Amos 2:11
New International Version
“I also raised up prophets from among your children and Nazirites from among your youths. Is this not true, people of Israel?” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
I chose some of your sons to be prophets and others to be Nazirites. Can you deny this, my people of Israel?” asks the LORD.

English Standard Version
And I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel?” declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD.

New King James Version
I raised up some of your sons as prophets, And some of your young men as Nazirites. Is it not so, O you children of Israel?” Says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
“Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets, And some of your young men to be Nazirites. Is this not so, you sons of Israel?” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets And some of your young men to be Nazirites. Is this not so, O sons of Israel?” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets And some of your young men to be Nazirites. Is this not so, O sons of Israel?” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets And some of your choice men to be Nazirites. Is this not so, O sons of Israel?” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
“Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets [who gave you My revelation], And some of your young men to be Nazirites (dedicated ones). Is this not true, O you children of Israel?” says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
I raised up some of your sons as prophets and some of your young men as Nazirites. Is this not the case, Israelites? This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I raised up some of your sons as prophets and some of your young men as Nazirites. Is this not the case, Israelites? This is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
I chose some of you to be prophets and others to be Nazirites. People of Israel, you know this is true. I, the LORD, have spoken!

English Revised Version
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I also sent you prophets from among your children and Nazirites from among your youths. Isn't that so, people of Israel? The LORD has declared this.

Good News Translation
I chose some of your sons to be prophets and some of your young men to be nazirites. Isn't this true, people of Israel? I, the LORD, have spoken.

International Standard Version
I also raised up your sons to be prophets, and from your young men I raised up Nazirites. Is this not true, people of Israel?" declares the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD.

NET Bible
I made some of your sons prophets and some of your young men Nazirites. Is this not true, you Israelites?" The LORD is speaking!

New Heart English Bible
I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Isn't this true, you children of Israel?" says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD.

World English Bible
I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Isn’t this true, you children of Israel?” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I raise of your sons for prophets, "" And of your choice ones for Nazarites, "" Is this not true, O sons of Israel?” A declaration of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
And I raise of your sons for prophets, And of your choice ones for Nazarites, Is not this true, O sons of Israel? An affirmation of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I will raise up from your sons for prophets, and from your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even this, ye sons of Israel? says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not so, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I stirred up prophets from your sons, and Nazirites from your young men. Is it not so, sons of Israel, says the Lord?

New American Bible
I who raised up prophets among your children, and nazirites among your young men. Is this not so, Israelites?— oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
And I raised up some of your children to be prophets and some of your youths to be nazirites. Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel? says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel? says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I have raised up some of your sons, the Prophets, and some of your young men, the Nazarites. Are not these things so, children of Israel? says LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And I raised up of your sons for prophets, And of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? Saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I took of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for consecration. Are not these things so, ye sons of Israel? saith the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judgment on Moab, Judah, and Israel
10And I brought you up from the land of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness, that you might take possession of the land of the Amorite. 11I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. 12“But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.…

Cross References
Numbers 6:1-21
And the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, / he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. ...

Judges 13:5
For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

1 Samuel 3:20
So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Kings 19:16
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Acts 2:17
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 13:1
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

Romans 12:6
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Ephesians 4:11
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

1 Thessalonians 5:20
Do not treat prophecies with contempt,

Hebrews 11:32
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,


Treasury of Scripture

And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel? said the LORD.

I raised.

1 Samuel 3:20
And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 19:20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Nazarites.

Numbers 6:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

Judges 13:4-7
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing: …

Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

Is it.

Isaiah 5:3,4
And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard…

Jeremiah 2:5,31
Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? …

Micah 6:3,4
O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me…

and.

Amos 7:12,13
Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: …

Isaiah 30:10,11
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: …

Jeremiah 11:21
Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

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Affirmation Children Choice Declares Indeed Israel Nazarites Nazirites Ones Prophets Raise Raised Separate True. Young
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Affirmation Children Choice Declares Indeed Israel Nazarites Nazirites Ones Prophets Raise Raised Separate True. Young
Amos 2
1. God's judgments upon Moab,
4. upon Judah,
6. and upon Israel.
9. God complains of their ingratitude.














