King James Version

What Does Amos 1:6 Mean?

Amos 1:6 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; becaus... — study this verse from Amos chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: away captive: or, them away with an entire

Amos 1:6 · KJV


Context

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

6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: away captive: or, them away with an entire

7

But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:

8

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amos continues oracles against nations, now Gaza: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom." Gaza's crime was comprehensive human trafficking—"the whole captivity" indicates entire communities, not just individuals. They sold these captives to Edom, compounding injustice. God's wrath against human trafficking permeates Scripture (Exodus 21:16, Deuteronomy 24:7, 1 Timothy 1:10, Revelation 18:13). The Reformed doctrine of the image of God (imago Dei) establishes human dignity as foundational—every person bears God's image (Genesis 1:26-27), making slavery, trafficking, and dehumanization especially heinous. Christ came to "set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18)—His gospel brings both spiritual and, in application, physical liberation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine cities, including Gaza, frequently raided Israelite and other territories for slaves. Ancient slave trade was lucrative and widespread. Edom's participation made them accessories. Both faced judgment—Gaza through various conquerors, ultimately disappearing from history. This demonstrates that God keeps His word and holds nations accountable across generations until justice is satisfied.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the doctrine of imago Dei shape Christian engagement with modern human trafficking?
  2. What forms of economic or social oppression might we unknowingly participate in today?

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)

עַזָּ֔ה7 of 17

of Gaza

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

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

הַגְלוֹתָ֛ם13 of 17

the punishment thereof because they carried away captive

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

גָּל֥וּת14 of 17

captivity

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

שְׁלֵמָ֖ה15 of 17

the whole

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

לְהַסְגִּ֥יר16 of 17

to deliver them up

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

לֶאֱדֽוֹם׃17 of 17

to Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him


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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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