Amos 6:4
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;
Original Language Analysis
הַשֹּֽׁכְבִים֙
That lie
H7901
הַשֹּֽׁכְבִים֙
That lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִטּ֣וֹת
upon beds
H4296
מִטּ֣וֹת
upon beds
Strong's:
H4296
Word #:
3 of 13
a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier
שֵׁ֔ן
of ivory
H8127
שֵׁ֔ן
of ivory
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
4 of 13
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַרְשׂוֹתָ֑ם
themselves upon their couches
H6210
עַרְשׂוֹתָ֑ם
themselves upon their couches
Strong's:
H6210
Word #:
7 of 13
a couch (properly, with a canopy)
כָּרִים֙
the lambs
H3733
כָּרִים֙
the lambs
Strong's:
H3733
Word #:
9 of 13
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
מִצֹּ֔אן
out of the flock
H6629
מִצֹּ֔אן
out of the flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
10 of 13
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וַעֲגָלִ֖ים
and the calves
H5695
וַעֲגָלִ֖ים
and the calves
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
11 of 13
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
Cross References
James 5:5Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.Amos 3:12Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations at Samaria uncovered ivory fragments from palace decorations, confirming the biblical account. The Northern Kingdom's aristocracy lived in opulence while exploiting the poor through unjust courts, predatory lending, and land seizure—wealth built on others' suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How might modern Christians live in ivory-bed comfort while remaining indifferent to brothers and sisters suffering persecution or poverty?
- What does it mean to consume 'the choicest' of everything while others lack basics—is this stewardship or self-indulgence?
- How can believers cultivate grief over others' affliction rather than insulating ourselves in comfortable isolation?
Analysis & Commentary
That lie upon beds of ivory (הַשֹּׁכְבִים עַל־מִטּוֹת שֵׁן, hashochevim al-mitot shen)—ivory-inlaid beds represented extreme luxury in the ancient world. And stretch themselves upon their couches (וּסְרֻחִים עַל־עַרְשׂוֹתָם, useruchim al-arsotam)—the verb סָרַח (sarach) implies sprawling indolently. And eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall—consuming the choicest meat without concern for cost or scarcity. This isn't merely enjoying God's blessings but self-indulgent luxury while others starve.
The condemnation isn't wealth per se but indifference: they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph (Amos 6:6). They feast while their brothers suffer, displaying the same cold self-absorption as Dives ignoring Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Luxury that breeds apathy toward suffering is sin.