Amos 3:15
New International Version
I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions will be demolished,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
And I will destroy the beautiful homes of the wealthy— their winter mansions and their summer houses, too— all their palaces filled with ivory,” says the LORD.

English Standard Version
I will strike the winter house along with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end,” declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will also perish, and the great houses will come to an end,” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

New King James Version
I will destroy the winter house along with the summer house; The houses of ivory shall perish, And the great houses shall have an end,” Says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
“I will also strike the winter house together with the summer house; The houses of ivory will also perish, And the great houses will come to an end,” Declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“I will also smite the winter house together with the summer house; The houses of ivory will also perish And the great houses will come to an end,” Declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“I will also smite the winter house together with the summer house; The houses of ivory will also perish And the great houses will come to an end,” Declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
I will also strike the winter house together with the summer house; The houses of ivory will also perish, And the great houses will come to an end,” Declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
“And I shall tear down the winter house with the summer house; And the houses of ivory shall also perish And the great houses shall come to an end,” Says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
I will demolish the winter house and the summer house; the houses inlaid with ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end. This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will demolish the winter house and the summer house; the houses inlaid with ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end. This is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
And I will smite the winter-house with the summer-house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
I will tear down winter homes and summer homes. Houses decorated with ivory and all other mansions will be gone forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!

English Revised Version
And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will tear down winter houses as well as summer houses. Houses [decorated] with ivory will be destroyed. Mansions will be demolished, declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
I will destroy winter houses and summer houses. The houses decorated with ivory will fall in ruins; every large house will be destroyed."

International Standard Version
I will wreck both the winter house and the summer house, and the ivory houses will fall. These palaces will surely fall," declares the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will also perish, and the great houses will come to an end,? declares the LORD.

NET Bible
I will destroy both the winter and summer houses. The houses filled with ivory will be ruined, the great houses will be swept away." The LORD is speaking!

New Heart English Bible
I will strike the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory will perish, and the great houses will have an end," says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will smite the winter-house with the summer-house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

World English Bible
I will strike the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory will perish, and the great houses will have an end,” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I have struck the winter-house with the summer-house, "" And houses of ivory have perished, "" And many houses have been consumed,” "" A declaration of YHWH!

Young's Literal Translation
And I have smitten the winter-house with the summer-house, And perished have houses of ivory, And consumed have been many houses, An affirmation of Jehovah!

Smith's Literal Translation
And I struck the house of autumn with the house of summer; and the houses of ivory perished, and the great houses were taken away, says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will strike the winter house with the summer house: and the houses of ivory shall perish, and many houses shall be destroyed, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will strike the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory will perish, and many buildings will be torn apart, says the Lord.

New American Bible
I will strike the winter house and the summer house; The houses of ivory shall lie in ruin, and their many rooms shall be no more— oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
I will tear down the winter house as well as the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end, says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I will destroy the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and great houses shall be demolished, says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall destroy the winter house with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall be destroyed and many households will cease to exist, says LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And I will smite the winter-house with the summer-house; And the houses of ivory shall perish, And the great houses shall have an end, Saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I will crush and smite the turreted-house upon the summer-house; and the ivory-houses shall be destroyed, and many other houses also, saith the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Witnesses Against Israel
14On the day I punish Israel for their transgressions, I will visit destruction on the altars of Bethel; the horns of the altar will be cut off, and they will fall to the ground. 15I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will also perish, and the great houses will come to an end,” declares the LORD.

Cross References
Isaiah 5:8-9
Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. / I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.

Micah 2:2
They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.

Zephaniah 1:13
Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

Jeremiah 5:27-29
Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. / Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?

Hosea 8:14
Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels.

Isaiah 9:10
“The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.”

Isaiah 32:13-14
and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers—even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry. / For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever—the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks—

Ezekiel 7:24
So I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will end the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned.

1 Kings 22:39
As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with all his accomplishments and the ivory palace and all the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

2 Kings 21:13
I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down.

Luke 12:18-20
Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. / Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 16:19-31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...

Revelation 18:14-17
And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again.” / The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, / saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! ...


Treasury of Scripture

And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, said the LORD.

the winter.

Jeremiah 36:22
Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.

the summer.

Judges 3:20
And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

the houses.

1 Kings 22:39
Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

the great.

Amos 3:11
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

Amos 6:11
For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts.

Isaiah 5:9
In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

Jump to Previous
Adorned Affirmation Consumed Declares Demolished Destroyed Destruction End Falling Great House Houses Ivory Mansions Perish Perished Smite Smitten Strike Summer Summer-House Tear Together Winter Winter-House
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Adorned Affirmation Consumed Declares Demolished Destroyed Destruction End Falling Great House Houses Ivory Mansions Perish Perished Smite Smitten Strike Summer Summer-House Tear Together Winter Winter-House
Amos 3
1. The necessity of God's judgment against Israel.
9. The publication of it, with the causes thereof.














