Old Testament
Amos 5:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you have carried the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun, your images, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves.
Compare translations
But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.
What Amos 5:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Amos is addressing the people of Israel, highlighting their misguided worship. They have created and carried around their own idols, specifically mentioning Moloch and Chiun, which represent false gods. These idols symbolize their choices to prioritize their own desires over true worship. Instead of honoring the one true God, they have turned to these man-made images, which they crafted for themselves. This reflects a deeper issue of misplaced faith and devotion. The people are being called out for their idolatry, which leads them away from genuine connection with God. Amos is urging them to recognize the futility of their actions and the emptiness of their worship. The verse serves as a reminder that what we choose to worship reveals our true priorities and values in life. It challenges us to examine what we hold dear and whether it aligns with a meaningful relationship with the divine. Ultimately, it calls for a return to authentic faith and away from distractions that lead us astray.
How to apply Amos 5:26 to your life
Reflect on what you prioritize in your life. Are there distractions or false idols that take your focus away from what truly matters? Consider ways to realign your values and actions with a deeper, more authentic connection to your beliefs and purpose. Make conscious choices that reflect your true priorities and faith. Seek genuine experiences that enrich your spiritual journey and personal growth.
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 5:26
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 5:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 5:26 mean about Moloch and Chiun?
In Amos 5:26, Moloch and Chiun represent false gods that the Israelites worshipped instead of the one true God. The verse criticizes the people for prioritizing these idols, which symbolize their misplaced faith and devotion. It highlights the futility of their actions and serves as a warning against idolatry, urging them to recognize the emptiness of worshipping man-made images.
How does Amos 5:26 relate to modern idolatry?
Amos 5:26 can be applied to modern life by encouraging individuals to examine what they prioritize. Just as the Israelites created idols, people today may have distractions or false idols, such as materialism, fame, or personal ambitions, that take their focus away from genuine spiritual connection. The verse challenges us to identify these distractions and realign our values with authentic faith.
What is the significance of the tabernacle in Amos 5:26?
The tabernacle in Amos 5:26 symbolizes the place of worship and the presence of God. By mentioning the tabernacle of Moloch and Chiun, Amos emphasizes the irony of the Israelites carrying around their own idols while neglecting true worship. This signifies a deeper issue of misplaced priorities, where the people have chosen to honor false gods instead of the divine presence that the tabernacle represents.
How can I apply the message of Amos 5:26 to my life?
To apply the message of Amos 5:26, reflect on your own priorities and identify any distractions or false idols in your life. Consider what truly matters to you and whether your actions align with your beliefs. Make conscious choices that foster a deeper connection with your faith, and seek experiences that enrich your spiritual journey, moving away from anything that leads you astray.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.