Amos 5:17 (KJV)

What does Amos 5:17 mean?

Amos 5:17 describes a time of widespread mourning, even in the vineyards, because the LORD declares that He will pass through the land in judgment. The verse shows that sorrow will touch every part of life, including places usually associated with joy and harvest.

The prophet Amos is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them of coming disaster because they have turned away from God’s ways. Vineyards, which are normally places of celebration and abundance, will instead be filled with "wailing"—a public expression of grief—because God Himself ("the LORD") will move through their midst, bringing consequences for their actions.

The Hebrew behind Amos 5:17

• וּבְכָל־כְּרָמִים (k'ramim, H3754): "vineyards" refers to cultivated areas for growing grapes, often symbols of prosperity and festivity. The mention here highlights how even places of plenty will not escape sorrow.
• מִסְפֵּד (misped, H4553): "wailing" means loud mourning or lamentation, usually for the dead. This word emphasizes the depth and public nature of the grief that will be experienced.
• אֶעֱבֹר (e'evor, H5674): "I will pass" suggests movement through a place, often with a sense of inspection or judgment. Here, it signals that God’s presence will bring about the coming sorrow.
• בְּקִרְבֶּךָ (b'kirbecha, H7130): "through thee" or "in your midst" means that the judgment is not distant or abstract—it will be felt personally and directly by the people.

Why Amos 5:17 matters

• Amos 5:17 clears up the idea that judgment is only for certain places or people; the verse shows that no part of society, not even the joyful vineyards, will be untouched.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by stressing that God’s presence can bring sorrow as well as blessing, depending on how people respond to Him.
• Amos 5:17 highlights the seriousness of ignoring God’s ways, making it clear that the coming judgment will be thorough and deeply felt.