Amos 6:10

KJV

And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that [is] by the sides of the house, [Is there] yet [any] with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a man's uncle {H1730} shall take him up {H5375}, and he that burneth {H5635} him, to bring out {H3318} the bones {H6106} out of the house {H1004}, and shall say {H559} unto him that is by the sides {H3411} of the house {H1004}, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say {H559}, No {H657}. Then shall he say {H559}, Hold thy tongue {H2013}: for we may not make mention {H2142} of the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And if a [dead] man's uncle, coming to bring the corpse out of the house and burn it, finds a survivor hidden in the inmost recesses of the house and asks, "Is anyone else there with you?" - then, when he receives the answer, "No," he will say, "Don't say any more, because we mustn't mention the name of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

And when the relative who is to burn the bodies picks them up to remove them from the house, he will call to one inside, “Is anyone else with you?” “None,” that person will answer. “Silence,” the relative will retort, “for the name of the LORD must not be invoked.”

American Standard Version

And when a man’s uncle shall take him up, even he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is in the innermost parts of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No; then shall he say, Hold thy peace; for we may not make mention of the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:10 paints a harrowing picture of divine judgment upon complacent Israel, depicting a scene of such widespread death and desolation that normal societal and religious customs break down. Amidst the grim task of removing the dead from homes, a profound spiritual silence descends, as survivors, gripped by fear and superstition, forbid the very mention of the LORD's name, illustrating the devastating spiritual and physical consequences of their unrepentant sin and false sense of security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6 is a powerful oracle of woe directed primarily at the complacent elite of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly those in Samaria. The chapter opens with a scathing indictment against those "at ease in Zion" and "secure in the mountain of Samaria" [Amos 6:1](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1 - Woe to those at ease in Zion"), condemning their luxurious lifestyle, moral decay, and indifference to the impending judgment. Verses 1-7 detail their opulent living and false sense of security, while verses 8-14 describe the severe consequences of their actions. Verse 10 specifically plunges the reader into the horrific reality of this judgment, illustrating the extent of the plague or pestilence that will sweep through the land, disrupting even the most basic human responses to death and grief. It serves as a stark contrast to the carefree revelry described earlier, demonstrating the ultimate futility of their earthly comforts in the face of divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos delivered his message during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BCE) in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This era was marked by significant economic growth and political stability, leading to a false sense of security among the wealthy, who indulged in luxury while social injustice and religious syncretism flourished. Culturally, the standard practice for dealing with the dead in ancient Israel was burial, typically outside the city or home. The scene in Amos 6:10, with the mention of "burning" and bringing "bones out of the house," suggests an extraordinary and desperate situation. This could imply a hasty, perhaps partial, cremation to prevent the spread of disease, or a symbolic burning of items associated with the dead, or even a euphemism for a gruesome, unceremonious disposal. The setting within the "house" underscores the intimate and pervasive nature of the catastrophe, where death has invaded the most private spaces, forcing family members (like an "uncle" or kinsman) to undertake the grim task, highlighting the breakdown of normal societal functions and the overwhelming scale of the calamity.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 6:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it vividly portrays the **severity of divine judgment**, emphasizing that God's justice is not merely punitive but utterly devastating when His people persist in rebellion. The widespread death and the desperate measures taken to dispose of bodies underscore the profound consequences of Israel's spiritual complacency and social injustice, a theme echoed throughout the book, particularly in calls for justice to "roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice like a River"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **desperation and fear** in the face of overwhelming calamity, contrasting sharply with the earlier portrayal of Israel's carefree ease. Finally, and most strikingly, the prohibition against mentioning the LORD's name reveals a profound **spiritual silence and alienation** from God. Instead of turning to God in repentance during crisis, the people are paralyzed by a superstitious dread, believing that invoking His name might attract further wrath, or perhaps simply sinking into such despair that God's very name is avoided, signifying a complete spiritual breakdown and a misunderstanding of His character as both just and merciful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **uncle (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This word (H1730) primarily means "to boil" but figuratively "to love," and by implication refers to a "love-token, lover, friend," and specifically an "uncle" or "father's brother." Its use here emphasizes that even close family members or kinsmen are left to handle the dead, highlighting the intimate and pervasive nature of the disaster. The task is so widespread and horrific that it falls to those who would normally be pillars of support and affection, underscoring the utter breakdown of social order and the personal impact of the judgment.
* **Hold thy tongue (Hebrew, _hâçâh'_):** This primitive root (H2013) means "to hush," "hold peace (tongue)," or "be silent" or "still." The imperative command "Hold thy tongue" (or "Be silent!") is a direct and forceful instruction, conveying the extreme fear and superstitious dread that grips the survivors. It suggests a desperate attempt to avoid drawing further attention to themselves or to the divine wrath, believing that even speaking God's name might exacerbate their suffering. This silence is not reverence but terror.
