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.

AMOS 2:15KJV
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Amos 2:15 (KJV)

What does Amos 2:15 mean?

Amos 2:15 says that even the strongest and fastest warriors—those skilled with the bow, those quick on their feet, and those riding horses—will not be able to escape or save themselves from the coming judgment. The verse stresses that no human strength or skill will be enough to avoid what is about to happen.

In this verse, the prophet Amos is speaking God’s message to Israel, warning them of unavoidable consequences for their actions. The verse paints a vivid picture of total defeat: every kind of military advantage, whether skill, speed, or powerful animals, will fail. This is part of a larger section where Amos lists the ways Israel has turned from God and describes the certainty of their coming punishment.

The Hebrew behind Amos 2:15

  • "stand" (עָמַד, ʿamad): This word means to remain firm or hold one’s ground. Here, it emphasizes that even those who are usually able to hold their position in battle will not be able to do so.
  • "handleth" (תָּפַשׂ, tafas): This word means to grasp or wield. The focus is on those who are skilled in using weapons, specifically the bow, showing that expertise will not help.
  • "deliver" (מָלַט, malat): Used twice in this verse, this word means to escape or save oneself. Its repetition underlines that no matter the method—speed or riding a horse—escape is impossible.
  • "himself" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word often means "soul" or "life," but here it refers to saving one’s own life, making the warning very personal.

Why Amos 2:15 matters

  • Amos 2:15 clears up any idea that personal ability or military power could protect Israel from God’s judgment; it is a direct challenge to self-reliance.
  • The verse highlights the totality of the coming disaster: every kind of defense fails, making the warning more serious and urgent.
  • This verse connects to the wider message in Amos 2, where God’s charges against Israel are listed, showing that consequences are certain and inescapable, no matter one’s status or skill.

Where else these words appear

“swift” Hebrew H7031 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
  • Isaiah 18:2 That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
  • Jeremiah 46:6 Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

“handleth” Hebrew H8610 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Jeremiah 49:16 Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

“bow” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
  • Isaiah 41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.

“rideth” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.