Amos 7:8

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Amos {H5986}, what seest {H7200} thou? And I said {H559}, A plumbline {H594}. Then said {H559} the Lord {H136}, Behold, I will set {H7760} a plumbline {H594} in the midst {H7130} of my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}: I will not again {H3254} pass by {H5674} them any more:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI asked me, "'Amos, what do you see?" I answered, "A plumbline." Then Adonai said, "I am going to put a plumbline in among my people Isra'el; I will never again overlook their offenses.

Berean Standard Bible

“Amos, what do you see?” asked the LORD. “A plumb line,” I replied. “Behold,” said the Lord, “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them:

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel; I will not again pass by them any more;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 7:8 records a pivotal vision granted to the prophet Amos, where the Lord reveals a plumbline set among His people, Israel. This vision signifies God's immutable standard of righteousness and justice, against which Israel's moral and spiritual crookedness is measured. The declaration, "I will not again pass by them any more," marks a somber turning point, indicating the end of divine forbearance and the certainty of impending, inescapable judgment for their persistent covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 7:8 is the culmination of a series of five visions granted to the prophet Amos. The preceding visions (locusts in [Amos 7:1-3](/amos/7-1-3 "Amos's Vision of Locusts") and fire in [Amos 7:4-6](/amos/7-4-6 "Amos's Vision of Fire")) depict impending judgments from which Amos successfully intercedes, prompting God to relent. However, the vision of the plumbline in [Amos 7:7-9](/amos/7-7-9 "Amos's Vision of the Plumbline") is distinct; there is no intercession, and God's pronouncement of judgment is final and irrevocable. This shift underscores the severity of Israel's sin and the exhaustion of divine patience, setting the stage for the subsequent pronouncements of doom and the historical fulfillment of the Assyrian exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Amos occurred during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, a period of significant economic prosperity for the northern kingdom. This affluence, however, masked deep-seated social injustice, rampant idolatry, and moral decay. The rich oppressed the poor, justice was perverted in the courts, and religious practices were syncretistic and hypocritical, blending Yahweh worship with pagan rituals, particularly at Bethel and Gilgal (cf. [Amos 4:4-5](/amos/4-4-5 "Amos on Israel's Hypocritical Worship")). Amos, a shepherd and fig-picker from Tekoa in Judah, was an outsider called by God to confront this spiritual and ethical corruption in Israel, highlighting the stark contrast between their outward prosperity and inward depravity.

* **Key Themes:** The vision of the plumbline in [Amos 7:8](/amos/7-8 "Amos's Vision of the Plumbline") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Standards of Righteousness and Justice**. The plumbline, a tool for ensuring vertical alignment, symbolizes God's absolute moral law and covenant requirements, against which Israel is measured. Another key theme is **Imminent and Inescapable Judgment for Disobedience**. Unlike earlier visions where God relented, the finality of the plumbline vision signals that Israel's persistent rebellion has reached a point of no return, leading to certain divine retribution. This highlights **The End of Divine Forbearance**, emphasizing that while God is patient, His holiness demands that sin be addressed, and His long-suffering has a limit, as seen in His declaration, "I will not again pass by them any more."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plumbline (Hebrew, _ʼănâk'_):** This word (H594) likely derives from an unused root meaning "to be narrow," and refers to a builder's tool consisting of a weight (often of tin or lead) attached to a line, used to determine a true vertical. In this context, it symbolizes God's unyielding and precise standard of righteousness and justice. It is not a flexible measure but a rigid, immutable instrument, perfectly reflecting God's unchanging character and His demands for holiness from His covenant people. The image conveys an exact measurement, revealing any deviation from the divine standard.
* **Pass by (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This primitive root (H5674) means "to cross over" and is used widely for any transition, literal or figurative. Here, in the negative "not again pass by them," it signifies God's cessation of overlooking or forgiving Israel's sins. In previous visions, God "passed by" their iniquity in response to Amos's intercession, showing forbearance. Now, this action implies that God will no longer defer judgment; He will not "pass over" their transgressions but will instead execute the deserved consequences.
* **Again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** This primitive root (H3254) means "to add or augment," often used adverbially to signify continuing to do a thing or doing it "again." In the phrase "I will not again pass by them any more," it emphasizes the finality of God's decision. It means God will not "add" to His previous acts of forbearance; His patience has run its course, and He will no longer continue to withhold judgment or overlook their sin. This word underscores the irreversible nature of the divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou?"**: This opening establishes a direct divine encounter between Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel, and His prophet, Amos (H5986, ʻÂmôwç). The question is not for God's information, but to engage Amos and draw his attention fully to the symbolic object of the vision, preparing him for the profound revelation that follows. It highlights God's initiative in communicating His will.
* **"And I said, A plumbline."**: Amos's immediate and accurate identification of the object demonstrates his understanding of the vision's literal component, which then sets the stage for God's interpretation. The simplicity of his answer underscores the commonality of the tool in ancient society, making God's subsequent application all the more impactful and relatable.
* **"Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel:"**: Here, the Lord (H136, ʼĂdônây) reveals the symbolic meaning. The "plumbline" (H594, ʼănâk) is no longer just a building tool but a metaphor for God's standard of justice and righteousness. To "set" (H7760, sûwm) it "in the midst" (H7130, qereb) of "my people Israel" (H5971, ʻam; H3478, Yisrâʼêl) signifies that God Himself will meticulously measure their moral and spiritual alignment against His perfect law. This implies an imminent, precise, and inescapable divine audit of their conduct.
* **"I will not again pass by them any more:"**: This is the climactic and most chilling declaration of the verse. The phrase "not again" (H3254, yâçaph) combined with "pass by" (H5674, ʻâbar) signifies the absolute end of God's forbearance and mercy towards Israel's persistent sin. Unlike previous instances where Amos's intercession led to a reprieve, God declares that He will no longer overlook their transgressions, defer judgment, or show leniency. This pronouncement signals the certainty and finality of the impending judgment, marking a decisive turning point in God's dealings with the northern kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is central, with the "plumbline" serving as a powerful symbol of God's unyielding standard of righteousness and justice. Just as a builder's plumbline reveals any deviation from a true vertical, so God's divine standard exposes Israel's moral crookedness and spiritual misalignment. The dialogue between the Lord and Amos also functions as a form of **Prophetic Vision**, a common literary structure in prophetic books where God reveals truth through visual imagery and direct address. Furthermore, the phrase "I will not again pass by them any more" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (passing by, relenting) to God, which then cease. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and the emotional weight of His decision, conveying a sense of divine patience reaching its limit. The stark finality of this statement also creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the severe judgments that will follow in the subsequent chapters of Amos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 7:8 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, revealing that divine patience, while vast, is not infinite. It highlights the covenantal principle that privilege brings responsibility, and persistent rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to judgment. The plumbline vision asserts God's sovereignty as the ultimate judge, who meticulously measures the conduct of His people against His perfect standard. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is not merely a God of love but also of righteous wrath, and His character demands that sin be addressed, especially when His covenant people repeatedly reject His gracious overtures and warnings. It reinforces the universal truth that all humanity will ultimately be measured against God's perfect standard, whether through the Law or the revelation of Christ.

