Amos 8:13In that day the beautiful virgins and the young men will faint for thirst.
The setting
Northern Israel, ~760 BC. Amos sees a vision of complete societal collapse where even the strongest - young men and beautiful women - cannot survive the coming judgment. Modern-day northern Israel/Palestine.
The emotion here: heartbroken watching inevitable tragedy unfold
The original word
ʿūlaph (עולף) — to faint from exhaustion, literally 'to be wrapped up' in weakness
Why it matters
Young men and virgins were considered the strongest in ancient society - if they faint, everyone else is already dead
Read with care
What most readers miss in Amos 8:13
This isn't about literal thirst - it's about spiritual drought where even the most vital people can't find God
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about physical famine, but Amos is describing spiritual starvation - when a nation turns so far from God that even seeking Him becomes impossible.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Amos 8:13
Bible Genome reading
Amos 8:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Amos 8:13 comes from the book of Amos, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Amos. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include spiritual desolation, youth affected. Notable phrases: beautiful virgins; young men; faint for thirst. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Amos 8:13 mean to you, today?
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