Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This is what the Sovereign LORD says to Israel: “Your city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left; your town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left.” New Living Translation The Sovereign LORD says: “When a city sends a thousand men to battle, only a hundred will return. When a town sends a hundred, only ten will come back alive.” English Standard Version For thus says the Lord GOD: “The city that went out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went out a hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.” Berean Standard Bible This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will have but a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.” King James Bible For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. New King James Version For thus says the Lord GOD: “The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel.” New American Standard Bible For this is what the Lord GOD says: “The city which goes forth a thousand strong Will have a hundred left, And the one which goes forth a hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel.” NASB 1995 For thus says the Lord GOD, “The city which goes forth a thousand strong Will have a hundred left, And the one which goes forth a hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel.” NASB 1977 For thus says the Lord GOD, “The city which goes forth a thousand strong Will have a hundred left, And the one which goes forth a hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel.” Legacy Standard Bible For thus says Lord Yahweh, “The city which goes forth one thousand strong Will have one hundred left, And the one which goes forth one hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel.” Amplified Bible For thus says the Lord GOD, “The city which goes forth a thousand strong Will have a hundred left, And the one which goes forth a hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel.” Christian Standard Bible For the Lord GOD says: The city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left in the house of Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the Lord GOD says: The city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left in the house of Israel. American Standard Version For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went forth a hundred shall have ten left, to the house of Israel. Contemporary English Version The LORD God has warned, "From every ten soldiers only one will be left; from a thousand troops, only a hundred will survive." English Revised Version For thus saith the Lord GOD: The city that went forth a thousand shall have an hundred left, and that which went forth an hundred shall have ten left, to the house of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the Almighty LORD says: The city that sends 1,000 troops off to war will have [only] 100 left. The one that sends 100 troops off to war will have [only] 10 left for the nation of Israel. Good News Translation The Sovereign LORD says, "A city in Israel sends out a thousand soldiers, but only a hundred return; another city sends out a hundred, but only ten come back." International Standard Version "For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'The city that is sending out a thousand will have a hundred left; The city that is sending out a hundred will have ten left of the house of Israel.'" NET Bible The sovereign LORD says this: "The city that marches out with a thousand soldiers will have only a hundred left; the town that marches out with a hundred soldiers will have only ten left for the family of Israel." New Heart English Bible For thus says the LORD: "The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went forth one hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel." Webster's Bible Translation For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave a hundred, and that which went forth by a hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will have but a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.” World English Bible For the Lord Yahweh says: “The city that went out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went out one hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor thus said Lord YHWH: “The city that is going out one thousand, "" Leaves one hundred, "" And that which is going out one hundred, "" Leaves ten to the house of Israel.” Young's Literal Translation For thus said the Lord Jehovah: The city that is going out a thousand, Doth leave an hundred, And that which is going out an hundred, Doth leave ten to the house of Israel. Smith's Literal Translation For thus said the Lord Jehovah: The city going out a thousand shall leave an hundred, and going out a hundred shall leave ten to the house of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor thus saith the Lord God: The city, out of which came forth a thousand, there shall be left in it a hundred: and out of which there came a hundred, there shall be left in it ten, in the house of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version For thus says the Lord God: In the city from which a thousand departed, a hundred will remain, and in that from which a hundred departed, ten will remain, in the house of Israel. New American Bible For thus says the Lord GOD to the house of Israel: The city that marched out with a thousand shall be left with a hundred, Another that marched out with a hundred shall be left with ten. New Revised Standard Version For thus says the Lord GOD: The city that marched out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which marched out a hundred shall have ten left. