Amos 8:13

KJV

In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall the fair {H3303} virgins {H1330} and young men {H970} faint {H5968} for thirst {H6772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that time comes, young women and men will faint from thirst.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day the lovely young women— the young men as well— will faint from thirst.

American Standard Version

In that day shall the fair virgins and the young men faint for thirst.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 8:13 vividly portrays the dire consequences of a spiritual famine, depicting the strongest and most vibrant members of society—"fair virgins and young men"—fainting from an unquenchable thirst. This verse serves as a climactic warning within Amos's prophetic message of judgment against Israel, emphasizing that the absence of God's word and truth will lead to a profound and debilitating spiritual desolation, far more devastating than any physical deprivation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 8 is a pivotal chapter in the prophet's series of visions and pronouncements of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel. Following visions of a locust plague, a fire, and a plumb line, chapter 8 introduces the vision of a basket of summer fruit, explicitly stating, "The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more" ([Amos 8:2](/amos/8-2 "Amos 8:2 - The End Has Come")). This sets the stage for the severe judgment to follow. Verses 4-10 detail the social injustices and greed of the wealthy, who oppress the poor and are eager for the Sabbath to end so they can resume their dishonest trading. Immediately preceding verse 13, Amos 8:11-12 announces a unique and terrifying judgment: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it" ([Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11-12 "Amos 8:11-12 - A Famine of the Word")). Verse 13 then describes the devastating physical manifestation of this spiritual drought, illustrating the utter collapse of the nation's vitality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied during a period of relative prosperity and political stability for the northern kingdom of Israel under King Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC). However, beneath this veneer of success lay deep-seated spiritual and moral corruption. The people engaged in rampant idolatry, syncretistic worship (mixing Yahwism with Baal worship), social injustice, and exploitation of the poor. Religious rituals were observed, but without genuine righteousness or obedience to God's law. The "fair virgins and young men" would have represented the strength, beauty, and future of the nation, often associated with fertility, prosperity, and national vigor in ancient Near Eastern thought. Their "fainting for thirst" would have been a shocking and potent image to Amos's audience, signifying a complete breakdown and loss of vitality at the very core of their society, a direct consequence of their spiritual apostasy and rejection of God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 8:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Amos and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment for Injustice and Idolatry**. The spiritual famine is not arbitrary but a direct, just consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion, their oppression of the vulnerable, and their turning away from the true God to false gods and empty rituals. Secondly, it highlights the **Indispensability of God's Word**. The ultimate judgment is not merely physical scarcity but the terrifying absence of divine guidance and truth. This emphasizes that true life and well-being are inextricably linked to hearing and obeying God's voice. Thirdly, the verse illustrates the **Universal Impact of Sin and Judgment**. By specifying "fair virgins and young men," Amos emphasizes that no segment of society, regardless of their perceived strength, beauty, or potential, will be exempt from the devastating effects of God's judgment when His word is rejected. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of the coming desolation, affecting the very vitality of the nation, as seen in other prophetic warnings like the lament over Jerusalem's desolation in [Lamentations 1:4](/lamentations/1-4 "Lamentations 1:4 - Desolation of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **virgins (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to separate," this term denotes a virgin, implying one set apart or private. In this context, "fair virgins" (paired with "young men") signifies the most vibrant, pure, and promising segment of society, often associated with national vitality and future generations. Their inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the coming spiritual famine, affecting even those typically full of life and vigor.
* **young men (Hebrew, _bâchûwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to select" or "to choose," this word refers to a selected youth or a young man, often collectively. Like the "virgins," these are the strong, capable, and vigorous members of the community, representing the nation's strength and potential. Their collapse highlights that no one, regardless of their physical prowess or perceived resilience, will be able to withstand the spiritual desolation.
* **faint (Hebrew, _ʻâlaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to veil or cover," figuratively, "to be languid." This word conveys a profound sense of utter collapse, weakness, or exhaustion, often to the point of unconsciousness or death. It describes a state of extreme physical and emotional distress, perfectly illustrating the debilitating effect of the spiritual thirst that will consume the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day":** This phrase, utilizing the Hebrew word _yôwm_ (H3117), signifies a specific, appointed time of divine judgment and reckoning. It is not merely a literal 24-hour period but a designated era or season when God's prophetic warnings will culminate in decisive action against Israel's sin. It points to the certainty and imminence of the coming desolation.
* **"shall the fair virgins and young men":** This specifies the demographic most profoundly affected by the coming judgment. "Fair" (H3303, _yâpheh_) emphasizes their beauty, comeliness, and vitality. The pairing of "virgins" (H1330, _bᵉthûwlâh_) and "young men" (H970, _bâchûwr_) represents the flower of Israelite society—those who are typically full of life, strength, and potential for the future. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending crisis, affecting even the most robust and promising members of the nation.
* **"faint for thirst":** This is the core action and consequence described. "Faint" (H5968, _ʻâlaph_) denotes a state of utter collapse, exhaustion, and languor, often associated with weakness or sorrow. The "thirst" (H6772, _tsâmâʼ_) here is explicitly metaphorical, as clarified by Amos 8:11-12, referring not to physical water but to a desperate, unfulfilled longing for the word of the LORD. This phrase vividly depicts the spiritual desolation that will overwhelm Israel, leaving its most vital members utterly depleted and without hope.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 8:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, as the "thirst" is not for physical water but for the "words of the LORD" (as established in [Amos 8:11](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11 - Famine of God's Word")). This spiritual thirst is presented with the same debilitating effects as physical dehydration, making the abstract concept of spiritual deprivation tangible and terrifying. **Synecdoche** is evident in "fair virgins and young men," where a part (the most vibrant and promising demographic) represents the whole nation, emphasizing that no one, regardless of age or status, will escape the judgment. The image itself functions as **Symbolism**, with the fainting representing the complete collapse of national vitality and hope, a direct consequence of neglecting divine truth. The stark contrast between the usual vigor of youth and their depicted collapse creates a powerful **Irony**, highlighting the severity of the spiritual crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 8:13 stands as a profound theological statement on the absolute necessity of God's word for human flourishing and the devastating consequences of its absence. It reveals that true life and vitality are not found in physical sustenance, material prosperity, or human strength, but in a vibrant relationship with the divine, nurtured by divine revelation. When a people willfully reject or neglect the truth of God, they invite a spiritual desolation that saps their strength, hope, and very essence, leading to an unquenchable yearning that can never be satisfied by worldly pursuits. This spiritual famine is a just recompense for their spiritual apathy and idolatry, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His righteous judgment against sin.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by God's Word")
* [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus Resists Temptation")
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 8:13 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, including our own. In an age saturated with information, it is still possible—and perhaps even more likely—to experience a "famine of hearing the words of the LORD." We can be overwhelmed by fleeting trends, superficial entertainment, and the noise of the world, yet remain spiritually malnourished and deeply thirsty for genuine truth and purpose. This verse calls us to a profound self-examination: Are we actively seeking and consuming the living word of God, or are we allowing ourselves to become spiritually dehydrated by neglecting its vital nourishment? The fainting of the "fair virgins and young men" reminds us that no one is immune to the consequences of spiritual apathy; even those seemingly full of life and potential will ultimately collapse without the sustaining power of God's truth. Our spiritual vitality, resilience, and hope for the future are directly tied to our hunger and thirst for righteousness, which is found supremely in God's revealed word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be experiencing a "thirst" for something deeper that only God's word can satisfy?**
* **What distractions or priorities in my life might be preventing me from truly "hearing the words of the LORD"?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater hunger and thirst for God's word in my daily life, ensuring I am spiritually nourished?**
* **Considering the "fair virgins and young men," how does this verse challenge the notion that youth or strength can insulate one from spiritual consequences?**

