Amos 6:13
Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?
Original Language Analysis
הַשְּׂמֵחִ֖ים
H8055
הַשְּׂמֵחִ֖ים
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
הֲל֣וֹא
of nought
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
of nought
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דָבָ֑ר
in a thing
H1697
דָבָ֑ר
in a thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הֲל֣וֹא
of nought
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
of nought
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
James 4:16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.2 Kings 14:25He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gath-hepher.
Historical Context
Jeroboam II expanded Israel's borders to near-Davidic dimensions, creating prosperity and military confidence. Rather than attributing success to God's covenant faithfulness, Israel credited their own strength—the pattern of all proud civilizations that rise and fall.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern achievements—technological, economic, military—do nations or individuals credit to their own strength rather than God?
- How does rejoicing in 'things of nought' describe celebrating temporary, earthly accomplishments while ignoring eternal realities?
- What's the difference between legitimate thanksgiving for accomplishments and proud self-credit that forgets God?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought (הַשְּׂמֵחִים לְלֹא דָבָר, hasemechim l'lo davar, literally 'rejoicing in no-thing, vanity')—they celebrate empty achievements. Which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength? (הַאֹמְרִים הֲלוֹא בְחָזְקֵנוּ לָקַחְנוּ לָנוּ קַרְנָיִם, ha'om'rim halo v'chozkeinu lakachnu lanu karnayim)—'horns' (קַרְנַיִם, karnayim) symbolize military power (Deuteronomy 33:17). They boast about military victories achieved 'by our own strength' (בְחָזְקֵנוּ, v'chozkeinu), crediting themselves rather than God.
This reveals the root sin: pride that denies God's sovereignty and credits human achievement. Jeroboam II's military successes (2 Kings 14:25-28) produced nationalistic arrogance—forgetting that God gave the victories. Habakkuk 1:11 describes similar pride: 'his own might is his god.' All human achievement apart from acknowledging God's enablement is 'vanity.'