Amos 4:8

Authorized King James Version

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So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וְנָע֡וּ wandered H5128
וְנָע֡וּ wandered
Strong's: H5128
Word #: 1 of 16
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
שְׁתַּיִם֩ So two H8147
שְׁתַּיִם֩ So two
Strong's: H8147
Word #: 2 of 16
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
שָׁלֹ֨שׁ or three H7969
שָׁלֹ֨שׁ or three
Strong's: H7969
Word #: 3 of 16
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עִ֥יר cities H5892
עִ֥יר cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 4 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
עִ֥יר cities H5892
עִ֥יר cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 6 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אַחַ֛ת unto one H259
אַחַ֛ת unto one
Strong's: H259
Word #: 7 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת to drink H8354
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת to drink
Strong's: H8354
Word #: 8 of 16
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
מַ֖יִם water H4325
מַ֖יִם water
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 9 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׂבָּ֑עוּ but they were not satisfied H7646
יִשְׂבָּ֑עוּ but they were not satisfied
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 11 of 16
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם yet have ye not returned H7725
שַׁבְתֶּ֥ם yet have ye not returned
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 13 of 16
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עָדַ֖י H5704
עָדַ֖י
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 14 of 16
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נְאֻם unto me saith H5002
נְאֻם unto me saith
Strong's: H5002
Word #: 15 of 16
an oracle
יְהוָֽה׃ the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 16 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water (וְנָעוּ שְׁתַּיִם שָׁלֹשׁ עָרִים אֶל־עִיר אַחַת לִשְׁתּוֹת מַיִם)—The verb na'u (wandered/staggered) depicts desperate migration for water during drought. Multiple cities converging on one location with remaining water supply paints vivid desperation. But they were not satisfied (וְלֹא יִשְׂבָּעוּ)—Even the functioning wells couldn't meet demand. Yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD—The refrain hammers relentlessly. Despite escalating judgments, Israel refuses teshuvah (repentance).

This verse depicts the cumulative effect of verse 7's selective drought: population displacement as cities with failed water sources fled to those with functioning wells, creating refugee crises and resource competition. The imagery evokes Jeremiah 14:3-4, where nobles send servants for water but return with empty vessels during drought. Israel's physical thirst symbolized spiritual thirst—they sought satisfaction everywhere except the living water (Jeremiah 2:13). Jesus offers living water that truly satisfies (John 4:13-14), ending the desperate wandering between broken cisterns.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cities depended on cisterns, springs, or wells. Drought created water refugees who migrated to cities with better water sources. This destabilized economies and created social tensions. Archaeological evidence shows elaborate water systems (like Hezekiah's tunnel in Jerusalem) built to secure water during siege or drought.

Questions for Reflection