Amos 6:8
New International Version
The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself—the LORD God Almighty declares: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it.”

New Living Translation
The Sovereign LORD has sworn by his own name, and this is what he, the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, says: “I despise the arrogance of Israel, and I hate their fortresses. I will give this city and everything in it to their enemies.”

English Standard Version
The Lord GOD has sworn by himself, declares the LORD, the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds, and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.”

Berean Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself—the LORD, the God of Hosts, has declared: “I abhor Jacob’s pride and detest his citadels, so I will deliver up the city and everything in it.”

King James Bible
The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

New King James Version
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, The LORD God of hosts says: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, And hate his palaces; Therefore I will deliver up the city And all that is in it.”

New American Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, the LORD God of armies has declared: “I loathe the arrogance of Jacob, And detest his citadels; Therefore I will give up the city and all it contains.”

NASB 1995
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, the LORD God of hosts has declared: “I loathe the arrogance of Jacob, And detest his citadels; Therefore I will deliver up the city and all it contains.”

NASB 1977
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, the LORD God of hosts has declared: “I loathe the arrogance of Jacob, And I detest his citadels; Therefore, I will deliver up the city and all it contains.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Lord Yahweh has sworn by Himself, Yahweh God of hosts has declared: “I abhor the lofty pride of Jacob And hate his citadels; Therefore I will deliver up the city as well as its fullness.”

Amplified Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn [an oath] by Himself—the LORD God of hosts, says: “I loathe and reject the [self-centered] arrogance of Jacob (Israel), And I hate his palaces and citadels; Therefore, I shall hand over the [idolatrous] city [of Samaria] with all that it contains [to the Assyrian invaders].”

Christian Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by himself —this is the declaration of the LORD, the God of Armies: I loathe Jacob’s pride and hate his citadels, so I will hand over the city and everything in it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself—this is the declaration of Yahweh, the God of Hosts: I loathe Jacob’s pride and hate his citadels, so I will hand over the city and everything in it.

American Standard Version
The Lord Jehovah hath sworn by himself, saith Jehovah, the God of hosts: I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces; therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD God All-Powerful has sworn by his own name: "You descendants of Jacob make me angry by your pride, and I hate your fortresses. And so I will surrender your city and possessions to your enemies."

English Revised Version
The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD, the God of hosts; I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Almighty LORD has sworn an oath on himself. The LORD God of Armies declares: I am disgusted with Jacob's pride, and I hate his palaces. So I will hand over the city and everything in it.

Good News Translation
The Sovereign LORD Almighty has given this solemn warning: "I hate the pride of the people of Israel; I despise their luxurious mansions. I will give their capital city and everything in it to the enemy."

International Standard Version
"The Lord GOD has sworn by himself," declares the LORD, the God of the Heavenly Armies, "I utterly detest the arrogance of Jacob; I hate his fortresses; and I will deliver up the city, along with everyone in it.

Majority Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself?the LORD, the God of Hosts, has declared: ?I abhor Jacob?s pride and detest his citadels, so I will deliver up the city and everything in it.?

NET Bible
The sovereign LORD confirms this oath by his very own life. The LORD, the God who commands armies, is speaking: "I despise Jacob's arrogance; I hate their fortresses. I will hand over to their enemies the city of Samaria and everything in it."

New Heart English Bible
"The LORD has sworn by himself," says the LORD, the God of hosts: "I abhor the pride of Jacob, and detest his fortresses. Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.

Webster's Bible Translation
The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellence of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore I will deliver up the city with all its abundance.

World English Bible
“The Lord Yahweh has sworn by himself,” says Yahweh, the God of Armies: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, and detest his fortresses. Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Lord YHWH has sworn by Himself, "" A declaration of YHWH, God of Hosts: “I am abominating the excellence of Jacob, "" And his high places I have hated, "" And I have delivered up the city and its fullness.”

Young's Literal Translation
Sworn hath the Lord Jehovah by Himself, An affirmation of Jehovah, God of Hosts: I am abominating the excellency of Jacob, And his high places I have hated, And I have delivered up the city and its fulness.

