Amos 6:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

Complete Jewish Bible:

You make up wild songs at your parties, playing the lute and inventing other instruments - [imagining that you're] like David!

Berean Standard Bible:

You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.

American Standard Version:

that sing idle songs to the sound of the viol; that invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

That chant^{H6527} to the sound^{H6310} of the viol^{H5035}, and invent^{H2803} to themselves instruments^{H3627} of musick^{H7892}, like David^{H1732};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Amos 6:5

Amos 6:5 is a verse from the Book of Amos, a prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible, which addresses the complacency and moral decay of the northern kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BCE. The historical context of this verse is set against the backdrop of economic prosperity and religious apostasy in Israel, particularly among the upper classes and ruling elite. These groups had become comfortable and self-indulgent, focusing on their luxurious lifestyles and extravagant religious ceremonies while neglecting the social injustices and idolatry that had become rampant in their society.

The verse itself is part of a larger passage (Amos 6:1-7) that condemns those who feel secure in their wealth and revel in their feasting and music, ignoring the impending judgment of God. The specific mention of chanting to the viol and inventing musical instruments "like David" is a biting critique of their superficial worship. David, the renowned king and psalmist, was known for his genuine devotion to God, and his music was an expression of his heartfelt faith. In contrast, the Israelites in Amos's time used music and religious ceremonies as a means to celebrate their own opulence and to drown out the call to repentance and justice.

The themes of Amos 6:5 include the condemnation of empty religious practices, the danger of self-indulgence, and the call to authentic worship and righteous living. Amos warns that God despises such hollow forms of worship when they are detached from a life of obedience and concern for others. The prophet emphasizes that true faith requires a commitment to justice and righteousness, and that God's judgment is imminent for those who fail to live according to His precepts. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of sincere devotion over ritualistic performance and the need for societal leaders to address the moral and ethical issues of their time.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6527
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּרַט
   Transliteration: pâraṭ
   Pronunciation: paw-rat'
   Description: a primitive root; to scatter words, i.e. prate (or hum); chant.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5035
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶבֶל
   Transliteration: nebel
   Pronunciation: neh'-bel
   Description: or נֵבֶל; from נָבֵל; a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form); bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2803
   There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָשַׁב
   Transliteration: châshab
   Pronunciation: khaw-shab'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute; (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3627
   There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּלִי
   Transliteration: kᵉlîy
   Pronunciation: kel-ee'
   Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7892
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שִׁיר
   Transliteration: shîyr
   Pronunciation: sheer
   Description: or feminine שִׁירָה; from שִׁיר; a song; abstractly, singing; musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1732
   There are 911 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּוִד
   Transliteration: Dâvid
   Pronunciation: daw-veed'
   Description: rarely (fully); דָּוִיד; from the same as דּוֹד; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse; David.