And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

AMOS 4:6KJV
Know the Bible

Amos 4:6 (KJV)

What does Amos 4:6 mean?

Amos 4:6 describes how God gave the people of Israel “cleanness of teeth” in all their cities and a lack of bread everywhere, yet they still did not return to Him. The verse uses the image of clean teeth to show there was no food to eat, but even hunger did not turn the people back to God.

The prophet Amos is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel during a time when they were ignoring God and living unjustly. “Cleanness of teeth” is a vivid way to say people’s teeth were clean because they had no food, and “want of bread” means there was a shortage or famine. Despite these hardships, which were meant to get their attention, the people did not repent or seek God.

The Hebrew behind Amos 4:6

  • “Cleanness” (נִקְיֹן, niqyon) is not about hygiene but about emptiness—teeth are clean because there is no food stuck in them, highlighting famine.
  • “Want” (חֹסֶר, ḥoser) means a lack or shortage, emphasizing that the people truly did not have enough bread.
  • “Returned” (שׁוּב, shuv) means to turn back or repent, showing that God’s goal was for the people to change direction and come back to Him, not just to punish them.

Why Amos 4:6 matters

  • Amos 4:6 clears up that “cleanness of teeth” is not a blessing but a poetic way to describe hunger and famine.
  • The verse shows that God’s actions were purposeful—He allowed hardship as a way to call His people back, not simply to punish.
  • This verse connects to a repeated theme in Amos 4, where God lists several hardships He sent, each time noting that the people still did not return to Him, highlighting their stubbornness.

Where else these words appear

“want” Hebrew H2640 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
  • Deuteronomy 28:57 And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.

“cleanness” Hebrew H5356 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
  • Psalms 26:6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
  • Psalms 73:13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

“teeth” Hebrew H8127 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
  • Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
  • Song of Solomon 4:2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.