* [Isaiah 28:17](/isaiah/28-17 "God's Judgment: Line and Plummet") - "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place."
* [Lamentations 2:8](/lamentations/2-8 "The Lord's Purpose to Destroy Zion's Wall") - "The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together."
* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the Lord") - "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 7:8 stands as a powerful and sobering reminder for believers today, urging us to consider the seriousness of our walk with God. Just as Israel was held accountable to God's standard, so too are we called to live lives that reflect His righteousness. This verse prompts a vital process of self-examination, encouraging us to hold our own lives, actions, and attitudes up to the plumbline of God's Word. Are we aligned with His truth, or have we allowed subtle deviations to creep in? It challenges us to confront areas of spiritual crookedness, social injustice, or moral compromise in our own lives and in the church. The cessation of God's "passing by" should ignite a profound reverence for His holiness and a renewed commitment to sincere repentance where we fall short. God's patience is a gift, intended to lead us to repentance, not to be presumed upon. Therefore, we are called to live with intentionality, striving for uprightness and continually seeking to conform our lives to the perfect standard revealed in Scripture and, ultimately, in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "crooked" or out of alignment with God's perfect standard?**
* **How does the concept of God's "plumbline" challenge my understanding of His patience and justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life is more closely aligned with God's Word and His will?**
* **How should the finality of God's judgment in Amos 7:8 impact my urgency in living a life of repentance and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the plumbline in Amos 7:8?**

Answer: The plumbline (Hebrew: _ʼănâk_) is a builder's tool used to ensure vertical straightness. In Amos 7:8, it serves as a powerful symbol of God's absolute and unchanging standard of righteousness and justice. By declaring, "I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel," God signifies that He is meticulously measuring their moral and spiritual alignment against His perfect law and covenant requirements. The vision reveals that Israel has failed to meet this divine standard, having become "crooked" through idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. The plumbline is not for correction, but for assessment, indicating that their deviation is so severe that judgment is inevitable. It underscores God's precision and integrity as the divine architect and judge of His people.

**What does "I will not again pass by them any more" mean?**

Answer: This phrase marks a critical turning point in God's dealings with Israel. In the preceding visions in [Amos 7:1-6](/amos/7-1-6 "Amos's Visions of Locusts and Fire"), Amos intercedes, and God "passes by" or relents from the impending judgment. However, the declaration in [Amos 7:8](/amos/7-8 "Amos's Vision of the Plumbline") signifies the end of this divine forbearance. It means God will no longer overlook their sins, defer judgment, or show leniency. His patience has reached its limit due to Israel's persistent rebellion and refusal to repent. This pronouncement underscores the certainty and finality of the coming judgment, indicating that the consequences of their unfaithfulness will now be fully executed, leading to the Assyrian exile and the destruction of the northern kingdom. It emphasizes that God's justice, though slow, is ultimately certain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 7:8, with its stark imagery of God's plumbline and the cessation of His forbearance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate and perfect "plumbline" of God's righteousness, the very standard against which all humanity is measured. He lived a life of absolute obedience, perfectly fulfilling the Law that Israel failed to uphold, as declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Furthermore, the judgment that Israel faced for their crookedness was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became sin for us, enduring the full weight of God's righteous judgment so that those who believe in Him would not face the "passing by" of God's mercy, but rather receive His grace (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, the demands of the plumbline are met, and a new covenant is established, where believers are made righteous in Him (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, while Amos's vision speaks of judgment for a people who failed the test, it ultimately points to the One who passed the test perfectly and bore its consequences, offering redemption and reconciliation to all who align their lives with Him, the true and living standard of God.

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

Amos 8:2

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

Lamentations 2:8

The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

Jeremiah 15:6

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

Ezekiel 7:2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

Ezekiel 7:9

And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations [that] are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD that smiteth.

Isaiah 28:17

Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.