Book of Amos — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 9 · Written by: Amos · Approximate date: c. 760 BC · Theme: Justice & Righteousness

Summary of the Book of Amos

Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, declared Jehovah's judgment on Israel's social injustice, hollow religious observance, and oppression of the poor, calling for justice to 'roll on like a river' before Jehovah's day arrived.

The book of Amos is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 9 chapters. It was written by Amos approximately c. 760 BC. The central theme running throughout Amos is justice & righteousness — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Amos

  • Amos 3:7
  • Amos 5:24

Notable Passages in Amos

Amos 3:7

Jehovah's principle of revealing his 'confidential matter' to his servants the prophets before acting shows his respect for his covenant people and his transparency with them.

Amos 5:24

The call to 'let justice flow like waters and righteousness like a constantly flowing stream' affirms that Jehovah's standards for social justice reflect his own righteous character.

Amos 9:11

The promise to raise up 'the fallen booth of David' is cited in Acts 15:16 as being fulfilled through the restored Christian congregation under Christ's Kingdom.

Study Questions for Amos

As you read the book of Amos, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Amos 3:7 — 'Surely the Sovereign Lord Jehovah does nothing without revealing his confidential matter to his servants the prophets' — teach about Jehovah's communication with his people?
  2. How does Amos' condemnation of hollow religious observance (chapters 5–6) apply to the danger of going through the motions of worship without sincerity?
  3. What does Amos teach about Jehovah's concern for social justice and the treatment of the poor, and how does this reflect Jehovah's values?
  4. What do the judgments on surrounding nations (chapters 1–2) teach about Jehovah holding all people — not just Israel — accountable to basic moral standards?
  5. How does Amos' prophecy about the 'fallen booth of David' (9:11) connect to the restoration of pure worship and Jehovah's Kingdom?

How to Study Amos with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 9 chapters of Amos in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Amos as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Amos

The book of Amos is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Explore all 12 Minor Prophets — from Hosea to Malachi — in a powerful 30-day journey. (30 days, 67 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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