Amos 5:18 web — "Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.

World English Bible

""Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light."

— Amos 5:18, World English Bible

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Amos 5:18 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Amos 5 — Context

15

Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the courts. It may be that Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph."

16

Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the Lord: "Wailing will be in all the broad ways; and they will say in all the streets, 'Alas! Alas!' and they will call the farmer to mourning, and those who are skillful in lamentation to wailing.

17

In all vineyards there will be wailing; for I will pass through the midst of you," says Yahweh.

18

"Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.

19

As if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him; Or he went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a snake bit him.

20

Won't the day of Yahweh be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?

21

I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.

Amos 5:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Amos 5:18 say?
Amos 5:18 in the World English Bible reads: “"Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.”
Where is Amos 5:18 in the Bible?
Amos 5:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Amos, chapter 5, verse 18.
Who wrote Amos?
Amos is traditionally attributed to Amos, a shepherd and fig-farmer from Tekoa. It was written c. 760–750 BC.
What is the book of Amos about?
Amos, a working shepherd from Judah, is sent north to confront Israel's outward prosperity and inward injustice. With searing rhetoric he denounces oppression of the poor and empty religion, calling for justice to roll down like waters.
What are the major themes of Amos?
Amos explores themes including Justice, Social Sin, Empty Religion, Day of the LORD, Remnant. These themes shape the meaning and context of Amos 5:18.
What translation should I read Amos 5:18 in?
Amos 5:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Amos 5:18?
Amos 5:18 reads (WEB): “"Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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