Amos 6:5 Meaning and Explanation
“That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The revelers craft songs and instruments for their own pleasure, borrowing David's art without David's heart.
What Does Amos 6:5 Mean?
Music fills the banquet hall. They improvise tunes and devise new instruments, comparing themselves to David, Israel's great singer. David made music to praise God and pour out his soul before heaven; these men make it to entertain themselves. The same gift turned to opposite ends -- worship hollowed out into amusement.
The comparison "like David" is quietly damning. They imitate the form of his artistry while emptying it of its devotion. Talent, leisure, and culture are not condemned in themselves; the indictment is that every good thing has been bent inward, serving the self rather than God or neighbor. A feast that could have lifted hearts toward heaven instead lulls them deeper into a sleep they will not survive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 6:5
What does Amos 6:5 mean?
The revelers craft songs and instruments for their own pleasure, borrowing David's art without David's heart.