Amos 5:3 (KJV)

What does Amos 5:3 mean?

Amos 5:3 warns that cities in Israel will suffer devastating losses: if a city sends out a thousand soldiers, only a hundred will survive; if a hundred go out, only ten will return. This verse describes a coming judgment where only a small remnant will remain after disaster strikes.

The prophet Amos is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel during a time of complacency and injustice. The verse uses numbers to show just how severe the consequences will be—most will not survive. This is meant to get the people’s attention and show the seriousness of ignoring God’s warnings.

The Hebrew behind Amos 5:3

• "leave" (שָׁאַר, shā’ar): This word means "to remain" or "to be left over." Its use here emphasizes that only a small fraction will survive, highlighting the idea of a remnant.
• "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word refers to the "house" or family, and in this context, it points to the whole nation of Israel, not just a building or household.
• "city" (עִיר, ‘ir): This word means "city" and is used here to represent the population centers of Israel, showing that the judgment will affect the entire community, not just individuals.

Why Amos 5:3 matters

• Amos 5:3 makes clear that the coming judgment is not just a minor setback but a near-total devastation, correcting any idea that Israel’s strength or numbers would protect them.
• The verse highlights the concept of a "remnant," a small group that survives, which becomes an important theme throughout the prophets.
• This warning connects to the larger message of Amos, where God calls for justice and righteousness, showing that ignoring these calls has real and severe consequences for the whole nation.