* **mention (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root (H2142) means "to mark (so as to be recognized)," "to remember," and by implication, "to mention." The phrase "we may not make mention of the name of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) is central to the verse's theological impact. The inability or refusal to "mention" God's name signifies a profound spiritual alienation. It's not just about speaking; it's about acknowledging, remembering, or invoking God in a time of desperate need. This contrasts sharply with the expectation that in times of trouble, God's people would call upon His name.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house,"**: This clause sets the grim scene of widespread death. The "uncle" (or close kinsman) indicates that the death is so pervasive that even family members are tasked with the macabre duty of corpse disposal, as professional burial services are overwhelmed or non-existent. The phrase "he that burneth him" suggests a desperate, unceremonious, and perhaps partial cremation or burning of the dead, a departure from traditional Israelite burial practices, likely due to the sheer volume of casualties or the need to prevent the spread of disease. The focus on "bones" implies that decomposition has already begun, or that only remnants are being removed, further emphasizing the horror and duration of the plague. The act of bringing them "out of the house" highlights the invasion of death into the most private and sacred space of the home.
* **"and shall say unto him that [is] by the sides of the house, [Is there] yet [any] with thee?"**: This part of the verse reveals the desperate search for survivors. The one removing the dead calls out to someone "by the sides of the house" (perhaps a hidden survivor, or another kinsman in a less affected part of the structure), asking if anyone else remains alive. This question underscores the devastating scale of the death toll, where finding even one survivor is a significant inquiry.
* **"and he shall say, No."**: The terse, one-word reply confirms the extent of the catastrophe. The "No" is absolute, indicating that the person's entire household or immediate family has perished. This stark response amplifies the sense of utter desolation and the complete destruction of family units.
* **"Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD."**: This climactic command encapsulates the spiritual despair and superstitious fear gripping the survivors. The instruction to "Hold thy tongue" (or "Be silent!") is a desperate attempt to avoid drawing further divine wrath. It signifies a profound spiritual breakdown where, instead of turning to God in repentance or supplication, His name is feared as a harbinger of further judgment. The inability or refusal to "make mention of the name of the LORD" reveals a people so alienated from God that they believe even acknowledging Him will bring more destruction, highlighting their spiritual blindness and the depth of their terror.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its chilling message. The most prominent is **Imagery**, which creates a vivid and disturbing scene of death and desolation. The "uncle" removing "bones out of the house" and the implied "burning" paint a gruesome picture of societal collapse and overwhelming mortality. The terse dialogue, particularly the "No" and the command to "Hold thy tongue," adds to the starkness and emotional impact. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the final command: in a time of unprecedented crisis, when one would expect people to cry out to their God, they are instead forbidden to even utter His name. This highlights the profound spiritual alienation and superstitious fear that has replaced genuine faith. The scene also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the severity of the judgment; while literal cremation was uncommon, the description of such widespread death and the desperate measures taken underscores the extreme nature of God's wrath. Finally, the **Silence** imposed on God's name functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of spiritual death and separation from the divine, contrasting sharply with the expected call for help or repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:10 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of unrepentant sin, particularly spiritual complacency and social injustice. It reveals a God who, despite His patience, will ultimately bring judgment upon those who ignore His commands and oppress the vulnerable. The verse underscores that true security is not found in material wealth or political stability, but in a right relationship with the LORD. The people's fear-driven silence regarding God's name highlights a profound spiritual brokenness, where the very source of life and salvation is perceived as a threat. This illustrates the tragic outcome of a relationship with God that has devolved into superstition and dread rather than trust and reverence. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty and character, even in the midst of suffering, and the danger of allowing fear or apathy to silence our spiritual connection to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:58-61](/deuteronomy/28-58-61 "Deuteronomy 28:58-61 - Curses for Disobedience"): This passage details the curses for disobedience to God's covenant, including "great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance," which resonate with the devastating plague described in Amos 6:10.
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened"): This passage speaks of a people whose hearts have become "fat," their ears "heavy," and their eyes "shut," preventing them from understanding and turning to God for healing, mirroring the spiritual blindness and silence depicted in Amos 6:10.
* [Hosea 5:15](/hosea/5-15 "Hosea 5:15 - Seeking God in Distress"): This verse describes God withdrawing until His people "acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early," providing a stark contrast to the fear-induced silence of Amos 6:10, highlighting the proper response to divine discipline.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:10, though depicting a specific historical judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of ease and comfort that can lead us away from God's righteous path. We are challenged to examine our own lives and communities: are we truly seeking justice and righteousness, or are we, like ancient Israel, prioritizing personal comfort and material gain while overlooking the cries of the marginalized or the warnings from God's Word? The chilling silence regarding the LORD's name compels us to consider our own spiritual health. In times of crisis, do we instinctively turn to God in prayer and repentance, or do fear, superstition, or even apathy lead us to spiritual silence? This verse reminds us that genuine faith involves acknowledging God's sovereignty and character in all circumstances, not just when things are easy. It calls us to cultivate a vibrant, active relationship with God, where His name is honored, sought, and proclaimed, rather than silenced by fear or indifference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society or even our churches exhibit a form of "ease in Zion" that leads to spiritual complacency or indifference to injustice?**
* **What are the "plagues" (spiritual, moral, social) in our world today that we might be tempted to ignore, or about which we might be hesitant to "make mention of the name of the LORD" for fear of discomfort or further perceived judgment?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, ensure that we are not silenced by fear or despair in times of crisis, but instead actively call upon and honor the name of the LORD?**