Smith's Literal Translation
The Lord Jehovah sware by his soul, says Jehovah God of armies: I abhor the pride of Jacob and I hated his palaces: and I delivered up the city and its fulness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord God hath sworn by his own soul, saith the Lord the God of hosts: I detest the pride of Jacob, and I hate his houses, and I will deliver up the city with the inhabitants thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The Lord God has sworn by his own soul, the Lord God of hosts says: I detest the arrogance of Jacob, and I hate his houses, and I will hand over the city with its inhabitants.

New American Bible
The Lord GOD has sworn by his very self— an oracle of the LORD, the God of hosts: I abhor the pride of Jacob, I hate his strongholds, and I will hand over the city with everything in it;

New Revised Standard Version
The Lord GOD has sworn by himself (says the LORD, the God of hosts): I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds; and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD God has sworn by himself, says the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob and hate his palaces; therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Lord of Lords has sworn by his soul, and LORD JEHOVAH, God of Hosts says: ”I detest the honor of Yaqob and I have hated his palaces and I shall hand over the city in its fullness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The Lord GOD hath sworn by Himself, Saith the LORD, the God of hosts: I abhor the pride of Jacob, And hate his palaces; And I will deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the Lord has sworn by himself, saying, Because I abhor all the pride of Jacob, I do also hate his countries, and I will cut off his city with all who inhabit it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Pride of Israel
8The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself— the LORD, the God of Hosts, has declared: “I abhor Jacob’s pride and detest his citadels, so I will deliver up the city and everything in it.” 9And if there are ten men left in one house, they too will die.…

Cross References
Isaiah 5:16
But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Hosea 4:7
The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace.

Micah 6:12
For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.

Zephaniah 1:12
And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’

1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

2 Kings 17:18
So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained,

Psalm 89:35
Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David—

Ezekiel 24:21
Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’

Isaiah 42:8
I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 1:52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.


Treasury of Scripture

The Lord GOD has sworn by himself, said the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

sworn.

Amos 4:2
The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

Jeremiah 51:14
The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

Hebrews 6:13-17
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, …

I abhor.

Leviticus 26:11
And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

Psalm 78:59
When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

Psalm 106:40
Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

the excellency.

Amos 8:7
The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

Psalm 47:4
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

Ezekiel 24:21
Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

and hate.

Amos 3:11
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

Lamentations 2:5
The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.

therefore.

Micah 1:6-9
Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof…

all that is therein.

Psalm 50:12
If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

Jump to Previous
Abhor Abundance Almighty Armies Arrogance Citadels City Declared Deliver Delivered Detest Disgusting Excellence Excellency Fortresses Fulness Great Hate Hated High Hosts Houses Jacob Loathe Palaces Places Pride Sovereign Strongholds Sworn Therein
Jump to Next
Abhor Abundance Almighty Armies Arrogance Citadels City Declared Deliver Delivered Detest Disgusting Excellence Excellency Fortresses Fulness Great Hate Hated High Hosts Houses Jacob Loathe Palaces Places Pride Sovereign Strongholds Sworn Therein
Amos 6
1. The wantonness of Israel,
7. shall be plagued with desolation;
12. and their incorrigibleness shall end in affliction.














The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself
This phrase emphasizes the seriousness and certainty of the message. In biblical times, swearing by oneself was the highest form of oath, as seen in Genesis 22:16. God, being the ultimate authority, swears by Himself, indicating the unchangeable nature of His decree. This reflects His sovereignty and the gravity of the impending judgment.

the LORD, the God of Hosts, has declared
The title "God of Hosts" underscores God's supreme command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His power and authority. This title is often used in contexts of judgment and warfare, as seen in Isaiah 1:24. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to execute His will against any nation or power.

