Amos 2:15
◄  Amos 2:15  ►
New International Version (©2011)
The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the horseman will not save his life.

New Living Translation (©2007)
The archers will not stand their ground. The swiftest runners won't be fast enough to escape. Even those riding horses won't be able to save themselves.

English Standard Version (©2001)
he who handles the bow shall not stand, and he who is swift of foot shall not save himself, nor shall he who rides the horse save his life;

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"He who grasps the bow will not stand his ground, The swift of foot will not escape, Nor will he who rides the horse save his life.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
The archer will not stand his ground, the one who is swift of foot will not save himself, and the one riding a horse will not save his life.

International Standard Version (©2012)
The skilled archer will not be able to stand, the swift runner will not survive, and the mounted rider will not preserve his own life.

NET Bible (©2006)
Archers will not hold their ground; fast runners will not save their lives, nor will those who ride horses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Archers will not stand their ground. Fast runners will not be able to escape. Horsemen will not be able to save themselves.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
Neither shall he stand that handles the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rides the horse deliver himself.

American King James Version
Neither shall he stand that handles the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rides the horse deliver himself.

American Standard Version
neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself ; neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself;

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that holdeth the bow shall not stand, and the swift of foot shall not escape, neither shall the rider of the horse save his life.

Darby Bible Translation
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and the swift of foot shall not escape, and he that rideth the horse shall not deliver his soul;

English Revised Version
neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself:

Webster's Bible Translation
Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

World English Bible
neither shall he stand who handles the bow; and he who is swift of foot won't escape; neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself;

Young's Literal Translation
And the handler of the bow standeth not, And the swift with his feet delivereth not himself, And the rider of the horse delivereth not his soul.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:9-16 We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his professing people, as a burden to him. And though his long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - Stand (Jeremiah 46:21; Nahum 2:8). The skilled archer shall not stand firm. That handleth the bow (Jeremiah 46:9).

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow,.... That is, at some distance, and can make use of his instruments of war afar off; yet will not think it safe to stand his ground, but will betake himself to his heels as fast as he can to save himself:

and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself; this is repeated, lest any should place confidence in their agility, and to show how complete and inevitable the affliction will be:

neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself; by fleeing on horseback, no more than he that is on foot; no ways that can be devised or thought on would preserve from this general calamity; see Psalm 33:17.

Amos 2:15 Parallel Commentaries

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The Ingratitude of Israel
…14Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: 15Neither shall he stand that handles the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rides the horse deliver himself. 16And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, said the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Isaiah 31:3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together.
Jeremiah 51:56 A destroyer will come against Babylon; her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken. For the LORD is a God of retribution; he will repay in full.
Ezekiel 39:3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.
Haggai 2:22 I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.
Zechariah 10:5 Together they will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame.