Amos 6:6

KJV

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

That drink {H8354} wine {H3196} in bowls {H4219}, and anoint {H4886} themselves with the chief {H7225} ointments {H8081}: but they are not grieved {H2470} for the affliction {H7667} of Joseph {H3130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but feel no grief at the ruin of Yosef.

Berean Standard Bible

You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

American Standard Version

that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:6 delivers a scathing indictment of the self-indulgent elite in the northern kingdom of Israel, exposing their lavish lifestyle and, more critically, their profound apathy towards the suffering and impending judgment of their own people. The verse vividly contrasts their excessive luxury—drinking wine from grand bowls and anointing themselves with the finest oils—with their chilling indifference to the "affliction of Joseph," a poignant reference to the distress and spiritual decay afflicting the nation of Israel. This complacency, born of material comfort, blinded them to God's warnings and the imminent divine reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:6 is situated within a series of "Woe" oracles (Amos 5:18-6:14) specifically targeting the privileged and powerful in both Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria). The preceding verses in [Amos 6](/amos/6 "Amos 6 - Woe to Those at Ease") establish the false sense of security felt by these elites, who believed their wealth and status insulated them from divine judgment. Amos 6:1-7 functions as a distinct oracle, condemning those "at ease in Zion" and "secure on Mount Samaria," highlighting their pride, self-indulgence, and disregard for the covenant. Verse 6:6 serves as the climactic expression of their moral depravity, encapsulating their outward luxury and inward spiritual emptiness, setting the stage for the pronouncement of their imminent exile in [Amos 6:7](/amos/6-7 "Amos 6:7 - Therefore Now They Shall Go Captive").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II in the northern kingdom of Israel (c. 793-753 BC), a period of significant economic growth and territorial expansion. This prosperity, however, was built upon widespread social injustice, exploitation of the poor, and a superficial religiosity that masked deep moral corruption. The elite, particularly in the capital Samaria, enjoyed immense wealth, evidenced by their luxurious homes, fine furnishings, and lavish banquets. Culturally, anointing with oils was common, but "chief ointments" signified extravagance. Drinking wine was part of social life, but "drinking in bowls" (large sacrificial or communal vessels) indicated excessive, even gluttonous, consumption, contrasting sharply with the widespread poverty and oppression. This era preceded the Assyrian conquest, and Amos's prophecies served as a final warning to a society that had become morally decadent and spiritually complacent, ignoring the very covenant that defined them as God's people.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 6:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Social Injustice and Oppression**, as the luxury of the elite stands in stark contrast to the suffering of the common people, a recurring motif throughout the prophet's message (e.g., [Amos 2:6-8](/amos/2-6-8 "Amos 2:6-8 - Condemnation of Israel's Sins")). Secondly, it highlights **False Security and Complacency**, revealing how material abundance led to a dangerous spiritual apathy, causing them to ignore God's warnings and the impending judgment (cf. [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - Woe to Those Who Desire the Day of the Lord")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as their unrepentant self-indulgence and lack of compassion inevitably invite God's severe punishment, culminating in exile (as prophesied in [Amos 6:7](/amos/6-7 "Amos 6:7 - The Coming Exile")). Finally, the phrase "affliction of Joseph" points to the theme of **Covenant Faithlessness**, as the people, identified with their patriarchal heritage, had strayed far from the righteous demands of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grieved (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** This primitive root signifies being "rubbed or worn," leading figuratively to "weak, sick, afflicted." Causatively, it means "to grieve" or "make sick." It also carries the nuance of "to entreat" or "make suit," implying a deep emotional response or a plea for mercy. In Amos 6:6, the negative "not grieved" indicates a shocking absence of this profound emotional connection or empathetic concern for the suffering of their own kin. It's not merely a lack of sorrow, but a complete detachment from the pain of others, a spiritual sickness of the heart.
* **affliction (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break," _sheber_ denotes a "fracture," "ruin," or "breach." It can refer to physical breaking, but here it is used figuratively for "affliction," "destruction," or "vexation." It captures the brokenness, distress, and impending ruin facing the northern kingdom. The elite's indifference to this _sheber_ underscores their moral blindness to the true state of their nation, which was experiencing deep internal decay and facing external threats.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** This name, meaning "let him add," refers to the patriarch Joseph, but in prophetic literature, it often serves as a poetic or tribal designation for the northern kingdom of Israel as a whole, particularly the dominant tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph's sons). By referring to the nation as "Joseph," Amos evokes their shared covenant heritage and highlights the tragedy of their current state. It personalizes the national suffering, making the elite's apathy all the more egregious as it is directed towards their own "brother" or kinsman.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That drink wine in bowls":** This clause paints a vivid picture of excessive luxury and gluttony. The term "bowls" (מִזְרָק, _mizrâq_) refers to large, ornate vessels, often used for sacrificial libations or communal feasting, implying a scale of consumption far beyond simple refreshment. It suggests not just drinking, but revelry and perhaps even debauchery, where wine is consumed in vast quantities, indicative of a lifestyle characterized by indulgence and disregard for moderation.
* **"and anoint themselves with the chief ointments":** This phrase further emphasizes the extravagant and self-centered nature of the elite's lifestyle. "Chief ointments" (רֵאשִׁית שְׁמָנִים, _rêʼshîyth shemenîm_) literally means "first of oils," signifying the finest, most expensive, and luxurious perfumes and anointing oils available. Anointing was a common practice, but the use of "chief" ointments points to an obsessive pursuit of comfort, pleasure, and status, where no expense was spared in their personal gratification.
* **"but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph":** This is the core indictment and the moral climax of the verse. The conjunction "but" (וְ) creates a stark contrast, highlighting the shocking disconnect between their opulent lifestyle and their complete lack of empathy. "Not grieved" (לֹא נֶחְלוּ, _lo' neḥlû_) signifies a profound spiritual insensitivity and emotional detachment. "The affliction of Joseph" refers to the distress, brokenness, and impending ruin of the northern kingdom of Israel. Their revelry and self-absorption had rendered them blind and indifferent to the suffering of their own people, the moral decay within their society, and the looming divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its condemnatory message. **Irony** is central, as the prophet juxtaposes the extreme comfort and lavishness of the elite with their utter indifference to the profound suffering of their own nation. Their "ease" is ironically contrasted with the "affliction" of others. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of their luxury ("drink wine in bowls," "chief ointments"), emphasizing the excessive nature of their self-indulgence. The use of "Joseph" is a potent example of **Personification** and **Synecdoche**, where the patriarch's name stands for the entire northern kingdom of Israel. This choice personalizes the national suffering, making the elite's apathy a betrayal of their own familial and covenantal ties. The verse also functions as a stark **Condemnation** within the broader context of Amos's "Woe" oracles, directly addressing and denouncing the moral failings of the complacent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:6 serves as a timeless theological warning against the spiritual dangers of affluence and complacency. It underscores the biblical principle that true prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by righteousness, justice, and compassion. The elite's failure to be "grieved for the affliction of Joseph" reveals a profound disconnect from God's heart for justice and mercy, demonstrating that outward religious observance or national prosperity is meaningless without inward empathy and moral integrity. This verse challenges the notion that material blessings are an automatic sign of divine favor, instead exposing how they can lead to spiritual blindness and a callous disregard for the suffering of others, ultimately inviting divine judgment. The prophet's message resonates with the broader prophetic tradition that consistently links social justice to true worship and covenant faithfulness.

