The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

AMOS 8:7KJV
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Amos 8:7 (KJV)

What does Amos 8:7 mean?

Amos 8:7 says that the LORD has made a solemn promise, swearing by the "excellency of Jacob," that He will never forget any of the people's deeds. This means God is declaring that the actions of the people will not be overlooked or erased from His memory.

In this verse, the prophet Amos is delivering a message from God to the people of Israel. The setting is one of warning: God is witnessing the unjust actions and sins of the Israelites, especially those in positions of power, and He is making it clear that these wrongdoings will not be ignored. By swearing "by the excellency of Jacob," God is using the honor or greatness associated with Israel itself as a guarantee of His promise.

The Hebrew behind Amos 8:7

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the message comes directly from Israel’s covenant God.
  • sworn (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba): This word means to make an oath or vow, showing the seriousness and unchangeable nature of God's statement.
  • excellency (גְּאוֹן, ge'on): This can mean pride, majesty, or greatness. Here it refers to the honor or greatness of Jacob (Israel), making the oath especially weighty.
  • never (נֶצַח, netzach): This word often means "forever" or "perpetually," stressing that God’s memory of their deeds is permanent.
  • forget (שָׁכַח, shakach): To forget, neglect, or overlook. God is saying He will not overlook or ignore what has been done.
  • works (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh): This refers to deeds or actions, specifically the conduct of the people that God is addressing.

Why Amos 8:7 matters

  • Amos 8:7 clears up any idea that God is indifferent to injustice or wrongdoing; He sees and remembers every action.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of God's promise by having Him swear by the "excellency of Jacob," showing that this is not a casual statement but a binding declaration.
  • This verse connects to the wider context of Amos, where God is confronting the people’s false sense of security and reminding them that their status as Israel does not exempt them from accountability.

Where else these words appear

“never” Hebrew H5331 · used in 42 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
  • Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
  • Proverbs 21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

“excellency” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
  • Ezekiel 16:56 For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.