Old Testament
Amos 7:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, this is what the LORD says: Your wife will be a harlot in the city, your sons and daughters will fall by the sword, your land will be divided by line, and you will die in a polluted land. Israel will surely go into captivity away from its land.
Compare translations
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
What Amos 7:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God delivers a harsh message to Israel through the prophet Amos. He warns that the consequences of their actions will be severe. The imagery of a wife becoming a harlot signifies betrayal and loss of honor. The mention of children falling by the sword reflects the violence and tragedy that will come. The land being divided indicates a loss of stability and security. Dying in a polluted land suggests a life filled with corruption and despair. Ultimately, Israel will face captivity, being taken away from their homeland. This message serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the impact of sin on a community. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and the dire results of neglecting one's responsibilities to God and each other. The warning is not just for Israel but resonates with anyone who strays from their values and commitments, highlighting the need for vigilance in our lives and relationships with others and God.
How to apply Amos 7:17 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our commitments and the potential consequences of our actions. It encourages us to remain faithful in our relationships and responsibilities. By staying true to our values, we can avoid the pitfalls of betrayal and loss that come from neglecting what truly matters in life. Remember, our choices have lasting impacts on ourselves and those around us. Choose wisely and stay grounded in your principles.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 7:17
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 7:17
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 7:17 mean for modern readers?
Amos 7:17 serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in relationships and responsibilities. The imagery of betrayal and loss highlights how neglecting our values can lead to severe repercussions, not just for ourselves but also for our communities. It encourages self-reflection on our commitments and the impact of our choices.
Why does God use such harsh imagery in Amos 7:17?
The harsh imagery in Amos 7:17 is meant to convey the seriousness of Israel's sins and the dire consequences that follow. By using vivid symbols like a wife becoming a harlot and children falling by the sword, God underscores the gravity of betrayal and the loss of honor. This strong language is intended to provoke a sense of urgency and repentance among the people, reminding them of the destructive nature of their actions.
How can I apply the lessons from Amos 7:17 in my life?
To apply the lessons from Amos 7:17, focus on maintaining integrity in your relationships and responsibilities. Reflect on your commitments and ensure they align with your values. This verse encourages vigilance against neglecting what truly matters, reminding us that our choices have lasting effects. By staying grounded in your principles, you can avoid the pitfalls of betrayal and loss, fostering healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
What is the significance of captivity in Amos 7:17?
The mention of captivity in Amos 7:17 signifies the ultimate consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. It represents a loss of freedom and identity, as the people would be taken away from their homeland due to their sins. For readers today, this serves as a reminder of the spiritual captivity that can result from straying from one's values and commitments, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's faith and principles.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.