Amos 2:4

Amos 2:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Judah, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they reject the Law of the LORD and fail to keep His statutes; they are led astray by the lies in which their fathers walked.

King James Version KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:

American Standard Version ASV

Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Judah, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have rejected the law of Jehovah, and have not kept his statutes, and their lies have caused them to err, after which their fathers did walk.

Bible in Basic English BBE

These are the words of the Lord: For three crimes of Judah, and for four, I will not let its fate be changed; because they have given up the law of the Lord, and have not kept his rules; and their false ways, in which their fathers went, have made them go out of the right way.

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord says: The people of Judah have repeatedly sinned and so I will not hesitate to punish them, because they rejected the law of the Lord and have not kept his commands. Their lies have led them astray, the same lies that their forefathers followed.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus saith the Lord, For three transgressions of Iudah, and for foure, I will not turne to it, because they haue cast away the Lawe of the Lord, and haue not kept his commandementes, and their lies caused them to erre after the which their fathers haue walked.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thus said Jehovah: For three transgressions of Judah, And for four, I do not reserve it, Because of their loathing the law of Jehovah, And His statutes they have not kept, And their lies do cause them to err, After which their fathers did walk,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD says: “For three transgressions of Judah, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have rejected the LORD’s law, and have not kept his statutes, and their lies have led them astray, after which their fathers walked;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away their punishment : because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after which their fathers have walked:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus saith the Lord: For three crimes of Juda, and for four I will not convert him: because he hath cast away the law of the Lord, and hath not kept his commandments: for their idols have caused them to err, after which their fathers have walked.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh also said this: “I will also punish the people of Judah because of the many sins that they have committed; I will not change my mind about punishing them, because they have rejected what I taught them and they have not obeyed my commands. They have been deceived and persuaded to worship false gods, the same gods that their ancestors worshiped.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 2:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Amos 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ פִּשְׁעֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וְ/עַל אַרְבָּעָ֖ה לֹ֣א אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ עַֽל מָאֳסָ֞/ם אֶת תּוֹרַ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה וְ/חֻקָּי/ו֙ לֹ֣א שָׁמָ֔רוּ וַ/יַּתְעוּ/ם֙ כִּזְבֵי/הֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר הָלְכ֥וּ אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

פִּשְׁעֵ֣י peshaʻ H6588 transgression N-mp

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מָאֳסָ֞/ם mâʼaç H3988 to reject V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

תּוֹרַ֣ת tôwrâh H8451 instruction N-fs

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/חֻקָּי/ו֙ chôq H2706 statute Conj | N-mp | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

שָׁמָ֔רוּ shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Perf-3cp

וַ/יַּתְעוּ/ם֙ tâʻâh H8582 to go astray Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff

כִּזְבֵי/הֶ֔ם kâzâb H3577 lie N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הָלְכ֥וּ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם ʼâb H1 father N-mp | Suff

אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 2:4

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שְׁלֹשָׁה֙ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

פִּשְׁעֵ֣י peshaʻ H6588 "transgression" N-mp

Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.

Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression

Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

אַרְבָּעָ֖ה ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj

The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.

Definition: four

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אֲשִׁיבֶ֑/נּוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

מָאֳסָ֞/ם mâʼaç H3988 "to reject" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.

Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

תּוֹרַ֣ת tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" N-fs

The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.

Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/חֻקָּי/ו֙ chôq H2706 "statute" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.

Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

שָׁמָ֔רוּ shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

וַ/יַּתְעוּ/ם֙ tâʻâh H8582 "to go astray" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff

This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.

Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.

כִּזְבֵי/הֶ֔ם kâzâb H3577 "lie" N-mp | Suff

A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.

Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

הָלְכ֥וּ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-mp | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

Study Notes — Amos 2:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Amos 2:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:4
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:4
Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:4
Barnes' Notes on Amos 2:4
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:4
Sermons on Amos 2:4

Context — Judgment on Moab, Judah, and Israel

2So I will send fire against Moab to consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, amid war cries and the sound of the ram’s horn. 3I will cut off the ruler of Moab and kill all the officials with him,” says the LORD.

