New International VersionThe swift will not escape, the strong will not muster their strength, and the warrior will not save his life.
New Living TranslationYour fastest runners will not get away. The strongest among you will become weak. Even mighty warriors will be unable to save themselves.
English Standard VersionFlight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain his strength, nor shall the mighty save his life;
Berean Standard BibleEscape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life.
King James BibleTherefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:
New King James VersionTherefore flight shall perish from the swift, The strong shall not strengthen his power, Nor shall the mighty deliver himself;
New American Standard Bible“Refuge will be lost from the swift, And the strong will not strengthen his power, Nor the warrior save his life.
NASB 1995“Flight will perish from the swift, And the stalwart will not strengthen his power, Nor the mighty man save his life.
NASB 1977“Flight will perish from the swift, And the stalwart will not strengthen his power, Nor the mighty man save his life.
Legacy Standard BibleSo flight will perish from the swift, And the strong will not instill his power with courage, Nor will the mighty man make his life escape.
Amplified Bible“Flight will be lost to the swift [so they will be unable to escape], And the strong shall not strengthen nor maintain his power, Nor shall the mighty man save his own life.
Christian Standard BibleEscape will fail the swift, the strong one will not maintain his strength, and the warrior will not save his life.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEscape will fail the swift, the strong one will not prevail by his strength, and the brave will not save his life.
American Standard VersionAnd flight shall perish from the swift; and the strong shall not strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself;
Contemporary English VersionNo matter how fast you run, you won't escape. No matter how strong you are, you will lose your strength and your life.
English Revised VersionAnd flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationRunners will not be able to escape. Strong men will find that their strength is useless. Soldiers will not be able to save themselves.
Good News TranslationNot even fast runners will escape; strong men will lose their strength, and soldiers will not be able to save their own lives.
International Standard VersionSo the swift runner will not escape, the valiant will not fortify his strength, and the mighty warrior will not save his life.
NET BibleFast runners will find no place to hide; strong men will have no strength left; warriors will not be able to save their lives.
New Heart English BibleFlight will perish from the swift; and the strong won't strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself;
Webster's Bible TranslationTherefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEscape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life.
World English BibleFlight will perish from the swift. The strong won’t strengthen his force. The mighty won’t deliver himself. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd refuge has perished from the swift, "" And the strong does not strengthens his power, "" And the mighty does not deliver his soul.
Young's Literal Translation And perished hath refuge from the swift, And the strong strengtheneth not his power, And the mighty delivereth not his soul.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd flight perished from the swift; and the strong shall not strengthen his power, and the mighty shall not save his soul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd flight shall perish from the swift, and the valiant shall not possess his strength, neither shall the strong save his life.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd flight will perish from the swift, and the strong will not maintain his strength, and the healthy will not save his life.
New American BibleFlight shall elude the swift, and the strong shall not retain strength; The warrior shall not save his life,
New Revised Standard VersionFlight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain their strength, nor shall the mighty save their lives; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore the power to run shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not possess his strength, neither shall the mighty deliver himself.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd speed shall be cut off from the fast, and the strong not will hold fast his power, and he that is mighty will not save himself OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And flight shall fail the swift, And the strong shall not exert his strength, Neither shall the mighty deliver himself;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd flight shall perish from the runner, and the strong shall not hold fast his strength, and the warrior shall not save his life:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Judgment on Moab, Judah, and Israel… 13Behold, I am about to crush you in your place as with a cart full of grain. 14Escapewill failthe swift,the strongwill notprevailby his strength,and the mightywill notsavehis life.15The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life.…
Cross References Isaiah 30:16-17“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. / A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.
Jeremiah 46:5-6Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. / “The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall.
Psalm 33:16-17No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
Proverbs 21:31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
Isaiah 31:1-3Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
Jeremiah 50:36-37A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror. / A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered.
Ezekiel 7:14They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but no one goes to war, for My wrath is upon the whole multitude.
Nahum 2:8Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.
Zephaniah 1:14-18The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, / a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers. ...
Isaiah 13:7-8Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. / Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
Jeremiah 51:30The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting; they sit in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Babylon’s homes have been set ablaze, the bars of her gates are broken.