* [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6-7 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting and Justice")
* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:6 confronts us with the enduring temptation of self-indulgence and apathy in the face of widespread suffering. In a world of increasing global connectivity, it is easy to become desensitized to the "affliction" of others, whether it be poverty, injustice, or spiritual brokenness, while we pursue our own comforts and pleasures. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination: Are we truly "grieved" by the distress around us, or are we too preoccupied with our "wine in bowls" and "chief ointments"—our own forms of luxury, entertainment, or personal advancement? It challenges us to cultivate a heart of empathy and compassion, recognizing that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our neighbors, both near and far. Our resources, time, and attention are not merely for personal gratification but are gifts to be stewarded for the glory of God and the good of humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be unknowingly "drinking wine in bowls" or "anointing myself with chief ointments" in my own life, prioritizing personal comfort over spiritual sensitivity?**
* **What "afflictions of Joseph" (i.e., suffering, injustice, or spiritual brokenness) exist in my community or the wider world that I might be overlooking or ignoring?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a heart that is more "grieved" by the needs of others and less consumed by self-interest?**
* **What practical steps can I take to translate empathy into action, aligning my lifestyle more closely with God's heart for justice and compassion?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Joseph" in Amos 6:6, and why is his "affliction" significant?**

Answer: In Amos 6:6, "Joseph" is a poetic and tribal designation for the northern kingdom of Israel as a whole. While Joseph was a patriarch, his name here represents the collective nation, particularly the dominant tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who descended from Joseph's sons. The "affliction of Joseph" refers to the spiritual decay, social injustice, moral corruption, and impending judgment that was plaguing the entire northern kingdom. Amos uses this term to personalize the nation's suffering, highlighting that the elite's indifference was not merely to abstract problems but to the distress of their own kinsmen, their covenant family. This lack of concern for their own people's brokenness underscored their profound spiritual and moral failure.

**Why does Amos condemn luxury and self-indulgence in this verse? Is wealth inherently wrong?**

Answer: Amos does not condemn wealth itself, but rather the misuse of wealth and the attitude that often accompanies it. In Amos 6:6, the condemnation is not simply for having luxury, but for the excessive, gluttonous, and self-centered pursuit of it ("drink wine in bowls," "chief ointments") that leads to a profound apathy towards the suffering of others. The problem is that their material comfort had made them spiritually complacent and morally blind to the widespread injustice and distress around them. Their luxury was gained, in part, through oppression and exploitation, and it fostered a false sense of security that prevented them from heeding God's warnings. The issue is the heart behind the wealth—a heart that is "not grieved for the affliction of Joseph."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:6, with its stark condemnation of self-indulgent apathy, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Israelite elite were consumed with their own comfort and utterly indifferent to the "affliction of Joseph," Jesus perfectly embodied divine compassion, identifying completely with suffering humanity. He did not "drink wine in bowls" or "anoint himself with chief ointments" but lived a life of humble service, having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). Jesus was deeply "grieved" by the affliction of humanity, not only weeping over Jerusalem's spiritual blindness ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) but also taking on the ultimate "affliction" of sin and death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions")). His entire ministry was a radical reversal of the self-centeredness condemned by Amos, calling His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")), and love their neighbor as themselves ([Mark 12:31](/mark/12-31 "Mark 12:31 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")). Christ's kingdom values are antithetical to the pursuit of selfish luxury, instead prioritizing radical generosity, sacrificial love, and profound empathy for the marginalized and suffering, calling His disciples to be His hands and feet in alleviating the "affliction" of the world ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")).

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

Genesis 49:22

¶ Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:

Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

John 12:3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Genesis 42:21

¶ And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.