### FAQ

**What is the "famine" described in Amos 8:11-13?**

Answer: The famine described in [Amos 8:11-13](/amos/8-11-13 "Amos 8:11-13 - The Famine of God's Word") is explicitly stated not to be a physical famine of bread or water, but a "famine of hearing the words of the LORD." This means it is a spiritual famine, where God's people will desperately seek divine guidance, truth, and revelation, but will be unable to find it. This is a severe judgment, as it cuts off the very source of spiritual life and direction, leading to a profound and unquenchable spiritual thirst that causes even the strongest members of society to "faint." It implies a withdrawal of God's prophetic voice and His presence among them.

**Why are "fair virgins and young men" specifically mentioned as fainting?**

Answer: The mention of "fair virgins and young men" (H1330 _bᵉthûwlâh_ and H970 _bâchûwr_) is highly significant. These individuals represent the most vibrant, beautiful, strong, and promising segments of society. In ancient cultures, they embodied the nation's future, vitality, and potential. By depicting them as fainting from spiritual thirst, Amos emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the judgment. It signifies that no one, regardless of their physical strength, beauty, or perceived resilience, will be exempt from the spiritual desolation that results from rejecting God's word. It underscores that the very lifeblood and future of the nation will wither without divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 8:13, with its stark portrayal of a people fainting from a famine of God's word, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently points to humanity's deep spiritual hunger and thirst, a longing that no amount of worldly provision or human effort can satisfy. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the complete and perfect fulfillment of this longing. He is the living Word of God made flesh, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") proclaims. He is the "bread of life," stating, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Furthermore, Jesus offers "living water" that quenches all spiritual thirst, as He promised the Samaritan woman, "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The spiritual famine prophesied by Amos highlights humanity's desperate need for divine truth and sustenance, a need perfectly met in the person and work of Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's revealed word and the source of eternal life. In Him, the "fair virgins and young men," and indeed all humanity, find true satisfaction and never faint for spiritual thirst again.

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

Hosea 2:3

Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Lamentations 1:18

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Lamentations 2:21

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.

Zechariah 9:17

For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 41:20

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

Lamentations 2:10

¶ The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, [and] keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.