1 Samuel 2:9He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
Job 11:20But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.”
Matthew 24:16-18then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.
Luke 21:21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.
Treasury of Scripture Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: the flight. Amos 9:1-3 I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered… Job 11:20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hopeshall be as the giving up of the ghost. Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the raceis not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. himself. Jump to Previous DeliverDeliverethEscapeExertFailFeebleFlightForceImpossibleLifeMightyMusterPerishPerishedPowerQuick-FootedRefugeRetainSaveSoulStrengthStrengthenStrengthenethStrongSwiftWarWarriorWon'tJump to Next DeliverDeliverethEscapeExertFailFeebleFlightForceImpossibleLifeMightyMusterPerishPerishedPowerQuick-FootedRefugeRetainSaveSoulStrengthStrengthenStrengthenethStrongSwiftWarWarriorWon'tAmos 2 1.God's judgments upon Moab,4.upon Judah,6.and upon Israel.9.God complains of their ingratitude.Escape will fail the swiftIn the context of Amos, this phrase highlights the futility of relying on one's own abilities for deliverance. The swift, often seen as those who can outrun danger, will find their speed insufficient. This reflects the broader biblical theme that human efforts are inadequate without divine intervention. In the historical context, Israel was confident in its military prowess and alliances, yet Amos warns that these will not suffice against God's judgment. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 33:16-17, where reliance on human strength is deemed futile. The strong will not prevail by his strength
This phrase underscores the limitations of human power. In ancient Near Eastern culture, strength was often equated with military might and personal valor. However, Amos prophesies that even the strongest warriors will not succeed by their own power. This is a reminder of the biblical principle that true strength comes from God, as seen inZechariah 4:6, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. The historical context of Israel's reliance on its fortified cities and armies is challenged here, emphasizing that divine judgment cannot be resisted by human means. And the mighty will not save his life
The term "mighty" refers to those of great power and influence, possibly leaders or champions in battle. Despite their status, they will be unable to secure their own survival. This reflects the biblical theme of the reversal of human expectations, where the first become last and the last become first (Matthew 19:30). In the prophetic context, Amos is warning that no position or power can shield one from God's righteous judgment. This also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation not through human might but through His sacrificial love and grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focus on social justice and divine judgment. 2. IsraelThe northern kingdom, which had fallen into idolatry and social injustice. Amos's message is directed towards them, warning of impending judgment due to their sins. 3. JudgmentThe central event in this passage, where God declares that human abilities and strengths will not suffice to escape His righteous judgment. Teaching Points Reliance on God Over Human StrengthHuman abilities, no matter how impressive, are insufficient in the face of divine judgment. True security and salvation come from reliance on God. The Futility of Self-RelianceThe swift, strong, and mighty are often seen as self-sufficient, yet Amos reminds us that self-reliance is futile when it comes to spiritual matters and divine judgment. The Universality of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is impartial and affects everyone, regardless of their earthly status or abilities. This calls for humility and repentance. The Call to RepentanceRecognizing our limitations should lead us to repentance and a deeper trust in God's power and mercy. Social Justice and RighteousnessAmos's broader message includes a call to social justice, reminding believers that true strength lies in living righteously and justly according to God's standards. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Amos 2:14?
2.How does Amos 2:14 highlight the futility of relying on human strength alone?
3.What does Amos 2:14 teach about God's judgment on self-reliance?
4.How can we apply Amos 2:14 to modern-day reliance on personal abilities?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the limitations of human strength without God?
6.How can believers ensure their strength comes from God, not themselves?
7.How does Amos 2:14 challenge the belief in human strength and self-reliance?
8.What historical context in Amos 2:14 reveals about Israel's military confidence?
9.How does Amos 2:14 reflect God's judgment on human pride?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 2?
11.What are the key themes of the Minor Prophets?
12.Amos 9:2-3 - Is it scientifically plausible for no one to evade divine judgment even in the depths of the sea or highest mountains?
13.(Psalm 14:2) How can God observe all of humanity at once, and is there any scientific basis for such omniscience?