I abhor Jacob’s pride
"Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, and "pride" indicates their arrogance and self-reliance, which God finds detestable. This pride is a recurring theme in the prophets, as seen in Isaiah 2:11-12, where human pride is contrasted with God's majesty. The Israelites' pride led them away from dependence on God, resulting in moral and spiritual decay.

and detest his citadels
Citadels symbolize the strength and security of a city. In this context, they represent Israel's misplaced trust in their own defenses and wealth. Archaeological findings in ancient Israelite cities reveal fortified structures, indicating a reliance on physical security. God's detestation of these citadels signifies His disapproval of their false sense of security.

so I will deliver up the city and everything in it
This phrase foretells the coming judgment and destruction. The "city" likely refers to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Historical records and archaeological evidence confirm the Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. The totality of the destruction ("everything in it") underscores the completeness of God's judgment, similar to the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah as described in Genesis 19.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both just and merciful.

2. Jacob
Represents the nation of Israel, often used to denote the collective people of God, descended from Jacob, the patriarch.

3. The God of Hosts
A title emphasizing God's supreme authority over the heavenly armies and all creation.

4. Citadels
Fortified structures symbolizing human pride and false security, often associated with wealth and power.

5. The City
Likely referring to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its opulence and idolatry.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Justice
God swears by Himself, underscoring His ultimate authority and the certainty of His judgment. Believers should recognize God's sovereignty and live in reverence and obedience.

The Danger of Pride
Pride is detestable to God and leads to downfall. Christians are called to examine their hearts for pride and seek humility before God.

False Security in Earthly Strength
The citadels symbolize reliance on human strength and wealth. Believers should place their trust in God rather than in material or worldly security.

God's Call to Repentance
The pronouncement of judgment is also a call to repentance. Christians should heed God's warnings and turn from sin to seek His mercy.

The Certainty of God's Word
God's declaration is sure and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the reliability and truth of God's Word in all circumstances.(8) By himself.--Literally, by His soul. Jehovah swears by His life or soul because He could swear by no greater--the eternal "I Am." (Comp. the formula of Divine asseveration: "As I live, saith the Lord," which derives illustration from the custom of swearing by the life of a monarch; Genesis 42:15-16.) With the eternal unchangeable being of the Supreme Monarch stands contrasted "the excellency of Jacob," the false futile glory which Jehovah abhors. In Amos 8:7 the phrase is used for God Himself; not, however, in either passage God's absolute perfection or objective glory, but the thoughts, sometimes wise, sometimes base, which men have entertained about Him. From the context we infer that the splendid shrine of Samaria, with its unacceptable offerings and calf-worship, is here meant. The reference to the coming destruction of buildings great and small (Amos 6:11) lends colour to this interpretation. (Comp. Amos 6:13.)

Verse 8. - Hath sworn by himself (nephesh); in anima sua (Vulgate), "by his soul;" a concession to human language (comp. Amos 4:2; Jeremiah 51:14; Hebrews 6:13, 17, 18). God thus shows that the threat proceeds from him, and is immutable. The excellency; the pride (ὕβριν, Septuagint; superbiam, Vulgate); that of which Jacob is proud (Hosea 5:5), as, for instance, his palaces, built by exaction, maintained in voluptuous luxury. Will deliver up to the enemy for destruction (Deuteronomy 32:30; Obadiah 1:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Lord
אֲדֹנָ֨י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהוִ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

has sworn
נִשְׁבַּע֩ (niš·ba‘)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

by Himself—
בְּנַפְשׁ֗וֹ (bə·nap̄·šōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

the LORD,
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Hosts,
צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

has declared:
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

“I
אָֽנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

abhor
מְתָאֵ֤ב (mə·ṯā·’êḇ)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8374: To loathe

Jacob’s
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

pride
גְּא֣וֹן (gə·’ō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament

and detest
שָׂנֵ֑אתִי (śā·nê·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

his citadels,
וְאַרְמְנֹתָ֖יו (wə·’ar·mə·nō·ṯāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 759: A citadel

so I will deliver up
וְהִסְגַּרְתִּ֖י (wə·his·gar·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender

the city
עִ֥יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and everything in it.”
וּמְלֹאָֽהּ׃ (ū·mə·lō·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4393: Fullness, that which fills


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OT Prophets: Amos 6:8 The Lord Yahweh has sworn by himself (Amo. Am)
Amos 6:7
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