I raised up some of your sons as prophets
The phrase "I raised up" indicates divine initiative and action. In Hebrew, the word used here is "קָם" (qam), which means to arise or stand. This suggests that God actively chose and empowered individuals for a specific purpose. The role of prophets in Israel was not self-appointed; it was a calling from God. Prophets served as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people. This divine selection underscores God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in guiding His people.

some of your sons
The term "sons" here refers to the descendants of Israel, emphasizing the familial and covenantal relationship between God and His people. By choosing "some of your sons," God demonstrates His ongoing commitment to the nation of Israel. This choice also highlights the communal aspect of God's work, as He raises leaders from within the community to guide and correct them. It is a reminder of the potential within each generation to be used by God for His purposes.

as prophets
The role of "prophets" in Israel was crucial. The Hebrew word for prophet is "נָבִיא" (navi), which means one who is called or one who announces. Prophets were not only foretellers of future events but also forthtellers of God's truth. They were tasked with calling the people back to faithfulness and obedience to the covenant. This role required courage and faithfulness, as prophets often faced opposition and persecution. The presence of prophets among the people was a sign of God's grace and His desire to communicate with His people.

and some of your young men as Nazirites
The term "Nazirites" refers to individuals who took a vow of consecration to God, as outlined in Numbers 6:1-21. The Hebrew word "נָזִיר" (nazir) means consecrated or separated. Nazirites were set apart for special service to God, often abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting their hair. This vow symbolized a life dedicated to holiness and service. By raising up Nazirites, God provided examples of devotion and purity, calling the nation to a higher standard of living.

Is this not so, O children of Israel?
This rhetorical question serves as a reminder and a call to reflection for the "children of Israel." It emphasizes the historical reality of God's actions and challenges the people to acknowledge His work among them. The phrase "O children of Israel" is a direct address, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. It is a call to remember their heritage and the ways God has intervened in their history. This question invites the Israelites to consider their response to God's initiatives and to renew their commitment to Him.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a solemn affirmation of the divine origin of the message. The Hebrew word "נְאֻם" (ne'um) is often used to introduce prophetic oracles, signifying that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but authoritative declarations from God Himself. This underscores the seriousness and reliability of the message. It is a reminder that the words of the prophets carry the weight of divine authority and should be heeded with reverence and obedience.

(11, 12) God added to the mercies of His providence, the transcendent blessings of special revelation. The prophets of Israel were numerous, and renowned, and exposed to frequent persecution, e.g., the cases of Micaiah, Elijah, and others. "The Nazarite vow to abstain from wine, which, in the earliest case, that of Samson, appears a life-long vow, was undoubtedly a religious protest against Canaanite civilisation in favour of the simple life of ancient times." (W. R. Smith, Prophets of Israel, p. 84.) The Nazarite was, moreover, a link between the prophet and the priest, upon whom, without hereditary rank or sacerdotal rite, great privileges were bestowed. The assault upon both is highly characteristic of the disloyalty of Israel.

Verse 11. - Having mentioned two temporal benefits conferred on Israel, the prophet now names two spiritual favours - the presence of holy speakers and holy doers. I raised up. The prophet and the Nazarite were alike miracles of grace. The former gave heavenly teaching, the latter exhibited holiness of life. It was the Lord who gave the prophet power and authority to proclaim his will; it was the Lord who inspired the vow of the Nazarite and enabled him to carry it out in practice. Prophets. To Israel belonged Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1), Ahijah of Shiloh (1 Kings 14:2, 4), Jehu, son of Hanani (1 Kings 16:7), Elijah and Elisha, Hosea and Jonah. Young men. In the height of their passions, lusty and strong. Nazarites. The law concerning the Nazarites is given in Numbers 6. The special restrictions by which they bound themselves (viz. abstention from strong drink, from the use of the razor, and from all ritual defilement) were the outward signs of inward purity and devotion to God. Their very name implied separation from the world and devotion to God. They were, in fact, the religious of the old Law, analogous to the monks of Christian times. The vow was either temporary or lifelong. Of perpetual Nazarites we have as instances Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Is it not even thus? Is not the existence of prophets and Nazarites among you a proof that you are signally favoured by God, separate from other nations, and bound to be a holy people? Taking the general import of the passage and the signification of the word "Nazarite," the LXX. renders, εἰς ἀγιασμόν, "I took... and of your young men for consecration."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I raised up
וָאָקִ֤ים (wā·’ā·qîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

prophets
לִנְבִיאִ֔ים (lin·ḇî·’îm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

from your sons
מִבְּנֵיכֶם֙ (mib·bə·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

and Nazirites
לִנְזִרִ֑ים (lin·zi·rîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5139: Nazirite -- one consecrated, devoted

from your young men.
וּמִבַּחוּרֵיכֶ֖ם (ū·mib·ba·ḥū·rê·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

Is this
זֹ֛את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

not
אֵֽין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

true,
הַאַ֥ף (ha·’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

O children
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Israel?”
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Amos 2:11 I raised up some of your sons (Amo. Am)
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