Amos 5:6

Amos 5:6 Meaning and Explanation

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Again God pleads, seek the Lord and live, lest His judgment break out like an unquenchable fire.

What Does Amos 5:6 Mean?

The plea is repeated with new urgency: "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live." The alternative is fire, judgment breaking out upon the house of Joseph, the northern kingdom, with such force that no one in Bethel can put it out. The shrine that could not save will not be able to quench the flames.

God presses the same invitation a second time because the matter is of life and death. The doubling is itself a mercy, a measure of how much He wants His people to live. Seeking the Lord is not one option among many; it is the only refuge from a fire that human hands cannot extinguish. The verse leaves the reader with a clear and urgent choice, and a God who would far rather give life than send fire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 5:6

What does Amos 5:6 mean?

Again God pleads, seek the Lord and live, lest His judgment break out like an unquenchable fire.

Keep Studying Amos 5

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.