Amos 6:13

KJV

Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye which rejoice {H8056} in a thing {H1697} of nought {H3808}, which say {H559}, Have we not taken {H3947} to us horns {H7161} by our own strength {H2392}?

Complete Jewish Bible

You take pleasure in worthless things. You think your power comes from your own strength.

Berean Standard Bible

you who rejoice in Lo-debar and say, ‘Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?’

American Standard Version

ye that rejoice in a thing of nought, that say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:13 delivers a scathing indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly its complacent and arrogant elite. The prophet Amos exposes their profound spiritual blindness and misplaced pride, condemning their rejoicing in empty achievements and their boastful assertion of self-derived power. This verse highlights a dangerous delusion where the people attribute their perceived strength and minor victories solely to their own might, completely disregarding divine sovereignty and the impending judgment that their unrighteousness invites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:13 is situated within a series of "woe" oracles (Amos 5:18-6:14) pronounced by the prophet Amos against Israel for their spiritual apathy, social injustice, and false sense of security. Specifically, it follows the initial "Woe to those who are at ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1), which targets the comfortable and complacent leaders and wealthy citizens in both Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria). The preceding verses detail their luxurious lifestyles, their indulgence in revelry, and their indifference to the suffering of the poor and the impending judgment of God (Amos 6:4-7). This verse, therefore, serves as a direct challenge to their boastful self-reliance, which is a symptom of their deeper spiritual decay and a direct affront to God's authority. The immediate context of Amos 6:12-14 speaks of perverting justice and the Lord's abhorrence of their pride, leading to the pronouncement of national destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos dates to the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC) in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a period marked by significant economic prosperity and military expansion. Israel had regained much of the territory lost to Aram, leading to a false sense of national security and self-sufficiency. This material success, however, was accompanied by rampant social injustice, moral corruption, and syncretistic worship, as the wealthy exploited the poor and neglected the Mosaic Law. Culturally, "horns" were a common ancient Near Eastern symbol of strength, power, and victory, often depicted on deities, kings, and powerful animals. For Israel to claim to have "taken horns by our own strength" was a direct cultural idiom expressing their arrogant self-attribution of power and success, mirroring the hubris of surrounding nations rather than the humility expected of God's covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** Amos 6:13 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Amos. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **misplaced pride and arrogance**, as the people celebrate "a thing of nought," demonstrating a profound disconnect from reality and true spiritual values. Their boasting is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of divine sovereignty and their own precarious position before a holy God. Secondly, the verse highlights **false security and self-reliance**, as the rhetorical question "Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?" reveals their trust in human might and achievement rather than in the Lord. This directly contradicts the biblical principle that true strength and salvation come from God alone, not from human endeavors or military prowess, as seen in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"). Finally, the verse exemplifies **spiritual blindness**, as the people remain oblivious to their moral decay and God's impending judgment, celebrating fleeting, worthless successes while ignoring the dire warnings of the prophet. This spiritual complacency is a recurring theme in Amos, leading to the inevitable pronouncement of judgment throughout [Amos 6](/amos/6 "Amos 6 - Woe to Those at Ease in Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmêach'_):** This word (H8056) signifies being "blithe or gleeful," "glad," "joyful," or "merry." In Amos 6:13, it highlights the Israelites' inappropriate and misguided emotional state. They are celebrating, but their joy is directed towards something worthless or based on a false premise, indicating a profound spiritual disconnect and a lack of discernment regarding their true condition before God.
* **thing of nought (Hebrew, _dâbâr lôʼ'_):** This phrase combines `dâbâr` (H1697), meaning "word," "matter," or "thing," and `lôʼ` (H3808), a primitive particle meaning "not" or "no." Together, `lôʼ dâbâr` literally translates to "no word" or "nothing." This emphasizes the utter worthlessness of the object of their rejoicing. It is a "thing of nothing," an empty boast, or a meaningless achievement. The phrase is often understood as a deliberate wordplay on the city name Lo-debar, mentioned in [2 Samuel 9:4](/2_samuel/9-4 "2 Samuel 9:4 - Mephibosheth at Lo-debar") as a desolate or barren place, further underscoring the emptiness of their pride.
* **strength (Hebrew, _chôzeq'_):** Derived from the root `châzaq` (H2392), meaning "to be strong," this noun specifically refers to "power" or "strength." In this context, it points to the source to which the Israelites attribute their perceived success – their own human might, military power, or political shrewdness. This self-attribution of strength is directly contrasted with God as the ultimate source of all power and victory, revealing their deep-seated self-reliance and rejection of divine dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core problem: the Israelites' misplaced joy. Their celebration is not directed towards God's blessings or covenant faithfulness, but towards something utterly empty and valueless. This "thing of nought" could refer to minor military victories, material wealth gained through injustice, or simply an inflated sense of their own importance, all of which are fleeting and ultimately meaningless in the face of divine judgment. Their rejoicing highlights their spiritual blindness and their inability to discern true worth.
* **"which say":** This phrase indicates that their pride is not merely an internal attitude but is openly expressed and boasted about. It is a vocalized arrogance, a public declaration of their self-sufficiency. This verbalization makes their sin more egregious, as it directly challenges God's sovereignty and attributes His blessings (or their perceived successes) to their own efforts.
* **"Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, revealing the depth of their self-exaltation. "Horns" (Hebrew, _qeren_) are a potent biblical symbol of power, might, and victory, often associated with kings, nations, and even God's own strength (e.g., [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and My Fortress")). By claiming to have "taken horns" – that is, achieved power, dignity, or victory – "by our own strength," they are asserting complete self-sufficiency. They believe their success is solely the result of their own human effort, military prowess, or political maneuvering, entirely dismissing God's role and authority. This statement encapsulates their arrogant independence from God and their profound spiritual delusion.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion, highlighting the Israelites' arrogant self-perception and their misguided belief in their own power. The prophet uses it to expose their hubris and to set the stage for God's refutation. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with the image of "horns," which universally represent strength, power, and authority in ancient Near Eastern cultures and throughout the Bible. By claiming to have "taken horns," the Israelites boast of having achieved significant power or victory. The use of "a thing of nought" (Hebrew, _lo-debar_) also likely involves **Wordplay** or a **Pun**. While literally meaning "no word" or "nothing," it strongly alludes to the city of Lo-debar, a desolate place mentioned in [2 Samuel 9:4](/2_samuel/9-4 "2 Samuel 9:4 - Mephibosheth at Lo-debar"). This subtle pun adds a layer of **Irony**, suggesting that their rejoicing is not only over something worthless but perhaps even over a place or achievement that is inherently barren or insignificant, further emphasizing the emptiness of their pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:13 serves as a timeless theological warning against human pride and self-sufficiency, echoing a central theme throughout the biblical narrative: the inherent danger of trusting in anything other than God. The Israelites' boast reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of divine sovereignty and the source of all true power. When humanity attributes success, security, or strength to its own efforts, wealth, or military might, it usurps God's rightful place and invites His judgment. This verse underscores that genuine strength and lasting security are found only in humble reliance on the Lord, not in fleeting earthly achievements or self-congratulatory boasting. It is a stark reminder that God abhors arrogance and that pride inevitably precedes a fall, as seen throughout the history of Israel and in the broader biblical witness.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed Is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:13 challenges us to critically examine the sources of our own joy, security, and perceived strength. In a world that often celebrates self-made success, personal achievements, and material prosperity, it is easy to fall into the same trap as the ancient Israelites, attributing our blessings solely to our own efforts, intelligence, or resources. This verse calls us to profound humility, prompting us to ask whether we are truly relying on God or if we are subtly, or even overtly, boasting in our "own strength" and rejoicing in "things of nought." It forces us to confront our idols of self-sufficiency and to acknowledge that all true power, wisdom, and lasting security come from the Lord. Our confidence should be rooted in His faithfulness, not in our fleeting accomplishments or the transient "horns" of earthly power. This passage encourages a posture of grateful dependence, recognizing that genuine peace and purpose are found in glorifying God, not ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things of nought" might I be rejoicing in or deriving my security from, rather than God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on "my own strength" instead of trusting in God's provision and power?**
* **How does my attitude towards success and achievement reflect humility and dependence on God, or pride and self-reliance?**
* **What does it mean to "take horns" in a contemporary context, and how can I avoid doing so by my "own strength"?**

