Amos 6:7

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

Original Language Analysis

לָכֵ֛ן H3651
לָכֵ֛ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עַתָּ֥ה H6258
עַתָּ֥ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 2 of 8
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
גֹּלִ֑ים Therefore now shall they go captive H1540
גֹּלִ֑ים Therefore now shall they go captive
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 3 of 8
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ with the first H7218
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ with the first
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 4 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
גֹּלִ֑ים Therefore now shall they go captive H1540
גֹּלִ֑ים Therefore now shall they go captive
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 5 of 8
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
וְסָ֖ר themselves shall be removed H5493
וְסָ֖ר themselves shall be removed
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 6 of 8
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִרְזַ֥ח and the banquet H4797
מִרְזַ֥ח and the banquet
Strong's: H4797
Word #: 7 of 8
a cry, i.e., (of job), a revel
סְרוּחִֽים׃ of them that stretched H5628
סְרוּחִֽים׃ of them that stretched
Strong's: H5628
Word #: 8 of 8
to extend (even to excess)

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive (לָכֵן עַתָּה יִגְלוּ בְּרֹאשׁ גֹּלִים, lachen atah yiglu v'rosh golim)—the phrase בְּרֹאשׁ גֹּלִים (v'rosh golim, 'at the head of exiles') means they'll be first deported. The leaders in luxury become leaders in exile. And the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed (וְסָר מִרְזַח סְרוּחִים, v'sar mirzach seruchim)—מִרְזֵחַ (mirzeach) refers to funeral feasts or revelry; their parties end abruptly.

This is poetic justice: those who lived most comfortably suffer most severely in judgment. Jesus taught similar reversal: 'many that are first shall be last' (Matthew 19:30). Privilege without responsibility, comfort without compassion, leadership without integrity—all bring greater accountability (Luke 12:48).

Historical Context

When Assyria conquered Samaria in 722 BC, they deported the leadership and aristocracy first—standard ancient Near Eastern practice. The wealthy elite who ignored warnings experienced the judgment they dismissed. Archaeological evidence confirms Samaria's destruction and deportation of its upper classes.

Questions for Reflection