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor thus says the LORD God: The city out of which went forth a thousand men, there shall be left in it a hundred men; and that out of which went forth a hundred men, there shall be left in it ten men to the house of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because thus says The Lord of Lords: the city from which they have been going out, a thousand will remain in it a hundred, and of those hundred who have been going out from it there will remain ten in it of the house of Israel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For thus saith the Lord GOD: The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went forth a hundred shall have ten left, of the house of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore thus saith the Lord God; The city out of which there went forth a thousand, in it there shall be left a hundred, and in that out of which there went forth a hundred, there shall be left ten to the house of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Lamentation against Israel…2“Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again. She lies abandoned on her land, with no one to raise her up.” 3This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will only see a hundred return, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.” Cross References Isaiah 1:9 Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah. Isaiah 10:22 Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. Jeremiah 6:9 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine. Pass your hand once more like a grape gatherer over the branches.” Jeremiah 42:2 Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. Ezekiel 5:3 But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment. Ezekiel 12:16 But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ Hosea 9:12 Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them! Micah 5:7-8 Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind. / Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them. Zechariah 13:8-9 And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it. / This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” Luke 13:23-24 “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, / “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. Romans 11:5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. Treasury of Scripture For thus said the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. The city. Deuteronomy 4:27 And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you. Deuteronomy 28:62 And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God. Isaiah 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Jump to Previous Able City Forth Goes House Hundred Israel Leave Marches Sovereign Strong Ten ThousandJump to Next Able City Forth Goes House Hundred Israel Leave Marches Sovereign Strong Ten ThousandAmos 5 1. A lamentation for Israel.4. An exhortation to repentance. 21. God rejects their hypocritical service. This is what the Lord GOD says: This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. The use of "Lord GOD" underscores the sovereignty and covenantal relationship God has with Israel. This introduction is typical of prophetic literature, where the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God, delivering His judgments and promises. The city that marches out a thousand strong will have but a hundred left: and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left: in the house of Israel: Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and moral decay. 2. Israel The northern kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice, leading to impending judgment. 3. The Lord GOD The sovereign and just God who speaks through Amos, warning Israel of the consequences of their disobedience. 4. The City and the Town Representations of the people of Israel, illustrating the drastic reduction in their numbers due to divine judgment. 5. Judgment The event of divine retribution that God warns will come upon Israel for their sins, resulting in significant loss and devastation. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's warnings through His prophets are not idle threats but assured outcomes if repentance is not pursued. The Consequences of Disobedience Disobedience to God's commands leads to severe consequences, as seen in the drastic reduction of Israel's numbers. The Call to Repentance Even in judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance, urging us to turn back to God before it's too late. The Remnant Principle Despite widespread judgment, God often preserves a faithful remnant, offering hope and continuity for His people. The Importance of Heeding God's Word Ignoring God's warnings leads to destruction; therefore, we must listen and respond to His Word with obedience. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Amos 5:3?2. How does Amos 5:3 illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's warnings? 3. What does "a thousand strong" becoming "a hundred" teach about divine judgment? 4. How can Amos 5:3 encourage us to heed God's call for repentance today? 5. What other biblical examples show the importance of obeying God's commands? 6. How should Amos 5:3 influence our community's response to God's guidance? 7. What does Amos 5:3 reveal about God's judgment on Israel's military strength? 