That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

AMOS 5:9KJV
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Amos 5:9 (KJV)

What does Amos 5:9 mean?

Amos 5:9 describes God as the one who gives power to those who have been plundered or oppressed, enabling them to stand up against those who are strong—even allowing the weak or "spoiled" to come against a fortress. The verse highlights a reversal of expected power, showing that God can empower the powerless to confront the mighty.

In this part of Amos, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about God's coming judgment because of their injustice and corruption. The verse uses strong imagery to show that God is not limited by human strength or weakness; He can overturn the usual order, making the oppressed able to challenge even the most secure strongholds.

The Hebrew behind Amos 5:9

  • "strengtheneth" (בָּרָא, bāraʾ, H1082): This word means to make strong or to give power. Here, it emphasizes that God is the one actively giving strength to those who have been robbed or oppressed.
  • "spoiled" (שָׁד, shād, H7701): This word refers to those who have been plundered or devastated. The use of this term twice in the verse underlines the surprising reversal—those who are usually victims are now empowered.
  • "strong" (עָז, ʿāz, H5794): This word means mighty or powerful. The contrast is drawn between the "spoiled" and the "strong," highlighting the unexpected shift in power.
  • "fortress" (מִבְצָר, mivtsār, H4013): This word refers to a fortified place, a symbol of security and strength. The verse suggests that even the most secure defenses are not safe when God empowers the weak.

Why Amos 5:9 matters

  • Amos 5:9 clears up the misunderstanding that power and security are always on the side of the strong; it shows that God can overturn human expectations.
  • The verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and ability to bring justice, even by using those who seem powerless.
  • In the wider context of Amos, this verse connects to the prophet's message that Israel's reliance on their own strength and fortresses is misplaced if they ignore justice and righteousness.

Where else these words appear

“strengtheneth” Hebrew H1082 · used in 4 verses

  • Job 9:27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

“strong” Hebrew H5794 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • Judges 14:18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  • Proverbs 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

“spoiled” Hebrew H7701 · used in 24 verses

  • Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
  • Isaiah 22:4 Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.
  • Hosea 7:13 Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

“fortress” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Kings 18:8 He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
  • Jeremiah 34:7 When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.