King James Version

What Does Amos 1:9 Mean?

Amos 1:9 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; becau...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: the brotherly: Heb. the covenant of brethren”

Amos 1:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

9

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: the brotherly: Heb. the covenant of brethren

10

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

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

Read Amos 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After pronouncing judgment on Damascus, Amos turns to 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." The formula "for three... and for four" indicates overflowing, complete sin. Gaza, a Philistine city, engaged in human trafficking—capturing entire populations and selling them to Edom (another enemy of Israel). This crime against humanity provoked divine judgment. The phrase "I will not turn away the punishment" (lo' ashivenu) means God's decree is irrevocable. This teaches several truths: (1) God holds all nations accountable for crimes against humanity; (2) human trafficking particularly provokes His wrath; (3) participating in others' oppression makes one guilty; (4) God's patience has limits—sin reaches fullness and judgment falls.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines, ancient Israel's coastal neighbors, frequently raided Israelite territory, capturing people for slave trade. Selling captives to Edom compounded the crime—Edom should have shown kinship loyalty (they descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) but instead participated in enslaving their relatives. This betrayal earned particular condemnation. Amos's judgment oracles follow a pattern: six surrounding nations first, then Israel and Judah—demonstrating God's impartial justice before focusing on His own people's greater accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's fierce opposition to human trafficking inform Christian anti-trafficking efforts?
  2. What does it mean to participate in others' oppression, and how might we unknowingly do so?
  3. How does God's impartial judgment of all nations challenge nationalistic presumption?

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

פִּשְׁעֵי6 of 20

“transgressions”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

צֹ֔ר7 of 20

“of Tyrus”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

וְעַל8 of 20
H5921

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

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה9 of 20

“and for four”

H702

four

לֹ֣א10 of 20
H3808

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

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ11 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);

עַֽל12 of 20
H5921

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

הַסְגִּירָ֞ם13 of 20

“the punishment thereof because they delivered up”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

גָּל֤וּת14 of 20

“captivity”

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

שְׁלֵמָה֙15 of 20

“the whole”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

לֶאֱד֔וֹם16 of 20

“to Edom”

H123

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

וְלֹ֥א17 of 20
H3808

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

זָכְר֖וּ18 of 20

“and remembered”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

בְּרִ֥ית19 of 20

“covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אַחִֽים׃20 of 20

“not the brotherly”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:11-14Isaiah 23:1-18Zechariah 9:2-4Joel 3:4-82 Chronicles 2:8-16Ezekiel 26:1-21

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in Amos 1 →

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