14.Job 1:16-19 - Are there natural or scientific explanations for the rapid succession of disasters that befell Job, or is this account purely symbolic?What Does Amos 2:14 Mean Escape will fail the swift“Escape will fail the swift” (Amos 2:14). Speed gives confidence, yet God shows how useless human quickness is when facing His judgment. • Israel’s elite felt untouchable, certain they could outrun any calamity. The Lord says, “No one can hide from Me” (Jeremiah 23:24). • David asked, “Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7-12). The answer: nowhere. • When God sent disaster on Judah, He warned, “I am bringing calamity … though they cry to Me, I will not listen” (Jeremiah 11:11). No getaway plan worked. • Even Nineveh’s walls could not protect its swift charioteers (Nahum 2:4-6). God’s word stood firm. The lesson: trusting our abilities—career agility, financial savvy, social connections—to outrun consequences is futile when the Lord calls us to account.
The strong will not prevail by his strength“The strong will not prevail by his strength” (Amos 2:14). Muscle, weapons, and influence collapse when God says, “Enough.” • Israel boasted armies (2 Chronicles 25:6-8), yet God can “save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). • “No king is saved by the size of his army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength” (Psalm 33:16-17). History proves it—Goliath fell, Babylon crumbled. • God humbles every proud strongman: “The Lord brings low and He exalts” (1 Samuel 2:7-9). • Uzziah’s military innovations could not spare him from leprosy when he defied God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Dependence on brute force or personal talent blinds a soul to its true need: humble reliance on the Almighty.
The mighty will not save his life“and the mighty will not save his life” (Amos 2:14). Rank, reputation, and hero status cannot purchase another heartbeat apart from God’s mercy. • Mighty kings fell overnight—Saul on Mount Gilboa, Nebuchadnezzar in madness (1 Samuel 31:1-4;Daniel 4:28-33). • “Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3-4). Breath departs, plans perish. • Egypt’s might looked impressive, yet “the Egyptians are men, not God” (Isaiah 31:3). Alliance with them was a false refuge. • Obadiah warned Edom’s warriors: “Your mighty men … will be dismayed” (Obadiah 1:8-9). Judgment was unstoppable. The message lands personally: prestige, intellect, or ministry résumé cannot rescue a heart clinging to sin. Salvation is the Lord’s alone (Jonah 2:9).
summaryAmos 2:14 piles up three vivid pictures—swift runners, strong warriors, celebrated champions—to declare one truth: when God judges, human resources evaporate. Speed cannot outrun Him, strength cannot overpower Him, and status cannot bribe Him. The only safe place is humble repentance and faith in the One who holds every life in His hands. (14) This doom Amos darkly foreshadows to be invasion and military overthrow, with all its attendant calamities. Verse 14. - In this and the two following verses Amos individualizes the "pressure" that awaits them, when every means of resistance and escape shall fail. The flight shall perish from the swift. The swift of foot shall have no time or way to flee ( Jeremiah 25:35; Jeremiah 46:6), Ewald, Pusey, Gandell, for "flight" render "place of flight, refuge," as Job 11:20; Psalm 142:5; Septuagint, φυγή: Vulgate, fuga. Shall not strengthen his force. The strong man shall not be able to collect or put forth his strength to any good purpose (comp. Proverbs 24:5; Nahum 2:1). Neither shall... himself. Some of the Greek manuscripts omit this clause. Deliver himself occurs three times - a kind of solemn refrain.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Escapeמָנוֹס֙(mā·nō·ws)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4498:Flight, place of escape or refugewill failוְאָבַ֤ד(wə·’ā·ḇaḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6:To wander away, lose oneself, to perishthe swift,מִקָּ֔ל(miq·qāl)Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7031:Light, swift, fleetthe strongוְחָזָ֖ק(wə·ḥā·zāq)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2389:Strong, stout, mightywill notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noprevailיְאַמֵּ֣ץ(yə·’am·mêṣ)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 553:To be stout, strong, bold, alertby his strength,כֹּח֑וֹ(kō·ḥōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3581:A small reptile (of unknown species)and the mightyוְגִבּ֖וֹר(wə·ḡib·bō·wr)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantwill notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nosaveיְמַלֵּ֥ט(yə·mal·lêṭ)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422:To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparkshis life.נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃(nap̄·šōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
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OT Prophets: Amos 2:14 Flight will perish from the swift (Amo. Am) |
