King James Version

What Does Amos 1:13 Mean?

Amos 1:13 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishmen...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border: ripped: or, divided the mountains”

Amos 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: did cast: Heb. corrupted his compassions

12

But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border: ripped: or, divided the mountains

14

But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

15

And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD.

Read Amos 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amos addresses Ammon: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border." Ammon's atrocity—killing pregnant women to expand territory—demonstrates war's brutality and human depravity apart from divine grace. The phrase "ripped up" describes horrific violence against the most vulnerable. This crime combined several evils: murder, violence against women and children, and territorial greed. God's judgment falls because He values life from conception (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44). The Reformed doctrine of total depravity doesn't mean all people are maximally evil but that sin affects every aspect of human nature, making us capable of horrific evil apart from restraining grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ammon, descendants of Lot through incest (Genesis 19:30-38), frequently warred with Israel. The referenced atrocity likely occurred during border conflicts in Gilead (Transjordan). Ancient Near Eastern warfare often targeted civilians deliberately—genocide, rape, and brutality were commonplace. God's judgment on such atrocities demonstrates His universal moral law and compassion for victims, regardless of ethnicity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's condemnation of killing unborn children inform Christian pro-life engagement?
  2. What does Ammon's judgment teach about God's view of violence against vulnerable populations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 20

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל4 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙5 of 20

“For three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

פִּשְׁעֵ֣י6 of 20

“transgressions”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

בְנֵֽי7 of 20

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֔וֹן8 of 20

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וְעַל9 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה10 of 20

“and for four”

H702

four

לֹ֣א11 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ12 of 20

“I will not turn away”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עַל13 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בִּקְעָם֙14 of 20

“the punishment thereof because they have ripped up”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

הָר֣וֹת15 of 20

“the women with child”

H2030

pregnant

הַגִּלְעָ֔ד16 of 20

“of Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

לְמַ֖עַן17 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַרְחִ֥יב18 of 20

“that they might enlarge”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

אֶת19 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גְּבוּלָֽם׃20 of 20

“their border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Amos. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Amos 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Amos 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 25:2-7Hosea 13:16Jeremiah 49:1-6Isaiah 5:8Zephaniah 2:8-9Ezekiel 35:10

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
View all places in Amos 1 →

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