Amos 5:17

KJV

And in all vineyards [shall be] wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in all vineyards {H3754} shall be wailing {H4553}: for I will pass {H5674} through {H7130} thee, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There will be wailing in every vineyard, for I will pass through among you," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst,” says the LORD.

American Standard Version

And in all vineyards shall be wailing; for I will pass through the midst of thee, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:17 delivers a stark prophecy of widespread divine judgment upon Israel, declaring that even their places of joy and abundance, the vineyards, will become scenes of intense wailing. This lamentation is presented as a direct consequence of God's personal and punitive "passing through" the nation, underscoring His active role in executing justice for their persistent unrighteousness and spiritual rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5:17 intensifies the somber tone established earlier in the chapter, which opens with a funeral lament over Israel's spiritual demise ([Amos 5:1-3](/amos/5-1-3 "Amos's Lament for Israel")). While the prophet offers a glimmer of hope with the repeated call to "[seek the LORD, and ye shall live](/amos/5-4 "Amos 5:4 - Seek the Lord and Live")" (Amos 5:4, 6), the subsequent verses detail Israel's profound moral corruption, including their oppression of the poor and perversion of justice ([Amos 5:7-13](/amos/5-7-13 "Israel's Injustice and Rejection of Righteousness")). Verse 16 describes a general mourning in the streets and highways, and verse 17 specifically extends this lamentation to the vineyards, places typically associated with joy and celebration. This progression underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the coming judgment, leaving no sphere of life untouched.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel (circa 760-750 BC). This was a period of significant economic prosperity and political stability for Israel, yet it was coupled with severe social injustice, moral decay, and syncretistic religious practices. Vineyards (`kerem`) were not merely agricultural sites but deeply symbolic places in ancient Israelite culture, representing blessing, prosperity, and joy (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Makes the Heart Glad")). The prophecy that "in all vineyards shall be wailing" would have been particularly shocking and potent, signifying a complete reversal of their expected fortunes and a profound disruption of their cultural fabric. The concept of God "passing through" (`ʻâbar`) carried strong historical echoes, most notably the Lord's punitive passage through Egypt during the Passover judgment ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - The Lord's Judgment on Egypt")), which would have evoked a sense of terrifying divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Amos 5:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to justice and His readiness to punish persistent sin. The widespread wailing highlights the theme of **Inescapable Consequences**, demonstrating that no aspect of life, even those traditionally associated with joy, will be immune to the effects of divine wrath. It also reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Active Intervention**, as the Lord Himself declares, "I will pass through thee," asserting His direct agency in the coming calamity. This verse stands as a stark warning within the broader call for **Repentance and Righteousness** that permeates Amos, underscoring that without a genuine turn from injustice and idolatry, judgment is inevitable, as seen in the repeated exhortations to "[seek good, and not evil](/amos/5-14 "Amos 5:14 - Seek Good and Not Evil")" and "[let justice roll down like waters](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vineyards (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this word refers to a garden or vineyard, specifically vines or the produce of a vineyard. In ancient Israel, vineyards were places of cultivation, hard work, and ultimately, joy and celebration during harvest. Their transformation into places of wailing in Amos 5:17 signifies a complete reversal of blessing and a profound desolation.
* **wailing (Hebrew, _miçpêd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lament," _miçpêd_ denotes a loud, public lamentation, often associated with mourning the dead or expressing profound national grief and disaster. The use of this term emphasizes the depth and universality of the sorrow that will engulf Israel, contrasting sharply with the customary sounds of joy (`hedad`) associated with vineyards.
* **pass through (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cross over," this verb is used widely to describe any transition. In this context, especially with "saith the LORD," it carries the weight of a punitive, destructive passage, indicating a direct, active, and devastating intervention of God's wrath, bringing desolation and judgment upon the nation. This echoes the Lord's act of judgment in the Passover narrative.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root _hâyâh_ (to be), this is the self-existent or eternal name of God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. The use of this covenant name here emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary but comes from the covenant-keeping God who is just and holy, holding His people accountable to the terms of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in all vineyards shall be wailing":** This clause paints a vivid picture of universal sorrow. Vineyards, symbols of prosperity, joy, and the fruit of labor, will instead be filled with the sounds of deep lamentation. This signifies that the judgment will be comprehensive, affecting every aspect of Israelite life and turning their sources of happiness into scenes of grief. It underscores the severity and pervasiveness of the coming calamity.
* **"for I will pass through thee":** This phrase reveals the divine agency behind the impending disaster. The "I" refers directly to the LORD, indicating that this is not a natural catastrophe or a mere consequence of human actions, but a direct, intentional act of God's judgment. The verb "pass through" (Hebrew _ʻâbar_) echoes the devastating judgment of the firstborn in Egypt during the Passover, implying a destructive and punitive visitation upon Israel.
* **"saith the LORD.":** This concluding declaration authenticates the prophecy as a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself. It leaves no doubt about the source or certainty of the judgment. The use of the divine name, YHWH (the LORD), reinforces God's sovereignty, holiness, and His covenant faithfulness in holding His people accountable for their unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "vineyards" serving as a powerful symbol. Traditionally representing joy, prosperity, and the blessings of God, their transformation into places of "wailing" creates a stark **Irony**, highlighting the complete reversal of Israel's fortunes due to their sin. The expected sounds of harvest celebration (`hedad`) are replaced by sounds of mourning (`miçpêd`), creating a jarring auditory contrast. Furthermore, the phrase "I will pass through thee, saith the LORD" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (passing through) to God, emphasizing His direct and personal involvement in executing judgment. This also serves as an **Allusion** to the Passover narrative ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - The Lord's Judgment on Egypt")), where God "passed through" Egypt to bring judgment, thereby invoking a sense of terrifying divine power and historical precedent for punitive action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:17 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's unwavering justice and holiness. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent sin, particularly social injustice and spiritual apostasy. The verse underscores God's sovereignty, revealing Him as an active, intervening deity who holds His covenant people accountable. It serves as a powerful reminder that prosperity without righteousness is fleeting and ultimately invites divine reckoning, turning expected joy into widespread lamentation. This passage reinforces the Old Testament principle that God's character demands a response of obedience and justice from His people, and failure to do so results in severe consequences.

* [Isaiah 24:7-9](/isaiah/24-7-9 "Isaiah 24:7-9 - The Desolation of the Earth")
* [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - Joy and Gladness Removed from Moab")
* [Hosea 2:11-12](/hosea/2-11-12 "Hosea 2:11-12 - God's Judgment on Israel's Feasts and Vineyards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:17 offers a sobering reflection for believers today, reminding us that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering justice. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking whether our prosperity or comfort has led to complacency, injustice, or spiritual compromise. The image of wailing in vineyards, places meant for joy, serves as a powerful metaphor for how sin can corrupt and reverse our blessings. This verse calls us to a deep humility before a holy God, urging us to actively pursue righteousness and justice in all our dealings, particularly caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. It is a timeless warning that divine judgment is a reality for those who persistently reject God's ways, yet it also implicitly points to the mercy available through repentance and seeking the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vineyards" in my life or community might be prone to complacency or injustice, and how might God be calling for a change?**
* **How does my understanding of God's justice balance with my understanding of His love and mercy?**
* **In what ways might I be contributing to or overlooking injustice in my sphere of influence, and what practical steps can I take to promote righteousness?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment motivate me to live a life of greater holiness and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why are "vineyards" specifically mentioned as places of wailing?**

Answer: Vineyards in ancient Israel were deeply symbolic of joy, prosperity, and the blessings of God's covenant. They were places of hard work but also of celebratory harvest festivals (e.g., [Judges 9:27](/judges/9-27 "Judges 9:27 - Feast of Vintage")). By prophesying "wailing" in all vineyards, Amos underscores the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment. It means that even the sources of their greatest joy and prosperity will be turned into scenes of profound sorrow, signifying a complete reversal of their fortunes and a national catastrophe that leaves no aspect of life untouched. It highlights the irony that what was meant for blessing will become a source of lamentation due to their sin.

**What does it mean for God to "pass through" the nation?**

Answer: The phrase "I will pass through thee, saith the LORD" signifies a direct, personal, and punitive act of divine judgment. This language carries strong echoes of the Passover narrative in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - The Lord's Judgment on Egypt"), where the Lord "passed through" Egypt to execute judgment on the firstborn. In Amos 5:17, the same powerful imagery is invoked, but this time, the judgment is directed at Israel itself. It means God will actively intervene to bring desolation and calamity upon them, not merely allowing consequences to unfold, but personally orchestrating their downfall as a righteous response to their persistent unrighteousness and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 5:17, with its pronouncement of divine judgment and widespread lamentation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a future earthly desolation for believers, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "passing through" of the LORD, bringing judgment, is ultimately absorbed by Christ on the cross. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from the wailing of eternal judgment. The sorrow and wailing prophesied for Israel due to their unrighteousness are transformed for believers into the joy of salvation and peace with God, purchased by Christ's sacrifice. While judgment remains a reality for the unrepentant, Christ offers an escape from this ultimate "passing through" of divine wrath ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). Furthermore, the lamentation over sin that Amos calls for is fulfilled in the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit, who convicts hearts of sin and leads to true repentance and mourning that leads to salvation ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")). Ultimately, for those in Christ, the wailing of judgment is replaced by the eternal joy and celebration of God's presence, where every tear will be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Death")).

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

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:33

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; [their] shouting [shall be] no shouting.

Isaiah 16:10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in [their] presses; I have made [their vintage] shouting to cease.

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

Isaiah 32:10

Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come.

Isaiah 32:12

They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.

Nahum 1:15

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.