected reproof, he pronounces the sentence of God upon them,) “as your treading is upon the poor.” This expresses more habitual trampling on the poor, than if he
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 5:11
11-13. Israel’s moral depravity demands speedy judgment. The sin which arouses the indignation of the prophet most is the oppression of the poor (Amos 2:6-7). In punishment the unjustly gained possessions will be withdrawn.
Sermons on Amos 5:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |
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The Warfare of Suffering Brothers by Russell Moore | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting an orphanage and adopting two boys. He describes the terrible conditions of the orphanage and the fear and horr |
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It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h |
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The Present Spiritual Realities of Zechariah 14 by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of all nations on earth, stating that God has made them from one blood. He highlights the mystery of human creation and the awe-in |
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Epistle 208 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming the challenges and temptations of the world, emphasizing the need to follow the example of Ch |
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Russ-05 вопросы и ответ by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly possessions. He references Hebrews chapter 10, which encourages |