### FAQ

**What does "a thing of nought" refer to in Amos 6:13?**

Answer: "A thing of nought" translates the Hebrew phrase _lôʼ dâbâr_, which literally means "no word" or "nothing." It refers to something utterly worthless, empty, or insignificant. In the context of Amos 6:13, it highlights the emptiness of the Israelites' boasts and the worthlessness of the achievements they were celebrating. It also carries a strong connotation of a pun on the place name Lo-debar, a desolate and barren location mentioned in [2 Samuel 9:4](/2_samuel/9-4 "2 Samuel 9:4 - Mephibosheth at Lo-debar"), further emphasizing the spiritual emptiness of their pride. Their joy was directed towards something that was, in God's eyes, utterly without substance or lasting value.

**What do "horns" symbolize in this verse, and why is it significant that they claim to have taken them by "their own strength"?**

Answer: In biblical and ancient Near Eastern imagery, "horns" (Hebrew, _qeren_) are a powerful symbol of strength, power, dignity, and victory. They are often associated with kings, nations, and even God Himself as a source of might (e.g., [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - I Will Cut Off All the Horns of the Wicked")). When the Israelites boast, "Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?", they are arrogantly claiming to have achieved their power, security, and success solely through their own human effort, military might, or political shrewdness. This statement is highly significant because it reveals their profound self-reliance and their complete disregard for God as the ultimate source of all blessing and power. It is a direct challenge to divine sovereignty and a manifestation of their spiritual hubris, which God condemns.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:13, with its condemnation of human pride and self-derived strength, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the Israelites boasted in their own fleeting power and rejoiced in "things of nought," Christ embodies true strength and eternal victory, achieved not through self-exaltation but through ultimate humility and self-sacrifice. He did not "take horns by His own strength" in a worldly sense; rather, He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His strength was perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Grace Is Sufficient for You")), and His victory over sin and death was secured through His death on the cross, not through military might or earthly dominion. Jesus is the true "horn of salvation" ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - A Horn of Salvation")) raised up by God, providing a strength and security that is eternal and divine, utterly unlike the "thing of nought" in which Israel boasted. In Him, believers find their true power and purpose, not in self-reliance, but in complete dependence on the One who conquered not by force, but by love and sacrificial obedience, offering a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not Of This World")).

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

Isaiah 28:14

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:15

Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

2 Kings 14:25

He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

James 4:16

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Jeremiah 50:11

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;