King James Version

What Does Amos 1:3 Mean?

Amos 1:3 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; be... — study this verse from Amos chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: and: or, yea, for four turn: or, convert it, or, let it be quiet

Amos 1:3 · KJV


Context

1

The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

3

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: and: or, yea, for four turn: or, convert it, or, let it be quiet

4

But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.

5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden : and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. the plain: or, Bikathaven the house: or, Betheden


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amos begins oracles against nations: 'Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron.' The formula 'for three transgressions... and for four' is Hebrew numeric escalation indicating fullness/completion of sin—measuring cup overflowing. Damascus (Syria/Aram) committed atrocities against Gilead (Israelite territory east of Jordan). 'Threshing with iron instruments' describes brutal torture—crushing prisoners under spiked threshing sledges used for grain. This war crime provoked divine judgment. The pattern establishes principle: God judges all nations (not just Israel) for inhumanity. His moral law binds pagans too; violating it brings consequences (Romans 1:18-32, 2:14-15). God's justice is universal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Syria/Aram, capital Damascus, frequently warred with Israel during the divided kingdom era (1 Kings 15:18-20, 20:1-34, 2 Kings 6:8-23, 8:28-29, 13:1-7). King Hazael's campaigns (2 Kings 10:32-33, 13:3-7) likely included the atrocities Amos references. Archaeological evidence and Assyrian records confirm regional warfare's brutality. That God judges pagan nations for war crimes demonstrates His sovereignty extends beyond Israel; He holds all peoples accountable to basic moral standards reflecting His character. Amos proceeds to pronounce judgment on six surrounding nations (chapters 1-2) before culminating with Israel and Judah—showing God's impartial justice. The nations' judgments were fulfilled through Assyrian and Babylonian conquests.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment of pagan nations for atrocities shape my understanding of His universal moral law?
  2. Do I recognize that all people, regardless of religious knowledge, are accountable to God for basic justice and humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 17
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 17

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

עַל4 of 17
H5921

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

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙5 of 17

For three

H7969

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

פִּשְׁעֵ֣י6 of 17

transgressions

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

דַמֶּ֔שֶׂק7 of 17

of Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְעַל8 of 17
H5921

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

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה9 of 17

and for four

H702

four

לֹ֣א10 of 17
H3808

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

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ11 of 17

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);

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

דּוּשָׁ֛ם13 of 17

the punishment thereof because they have threshed

H1758

to trample or thresh

בַּחֲרֻצ֥וֹת14 of 17

with threshing instruments

H2742

properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee

הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל15 of 17

of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

הַגִּלְעָֽד׃17 of 17

Gilead

H1568

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


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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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