I will tear down
The phrase "I will tear down" is a declaration of divine judgment. The Hebrew root word here is "נָתַץ" (natats), which means to break down or demolish. This conveys the certainty and decisiveness of God's action against the structures of sin and pride. It reflects God's sovereignty and His active role in addressing the injustices and idolatry of Israel. The imagery of tearing down suggests a complete and irreversible action, emphasizing the seriousness of the impending judgment.

the winter house along with the summer house
The mention of "the winter house along with the summer house" indicates the wealth and luxury of the Israelites at the time. These were separate residences used according to the seasons, signifying opulence and comfort. The Hebrew context suggests a lifestyle of excess and self-indulgence, which was often at the expense of the poor and needy. This duality of houses symbolizes the misplaced priorities of the people, who focused on material wealth rather than spiritual fidelity. God's judgment is not just on the physical structures but on the attitudes and values they represent.

The houses of ivory
"Houses of ivory" refers to the lavish decorations and furnishings made from ivory, a luxury item in ancient times. Archaeological findings have uncovered ivory inlays and artifacts in the region, confirming the historical accuracy of such opulence. The use of ivory signifies not only wealth but also exploitation, as acquiring such materials often involved unjust practices. This phrase highlights the moral decay and ethical blindness of those who prioritized personal luxury over righteousness and justice.

will be destroyed
The phrase "will be destroyed" underscores the totality of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "אָבַד" (avad) means to perish or be ruined. This destruction is not merely physical but also symbolic of the end of an era of corruption and idolatry. It serves as a warning that no amount of wealth or human achievement can stand against the righteous judgment of God. The certainty of this destruction is a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness.

and the great houses will come to an end
"Great houses" refers to the grand and imposing residences of the elite. These structures were symbols of power, status, and security. The phrase "will come to an end" indicates the cessation of their influence and the futility of relying on earthly power. The Hebrew word "סוּף" (suf) means to cease or be finished, suggesting a definitive conclusion. This serves as a reminder that human pride and arrogance are temporary and that true security is found only in obedience to God.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a solemn affirmation of divine authority. The Hebrew word "נְאֻם" (ne'um) is often used in prophetic literature to emphasize that the message is not from the prophet but from God Himself. This declaration assures the certainty of the prophecy and the reliability of God's word. It is a call to heed the warning and recognize the sovereignty of the LORD over all creation. The use of God's covenant name, "Yahweh," reinforces His relationship with Israel and His righteous standards for His people.

(15) Houses.--It is uncertain whether by "winter and summer houses" are meant two classes of royal abodes, or different chambers of the same house (Judges 3:20; Jeremiah 36:22, are compatible with either). "Ivory houses" mean mansions adorned with ivory. For "great houses" should be read many houses.

Verse 15. - The winter house. The luxurious habits of kings and princes had led them to have different houses for the various seasons of the year, facing north or south as the case might be (comp. Judges 3:20; Jeremiah 36:22). Septuagint, τὸν οϊκον τὸν περίπτερον, "the turreted house," which Jerome explains, Domum pinnatam, eo quod ostiola habeat per fenestras, et quasi pinnas, ad magnitudinem frigoris depellendam. Houses of ivory; panelled or inlaid with ivory, such as Ahab had (1 Kings 22:39). Solomon's throne was thus decorated (1 Kings 10:18; comp. Psalm 45:8). (For the Assyrian practice of veneering in ivory, see Rawlinson, 'Ancient Monarchies,' 1:463; comp. also Homer, 'Od.,' 4:73; Virgil, 'AEneid,' 6:895.) The great houses; better, many houses; Septuagint, ἕτεροι οϊκοι πολλοί, "many other houses." Not only palaces, but many private houses, shall be destroyed (comp. Isaiah 5:9, where the same words are used).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will tear down
וְהִכֵּיתִ֥י (wə·hik·kê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the winter
הַחֹ֖רֶף (ha·ḥō·rep̄)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2779: The crop gathered, the autumn, season, ripeness of age

house
בֵית־ (ḇêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

along with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the summer
הַקָּ֑יִץ (haq·qā·yiṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7019: To awake

house;
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

the houses
בָּתֵּ֣י (bāt·tê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of ivory
הַשֵּׁ֗ן (haš·šên)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff

will also perish,
וְאָבְד֞וּ (wə·’ā·ḇə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

and the mansions
רַבִּ֖ים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

will come to an end,”
וְסָפ֛וּ (wə·sā·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5486: To snatch away, terminate

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 3:15 I will strike the winter house (Amo. Am)
Amos 3:14
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