Amos Chapter 6 verse 5 Holy Bible
that sing idle songs to the sound of the viol; that invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;
read chapter 6 in ASV
Making foolish songs to the sound of corded instruments, and designing for themselves instruments of music, like David;
read chapter 6 in BBE
that chant to the sound of the lute, [and] invent them instruments of music, like David;
read chapter 6 in DARBY
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;
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read chapter 6 in WBT
Who strum on the strings of a harp; Who invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;
read chapter 6 in WEB
Who are taking part according to the psaltery, Like David they invented for themselves instruments of music;
read chapter 6 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 5. - That chant. The word parat (ἅπαξ λεγόμενον) means rather "to prattle," "to sing idle songs," as the Revised Version translates it. The reading of the Septuagint varies between ἐπικρατοῦντες. "excelling," and ἐπικροτοῦντες, the latter of which words might mean "applauding." Viol (see note on Amos 5:23). Invent to themselves instruments of music, like David. As David devised stringed instruments and modes of singing to do honour to God and for the service of his sanctuary (see 1 Chronicles 15:16, etc.; 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 29:26, 27; and the supernumerary psalm at the end of the Psalter in the Septuagint), so these debauchees invented new singing and playing to grace their luxurious feasts. The Septuagint rendering, which Jerome calls "sensus pulcherrimus," is not to be explained by the present Hebrew text, however true to fact it may be considered, Ὡς ἑστηκότα ἐλογίσαντο καὶ οὐχ ὡς φεύγοντα. "Regarded them as abiding and not as fleeting things."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) Chant.--The original Hebrew only occurs in this passage, and is best rendered prattle, or jabber. The comparison with David is ironical He made these instruments to please the Lord, these princes to please themselves.
