Amos 7:16
New International Version
Now then, hear the word of the LORD. You say, “’Do not prophesy against Israel, and stop preaching against the descendants of Isaac.’

New Living Translation
Now then, listen to this message from the LORD: “You say, ‘Don’t prophesy against Israel. Stop preaching against my people.’

English Standard Version
Now therefore hear the word of the LORD. “You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

Berean Standard Bible
Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

Berean Literal Bible
And now, hear the word of YHWH: You are saying, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not drop against the house of Isaac.’

King James Bible
Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

New King James Version
Now therefore, hear the word of the LORD: You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, And do not spout against the house of Isaac.’

New American Standard Bible
So now hear the word of the LORD: you are saying, ‘You shall not prophesy against Israel nor shall you prophesy against the house of Isaac.’

NASB 1995
“Now hear the word of the LORD: you are saying, ‘You shall not prophesy against Israel nor shall you speak against the house of Isaac.’

NASB 1977
“And now hear the word of the LORD: you are saying, ‘You shall not prophesy against Israel nor shall you speak against the house of Isaac.’

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, hear the word of Yahweh: you are saying, ‘You shall not prophesy against Israel, nor shall you drip out words against the house of Isaac.’

Amplified Bible
Now therefore, listen to the word of the LORD: You say, ‘You shall not prophesy against Israel nor shall you speak against the house of Isaac.’

Berean Annotated Bible
Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD {YHWH}. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel (he wrestles with God); do not preach against the house of Isaac (he laughs).

Christian Standard Bible
Now hear the word of the LORD. You say: Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now hear the word of the LORD. You say: Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.

American Standard Version
Now therefore hear thou the word of Jehovah: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac;

Contemporary English Version
And here you are, telling me not to preach!

English Revised Version
Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Now listen to the word of the LORD: You said, 'Stop prophesying against Israel, and stop preaching against the descendants of Isaac.'

Good News Translation
So now listen to what the LORD says. You tell me to stop prophesying, to stop raving against the people of Israel.

International Standard Version
"Very well then, hear this message from the LORD: 'You are saying, "Don't prophesy against Israel, and don't preach against the house of Isaac."

NET Bible
So now listen to the LORD's message! You say, 'Don't prophesy against Israel! Don't preach against the family of Isaac!'

New Heart English Bible
Now therefore listen to the word of the LORD: 'You say, Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not proclaim against the house of Isaac.'

Webster's Bible Translation
Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

World English Bible
Now therefore listen to Yahweh’s word: ‘You say, Don’t prophesy against Israel, and don’t preach against the house of Isaac.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, hear a word of YHWH: You are saying, Do not prophesy against Israel, nor drop [anything] against the house of Isaac,

Berean Literal Bible
And now, hear the word of YHWH: You are saying, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not drop against the house of Isaac.’

Young's Literal Translation
And now, hear a word of Jehovah: thou art saying, Do not prophesy against Israel, nor drop any thing against the house of Isaac,

Smith's Literal Translation
And now hear the word of Jehovah: Thou sayest thou shalt not prophesy against Israel, and thou shalt not drop against the house of Isaak.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And now hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, thou shalt not prophesy against Israel, and thou shalt not drop thy word upon the house of the idol.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now, hear the word of the Lord: You say, “You will not prophesy about Israel, and you will not rain your words upon the house of the idol.”

New American Bible
Now hear the word of the LORD: You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

New Revised Standard Version
“Now therefore hear the word of the LORD. You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now therefore hear the word of the LORD: You say, Do not prophesy against the house of Israel and do not teach against the house of Isaac.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore, hear the word of LORD JEHOVAH: ”You have said, ‘you shall not prophesy against them of the house of Israel and you shall not teach them of the house of Isaaq!’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest: Prophesy not against Israel, And preach not against the house of Isaac;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now hear the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not to Israel, and raise not a tumult against the house of Jacob.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Amaziah Accuses Amos
15But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ 16Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ 17Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be divided by a measuring line, and you yourself will die on pagan soil. And Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’ ”…

Cross References
Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD.

Isaiah 1:10
Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

Jeremiah 2:4
Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all you families of the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 13:2
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD!
You say:

1 Kings 22:8
The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

Jeremiah 26:11
Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!”
‘Do not prophesy against Israel;

1 Kings 22:13
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.”

Jeremiah 11:21
Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”

Micah 2:6
“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

Genesis 21:12
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

Genesis 26:24
and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

Psalm 105:9-10
the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
Jeremiah 26:12-15
But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. / So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you. / As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right. …

1 Kings 22:27-28
and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” / But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!”

Jeremiah 1:17-19
Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 2:3-7
“Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. / They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ / And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. …

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!


Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore hear you the word of the LORD: You say, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not your word against the house of Isaac.

hear.

1 Samuel 15:16
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

1 Kings 22:19
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

Jeremiah 28:15-17
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie…

Prophesy.

Amos 7:13
But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.

Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Micah 2:6
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.

and drop.

Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Ezekiel 20:46
Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

Ezekiel 21:2
Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,

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Amos 7
1. The judgments of the grasshoppers,
4. and of the fire are diverted by the prayer of Amos.
7. By the wall of a plumb line is signified the rejection of Israel.
10. Amaziah complains of Amos.
14. Amos shows his calling
16. and Amaziah's judgment.












Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD.

Amos answers Amaziah’s attempt to silence him by affirming that his message comes from the LORD. The issue is not Amos’s personal opinion but God’s announced judgment.

Isa 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom;…
Jer 2:4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob,…
Ezk 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel…

You say:

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, speaks for the religious and political establishment of the Northern Kingdom. Israel’s prosperity under Jeroboam II had fostered confidence despite widespread idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption.

1Ki 22:8 The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man……
Jer 26:11 Then the priests and prophets said to the officials,…

‘Do not prophesy against Israel;

Israel rejected warnings of judgment because its leaders wanted to preserve stability and national confidence. They preferred a religion that supported their security rather than confronted their sin.

1Ki 22:13 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah…
Jer 11:21 Therefore this is what the LORD says…
Mic 2:6 “Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; ……

do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

“The house of Isaac” identifies the Northern Kingdom through its covenant ancestry. Their descent from the patriarch did not protect them from judgment while they continued in rebellion against the LORD.

Gen 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed…
Gen 26:24 and that night the LORD appeared to him…
Psa 105:9-10 the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amos
A prophet called by God from Judah to deliver His message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos was a shepherd and a fig tree farmer before his calling, emphasizing his humble origins and divine appointment.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often characterized by idolatry and social injustice during Amos's time. The kingdom was prosperous but spiritually corrupt, leading to God's judgment.

3. House of Isaac
A reference to the descendants of Isaac, specifically the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It highlights the covenant relationship and the expectations God had for His people.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to guide, correct, and sometimes rebuke His people.

5. Amaziah
The priest of Bethel who opposed Amos's prophecies, representing the religious establishment that resisted God's message.
Teaching Points
The Authority of God's Word
God's word, delivered through His prophets, carries divine authority. Believers are called to heed His message, even when it challenges or convicts.

Resistance to Truth
Human nature often resists uncomfortable truths. As followers of Christ, we must remain open to God's correction and guidance, even when it comes through unexpected sources.

Courage in Proclamation
Like Amos, believers are called to speak God's truth with courage, regardless of opposition. Our confidence comes from the Lord, not human approval.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's mouthpiece, calling His people back to righteousness. We should value and discern prophetic voices in our lives today.

Covenant Responsibility
The reference to the "house of Isaac" reminds us of our covenant responsibilities. As God's people, we are called to live in obedience and reflect His character.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Amos 7:16?

2. How does Amos 7:16 challenge us to speak God's truth despite opposition?

3. What does "do not prophesy against Israel" reveal about resisting God's message?

4. How can we discern false teachings in light of Amos 7:16?

5. How does Amos 7:16 connect to Jesus' call to be salt and light?

6. In what ways can we apply Amos' courage in our daily witness for Christ?

7. What is the historical context of Amos 7:16 in ancient Israel?

8. How does Amos 7:16 challenge the authority of religious leaders?

9. What message does Amos 7:16 convey about prophecy and truth?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 7?


(16) Drop not.--A word used in the Song of Moses for "distil," expressing persuasive and flowing discourse (Deuteronomy 32:2; Ezekiel 21:2; Ezekiel 21:7; Micah 2:6; Micah 2:11).

Verse 16. - Hear thou the word of the Lord. The punishment of him who tried to impede God's message. Drop not thy word. Be not continually pouring forth prophecy. The word is used similarly in Micah 2:6, 11 and Ezekiel 21:2. The idea, though not the term, is taken from Deuteronomy 32:2. Septuagint, μὴ ὀχλαγωγήσῃς, "raise no tumult," which rather expresses Amaziah's fear of the effect of the utterance than translates the word. St. Jerome's explanation is somewhat too subtle, "Stillare prophetas idioma Scripturarum est, quod non totam Dei simul inferant iram, sed parvas stillas comminatione denuntient."

Amos 7:16 shows a collision between God’s unyielding word and Israel’s unwilling ears. The Lord commands His people to listen, yet they command His prophet to be quiet. Their demand exposes a heart that treasures heritage over obedience and comfort over truth. God, however, will still speak and will still act. For every generation the lesson stands: receive His word with humility, lest resistance invite the very judgment the word seeks to avert.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now, therefore,
וְעַתָּ֖ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

hear
שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

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

You
אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

say:
אֹמֵ֗ר (’ō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Do not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prophesy
תִנָּבֵא֙ (ṯin·nā·ḇê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Israel;
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

do not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

preach
תַטִּ֖יף (ṯaṭ·ṭîp̄)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5197: To ooze, distil gradually, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Isaac.’
יִשְׂחָֽק׃ (yiś·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3446: Isaac


Additonal Resources
Amos 7:16 Blue Letter Bible
Amos 7:16 Bible Gateway
Amos 7:16 Bible.com

Amos 7:16 NIV
Amos 7:16 NLT
Amos 7:16 ESV
Amos 7:16 NASB
Amos 7:16 KJV

Amos 7:16 Study Bible
Amos 7:16 Biblia Paralela
Amos 7:16 Chinese Bible
Amos 7:16 French Bible
Amos 7:16 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Amos 7:16 Now therefore listen to the word (Amo. Am)

Amos 7:15
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