Old Testament
Amos 5:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because you trample on the poor and take burdens of wheat from them, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you will not live in them; you have planted beautiful vineyards, but you will not drink their wine.
Compare translations
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.
What Amos 5:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks against those who exploit the poor for their own gain. They take away the very essentials that the needy rely on, like wheat, to build their luxurious homes and plant beautiful vineyards. However, despite their efforts to create a life of comfort and abundance, they will not enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their actions have consequences, and they will find themselves unable to live in the houses they built or drink the wine from the vineyards they planted. This serves as a powerful reminder that selfishness and injustice lead to loss and emptiness. True prosperity comes from treating others with kindness and fairness, not from taking advantage of the vulnerable. God sees the injustices and will hold people accountable for their actions, emphasizing the importance of compassion and integrity in our dealings with others. The message is clear: wealth gained through oppression is ultimately hollow and unfulfilling, leading to a life devoid of true joy and satisfaction.
How to apply Amos 5:11 to your life
Reflect on how your actions impact others, especially those who are less fortunate. Consider ways to support and uplift those in need rather than exploiting them. Remember that true fulfillment comes from generosity and kindness, not from material wealth gained at the expense of others. Live with integrity and compassion in all your dealings, and seek to create a positive impact in your community. Embrace the idea that helping others enriches your own life.
Curated for this public verse page. Amos Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Amos 5:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Amos 5:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Amos
- Author
- Amos the prophet
- Written
- Around 760 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Amos 5:11 mean?
Amos 5:11 addresses the exploitation of the poor by those in power. It highlights how the wealthy build luxurious homes and plant vineyards at the expense of the needy, ultimately warning that they will not enjoy the fruits of their unjust actions.
What is the meaning of 'trample on the poor' in Amos 5:11?
The phrase 'trample on the poor' in Amos 5:11 signifies the oppression and mistreatment of vulnerable individuals by those who are wealthy. It illustrates how the powerful take advantage of the less fortunate for their own gain.
What does 'you will not live in them' mean in Amos 5:11?
The phrase 'you will not live in them' suggests that despite the efforts to build luxurious homes, those who exploit others will not enjoy the rewards of their actions. It serves as a warning that injustice leads to emptiness.
How does Amos 5:11 relate to accountability?
Amos 5:11 emphasizes accountability by showing that God sees the injustices committed against the poor. It reminds us that actions have consequences, and those who act selfishly will ultimately face repercussions for their behavior.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.