### FAQ
**Why is an "uncle" mentioned in this verse, and what does "he that burneth him" mean?**

Answer: The mention of an "uncle" (Hebrew: _dôwd_) or close kinsman highlights the extreme nature of the judgment. In ancient Israel, the task of burying the dead typically fell to family members, but the scale implied here suggests that professional mourners or burial teams are overwhelmed. The fact that a close relative is performing this grim duty underscores the personal and pervasive impact of the catastrophe on every household. "He that burneth him" (Hebrew: _çâraph_) is a significant departure from traditional Israelite burial practices, which typically involved interment rather than cremation [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Burial of Sarah"). This unusual practice likely points to the dire circumstances of the plague: the sheer volume of dead bodies necessitates a rapid, unceremonious disposal to prevent the spread of disease, or perhaps it refers to the burning of personal effects with the body, or even a partial burning before burial. It vividly portrays a society pushed to desperate measures, where normal customs are abandoned in the face of overwhelming death.

**Why do the survivors forbid the mention of the LORD's name?**

Answer: The command "Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD" is one of the most striking and chilling aspects of the verse. It reveals a profound spiritual and psychological state among the survivors. This prohibition is not born of reverence, but of extreme fear and superstition. They likely believe that speaking God's name, especially in the context of such devastating judgment, might draw further wrath upon them, or that God has so completely abandoned them that His name is now associated only with destruction. It signifies a complete breakdown of their relationship with God, where hope and a cry for mercy are replaced by terror and a desperate attempt to avoid any further divine attention. This contrasts sharply with the biblical call to "call upon the name of the LORD" in times of distress [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:10, with its chilling depiction of judgment, death, and the terrified silencing of God's name, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The judgment described here, a consequence of Israel's sin and spiritual apathy, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that humanity faces due to sin. Yet, in Christ, we see the very opposite of the fearful silence. While the people in Amos 6:10 dare not mention the LORD's name, Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's name and character. He is God incarnate, the One through whom the Father has fully spoken and made Himself known [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son"); [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God"). The fear that silenced God's name in Amos is overcome by the good news of the Gospel, where through Christ's atoning sacrifice, we are invited to boldly approach God's throne of grace [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"). The inability to call upon the LORD's name in Amos stands in stark contrast to the New Testament's powerful declaration that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" [Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord"). Jesus, the Lamb of God, bore the judgment for our sins, taking away the very cause of God's wrath, so that we might not fear but freely call upon His name [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins"). Thus, the despair and spiritual silence of Amos 6:10 are transformed into hope and open communion with God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

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

1 Samuel 31:12

All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

Amos 8:3

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: [there shall be] many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast [them] forth with silence.

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

Numbers 17:12

And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Jeremiah 16:6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them: