Amos 5:11

KJV

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Forasmuch {H3282} therefore as your treading {H1318} is upon the poor {H1800}, and ye take {H3947} from him burdens {H4864} of wheat {H1250}: ye have built {H1129} houses {H1004} of hewn stone {H1496}, but ye shall not dwell {H3427} in them; ye have planted {H5193} pleasant {H2531} vineyards {H3754}, but ye shall not drink {H8354} wine {H3196} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, because you trample on the poor and extort from them levies of grain; although you have built houses of cut stone, you will not live in them; and though you have planted pleasant vineyards, you will not drink their wine.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted.

American Standard Version

Forasmuch therefore as ye trample upon the poor, and take exactions from him of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:11 delivers a scathing indictment against the wealthy elite of Israel who amassed their riches through the systematic oppression of the poor. The prophet condemns their exploitative practices, specifically their unjust levies of grain, which allowed them to build luxurious homes and plant opulent vineyards. However, the verse immediately pronounces a divine judgment: these ill-gotten gains will bring them no lasting enjoyment or security, as they will be dispossessed of their homes and the fruits of their labor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5 is a pivotal chapter within the prophet's message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, serving as both a lament ("Hear this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel," [Amos 5:1](/amos/5-1 "Amos 5:1 - A Lamentation")) and a fervent call to repentance. Following earlier pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations and Judah, Amos turns his full attention to Israel's deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption. Verse 11 directly follows a series of woes against those who pervert justice in the gate ([Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Perverting Justice")) and hate the one who speaks honestly ([Amos 5:10](/amos/5-10 "Amos 5:10 - Hating the Honest")). It provides concrete examples of the very injustices Amos condemns, illustrating the specific ways the wealthy exploited the vulnerable. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on Israel's sin and the impending judgment, culminating in the powerful call for justice to "roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream" ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This was a period of significant economic prosperity and political stability, largely due to successful military campaigns and flourishing trade routes. However, this prosperity was unevenly distributed, leading to a stark divide between the rich and the poor. The wealthy elite, often landowners and merchants, exploited the vulnerable through various means, including usury, unjust taxation, and legal manipulation. Culturally, while Israel maintained outward religious observances—attending festivals and offering sacrifices at Bethel and Gilgal—their internal moral compass was severely distorted. They had forgotten the covenantal obligations to care for the poor and uphold justice, which were foundational to the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Care for the Poor")). Amos's message directly challenged this hypocrisy, highlighting that true worship required ethical living and social justice.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 5:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **social injustice and oppression**, demonstrating God's profound concern for the vulnerable and His condemnation of those who exploit them. This verse exemplifies the breakdown of the covenant community, where the strong prey on the weak, a direct violation of God's character and law. It also underscores the theme of **divine judgment and retribution**, showing that God will not allow such wickedness to go unpunished. The consequence—not dwelling in their houses or drinking their wine—is a direct, ironic reversal of their ill-gotten gains, emphasizing that prosperity gained through injustice is fleeting and cursed. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **hypocrisy**, as the oppressors likely participated in religious rituals while simultaneously committing grave sins, a central critique throughout Amos's prophecy (e.g., [Amos 5:21-23](/amos/5-21-23 "Amos 5:21-23 - God Rejects Empty Worship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **treading (Hebrew, _bâshaç'_):** This primitive root (H1318) signifies to trample down, emphasizing a forceful, violent, and aggressive act of oppression. It suggests not merely passive neglect but an active crushing of the poor, stripping them of their dignity and livelihood.
* **poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "dangling" (H1800), this word describes someone weak, thin, or needy. It highlights the extreme vulnerability of those being exploited, making the oppressors' actions even more reprehensible.
* **burdens of wheat (Hebrew, _masʼêth bâr'_):** The word for "burdens" (H4864, _masʼêth'_) comes from a root meaning "to raise," referring to a levy, tribute, or present. When combined with "wheat" (H1250, _bâr'_), which denotes grain of any kind, it points to the systematic extraction of essential sustenance from the poor, likely through excessive taxation, usury, or forced labor, leaving them destitute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental charge against Israel's elite. The phrase "treading upon the poor" vividly depicts a forceful, contemptuous, and systematic oppression. It's not a casual act but a deliberate and violent subjugation, where the powerful literally "walk over" the rights and well-being of the vulnerable, crushing them underfoot for their own gain.
* **"and ye take from him burdens of wheat":** This specifies the method of exploitation. The "burdens of wheat" refer to heavy, unjust levies or taxes on the poor's most basic commodity—food. This act demonstrates that the exploitation was not just abstract but involved the direct confiscation of their limited resources, pushing them further into poverty and debt, and depriving them of their very means of survival.
* **"ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them":** This clause reveals the consequence of their ill-gotten wealth. The "houses of hewn stone" (H1496, _gâzîyth'_) symbolize luxury, permanence, and the opulence derived from their unjust practices. However, the divine judgment is swift and ironic: despite their efforts and expense, they will not enjoy these homes. This foreshadows invasion, exile, or sudden ruin, where their possessions will be seized by others, or they will be forced to abandon them.
* **"ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them":** This parallel statement reinforces the judgment. "Pleasant vineyards" (H2531, _chemed_ H3754, _kerem_) represent another symbol of prosperity, long-term investment, and the enjoyment of life's finest pleasures. Yet, just as with their homes, they will be denied the fruit of their labor. This highlights the futility of wealth accumulated through injustice, as God ensures that the oppressors will not taste the sweetness of their ill-gotten gains.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of condemnation and judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses of judgment: "ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them." This structure emphasizes the certainty and totality of the divine retribution, reinforcing the idea that every ill-gotten gain will be denied. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the very symbols of their success and security (luxurious homes and productive vineyards) become the means of their judgment. Their efforts to establish a comfortable future are precisely what God will prevent them from enjoying. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is employed through the "houses of hewn stone" and "pleasant vineyards," which represent the material wealth and luxurious lifestyle achieved through oppression. These symbols are then subverted by the prophetic declaration, turning them into monuments of their impending doom rather than signs of lasting prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:11 is a profound theological statement on God's justice and His unwavering commitment to the poor and oppressed. It reveals that true piety is inextricably linked to ethical conduct, particularly in economic and social spheres. The verse underscores the biblical principle that wealth acquired through unjust means is cursed and will ultimately bring no lasting benefit or security to the oppressor. It challenges the notion that outward religious observance can compensate for inward moral decay and social injustice. God's character demands righteousness, and He actively intervenes to dismantle systems of oppression, ensuring that those who exploit the vulnerable will face divine retribution, often in a way that directly reverses their ill-gotten gains. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence for violating the covenantal call to love one's neighbor and uphold justice.

* [Deuteronomy 28:30](/deuteronomy/28-30 "Deuteronomy 28:30 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 5:8-9](/isaiah/5-8-9 "Isaiah 5:8-9 - Woe to the Greedy Landowners")
* [Micah 6:10-12](/micah/6-10-12 "Micah 6:10-12 - Unjust Weights and Violence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:11 remains strikingly relevant for contemporary society, challenging us to critically examine our economic systems, personal financial practices, and societal structures. It serves as a potent reminder that God cares deeply about how wealth is acquired and distributed, and He condemns any form of exploitation that elevates profit over people, especially the vulnerable. For individuals, this verse calls for a rigorous self-assessment: Are our comforts and prosperity built on fair and just practices, or do they inadvertently contribute to the marginalization of others? It compels us to consider the ethical implications of our consumption habits, investments, and labor practices. For communities and nations, it is a prophetic call to establish and uphold policies that protect the poor, ensure equitable access to resources, and dismantle systems that perpetuate economic injustice. Ultimately, Amos 5:11 reminds us that true blessedness and lasting prosperity are found not in material accumulation at any cost, but in pursuing righteousness and justice, reflecting God's own heart for the oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own lifestyle or consumption habits inadvertently contribute to systems of injustice or exploitation, even if indirectly?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of wealth, success, and divine blessing?**
* **What practical steps can I take, individually or collectively, to advocate for economic justice and support the vulnerable in my community or globally?**

### FAQ
**What does "treading upon the poor" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Treading upon the poor" (H1318, _bâshaç'_) is a vivid metaphor for active, forceful, and contemptuous oppression. It signifies more than just neglect; it implies a deliberate act of trampling on the rights, dignity, and livelihood of the vulnerable. In the context of Amos 5:11, it specifically refers to the economic exploitation where the wealthy elite used their power to extract resources from the poor, such as through unjust taxes or levies of wheat, effectively crushing them underfoot for their own gain. This imagery emphasizes the severity and cruelty of their actions.

**Why won't they dwell in their houses or drink their wine?**

Answer: The prophecy that they "shall not dwell in them" and "shall not drink wine of them" is a divine judgment and an act of poetic justice. It means that the oppressors will be dispossessed of the very luxuries they acquired through their unjust practices. This was often fulfilled through military invasion, exile, or sudden ruin, where their homes would be destroyed or taken by conquerors, and their vineyards would be plundered or left untended. It underscores the biblical principle that ill-gotten gains bring no lasting security or enjoyment, and that God will ensure that those who build their prosperity on the suffering of others will ultimately lose everything ([Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - A Good Man's Inheritance")).

**Is this verse relevant today, given modern economic systems?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific forms of exploitation may differ, the core principles of Amos 5:11 remain profoundly relevant. The verse speaks to the enduring problem of economic injustice, where the powerful accumulate wealth at the expense of the vulnerable. It challenges contemporary societies to examine issues like unfair labor practices, predatory lending, unjust taxation, and corporate greed. The message is a timeless reminder that God cares deeply about how we treat the less fortunate and that true prosperity must be built on principles of justice, equity, and compassion, not exploitation ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 5:11, with its stark condemnation of social injustice and its pronouncement of judgment on oppressors, finds profound echoes and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently identified with the poor and marginalized, declaring "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" ([Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - Beatitudes for the Poor")). He vehemently denounced the hypocrisy of religious leaders who outwardly observed rituals but neglected "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Pharisees")). His parables, such as the rich man and Lazarus ([Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus")), illustrate the divine reversal of fortunes for those who live in self-indulgence while ignoring the suffering at their gate. Ultimately, Christ's kingdom is one founded on perfect justice and righteousness, where the systems of oppression that Amos condemned will be utterly dismantled. His sacrifice on the cross not only atones for individual sin but also inaugurates a new covenant community called to embody the very justice and compassion that Amos called for, transforming hearts to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")) and to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Zephaniah 1:13

Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

Deuteronomy 28:30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Revelation 11:8

And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Revelation 11:10

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.