8. How does Amos 5:3 reflect the consequences of disobedience to God? 9. What historical context led to the prophecy in Amos 5:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 5? 11. Does Isaiah 17:6, which mentions only “a few olives,” reflect an exaggerated or metaphorical claim about desolation that conflicts with known agricultural practices of the region? 12. How can the reported totals in Ezra 2:64-65 align with known population estimates of the region at that time? 13. In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5) 14. Does the massive gathering in 2 Chronicles 30:13 seem realistic given the population and logistical limits of the time? What Does Amos 5:3 Mean This is what the Lord GOD says“Thus says the Lord GOD” opens the declaration with unmistakable authority. • God Himself is speaking, not Amos’ opinion. Compare Isaiah 1:18 and Jeremiah 7:3, where divine proclamations override human arguments. • Because the Lord is covenant-maker (Exodus 20:1-2) and covenant-enforcer (Leviticus 26:14-17), His words carry life-or-death weight. • The preface signals that what follows is certain, echoing Numbers 23:19 where God cannot lie. The city that marches out a thousand strong This phrase pictures a sizable, confident force leaving its gates for battle. • Israel enjoyed seasons of military success (2 Kings 14:25-28), so troops numbering a thousand would have seemed normal. • Yet trust had shifted from the Lord to numbers and chariots (Psalm 20:7). God often reduces strength to expose misplaced reliance, as He did with Gideon’s 32,000 (Judges 7:2-7). • The imagery underscores collective responsibility: an entire city is implicated in the nation’s unfaithfulness (Amos 3:2). Will have but a hundred left The math is stark: ninety percent casualties. • Deuteronomy 28:62 warned that disobedience would shrink the people “few in number.” The same covenant curse now activates. • God’s judgments are measured; the goal is correction, not annihilation (Isaiah 1:25-27). A remnant remains, but only one-tenth of the original force, fulfilling Leviticus 26:36-39, where fear and flight replace strength. • Such drastic reduction demonstrates that victory is not in human might (Zechariah 4:6). And the one that marches out a hundred strong The statement narrows from city-wide to smaller units, making the warning personal. • Whether large contingents or modest companies, no group is exempt (Psalm 33:16-19). • Amos speaks to every strata of society; complacency in Samaria’s palaces (Amos 6:1) and self-confidence in rural outposts alike draw equal accountability (Micah 5:10-11). Will have but ten left in the house of Israel Again the ratio is one-tenth, echoing Isaiah 6:13’s “tenth” that survives as a stump. • Ten survivors out of a hundred mirrors Ezekiel 5:3’s few hairs tucked away, picturing a preserved remnant for future restoration (Romans 11:5). • Yet the devastation is real. Losing ninety percent shatters the illusion that sin carries no cost (Galatians 6:7-8). • The phrase “house of Israel” reminds the Northern Kingdom that family ties to Abraham do not shield them from discipline (Amos 3:1-2). summary Amos 5:3 delivers a sober arithmetic of judgment: confident armies will be decimated until only a remnant remains. The verse underscores God’s sovereign right to enforce His covenant, dismantles false security in numbers or military power, and highlights both the severity of disobedience and the mercy of a preserved few. The message calls God’s people to forsake self-reliance and return to wholehearted trust in the Lord, who alone determines victory and survival. (3) Shall leave an hundred.--i.e., shall have an hundred only as a remnant of the thousand who went forth to war. The great cities were to be decimated in the coming struggle with Assyria.Verse 3. - The vindication of the prophet's lament. The city that went out by a thousand. Septuagint and Vulgate, "from which went forth thousands," or, "a thousand;" i.e. which could send out a thousand warriors to the fight, in such a city only a tenth of the inhabitants shall remain; and this shall happen to small cities as well as great.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This is whatכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “The city הָעִ֛יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement that marches out הַיֹּצֵ֥את (hay·yō·ṣêṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim a thousand strong אֶ֖לֶף (’e·lep̄) Number - masculine singular Strong's 505: A thousand will only see a hundred מֵאָ֑ה (mê·’āh) Number - feminine singular Strong's 3967: A hundred return, תַּשְׁאִ֣יר (taš·’îr) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant and the one that marches out וְהַיּוֹצֵ֥את (wə·hay·yō·w·ṣêṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim a hundred strong מֵאָ֛ה (mê·’āh) Number - feminine singular Strong's 3967: A hundred will have but ten עֲשָׂרָ֖ה (‘ă·śā·rāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 6235: Ten left תַּשְׁאִ֥יר (taš·’îr) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant in the house לְבֵ֥ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Israel.” יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Amos 5:3 NIVAmos 5:3 NLT Amos 5:3 ESV Amos 5:3 NASB Amos 5:3 KJV Amos 5:3 BibleApps.com Amos 5:3 Biblia Paralela Amos 5:3 Chinese Bible Amos 5:3 French Bible Amos 5:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Amos 5:3 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: (Amo. 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