What does Amos 5:21 mean?

Amos 5:21 highlights themes such as judgment, worship, hypocrisy when read in context.

How should I apply Amos 5:21 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

19As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

20Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

21I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

22Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

23Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

judgmentworshiphypocrisy

Matthew 15:8
Jesus quotes Isaiah to emphasize that true worship comes from the heart, not mere rituals.
Isaiah 1:13-14
Isaiah similarly condemns empty rituals and calls for genuine repentance.
Micah 6:6-8
Micah explains what God desires: justice, mercy, and humility, rather than empty sacrifices.