4This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Judah, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they reject the Law of the LORD and fail to keep His statutes; they are led astray by the lies in which their fathers walked.

5So I will send fire upon Judah to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.” 6This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 20:24	For they did not practice My ordinances, but they rejected My statutes and profaned My Sabbaths, fixing their eyes on the idols of their fathers.
2	Ezekiel 20:16	because they kept rejecting My ordinances, refusing to walk in My statutes, and profaning My Sabbaths; for their hearts continually went after their idols.
3	Ezekiel 20:13	Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they utterly profaned My Sabbaths. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and put an end to them in the wilderness.
4	Hosea 12:2	The LORD also brings a charge against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
5	Isaiah 28:15	For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.”
6	Jeremiah 16:19–20	O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all. Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!”
7	Habakkuk 2:18	What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
8	Jeremiah 8:9	The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?
9	Jeremiah 9:14	Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.”
10	Isaiah 5:24–25	Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lay like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

Amos 2:4 Summary

This verse is saying that the people of Judah have sinned so many times that God will not hold back His judgment. They have rejected God's laws and commands, and instead are following the wrong paths that their ancestors took, as warned in Psalm 119:136. This is a reminder that God is serious about sin and will judge those who disobey Him, but He also offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn to Him, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Jeremiah 31:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Judah has three transgressions, even four?

This is a rhetorical way of saying that Judah's sins are numerous, and God has had enough, as seen in similar judgments in Ezekiel 5:11 and Jeremiah 15:6.

Why does God mention the fathers of Judah in this verse?

The fathers of Judah refer to their ancestors who also rebelled against God, and Judah is following in their footsteps, as warned in Exodus 34:7 and Numbers 14:18.

What is the Law of the LORD that Judah is rejecting?

The Law of the LORD refers to God's commands and teachings, such as those found in the book of Deuteronomy, which Judah is intentionally disregarding, leading to their downfall, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse shows that God is a just and holy God who cannot tolerate sin, as stated in Habakkuk 1:13 and Isaiah 59:2, and will judge those who reject Him and His laws.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I be led astray by the lies of my own family or cultural traditions, and how can I instead follow God's truth?
How can I ensure that I am not rejecting the Law of the LORD in my own life, and what are some practical ways to keep His statutes?
What are some areas in my life where I may be following in the footsteps of my ancestors or family members, rather than following God's commands?
How can I humble myself and seek God's forgiveness when I realize I have been led astray by lies or have rejected His laws?

Gill's Exposition on Amos 2:4

Thus saith the Lord, for three transgressions of Judah,.... With whom Benjamin must be joined; for the two tribes are meant as distinct from the ten tribes, under the name of Israel, following.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 2:4

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 2:4

God hath in the former verses threatened the enemies of his people for their outrages against his people; now he does threaten his people for their obstinacy in reiterated sins: see . Despised; first slighted it, as if no excellency were in it, and next rejected it, as if it were not worthy of their observance; thus they refused with an abhorrence and detestation the law of the Lord, the whole law, partly by their immoralities and transgressions against the just commands of it, and partly by their false worship and idolatry: that law which was given with so much majesty and terror. on Mount Sinai; from which they should not have departed either to the right hand or to the left; that law which was perfect, holy, and useful, with which no fault could be justly found. So much the greater were their sins, because committed against so clear, full, and pure a law. Have not kept his commandments, i.e. they have greatly violated, as the Hebrew phrase importeth, ,10,11. Their lies; idols, which are a lie, whether commended to them by their false prophets, or chosen according to their own humour and fancy; all their false, superstitious, and idolatrous worship. Caused them to err; their idolatry was first their error, and this blinded them, made them more sottish and brutish, which was partly from the natural tendency of this sin, and partly from the just judgment of God, -12. After the which, idols or lies, their fathers, first in Ur of the Chaldees, before Abraham was called, afterwards in Egypt, the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan itself, have walked, successively, one generation after another; idolatry, and superstition, and will-worship have been old hereditary sins, and now shall be punished.

Trapp's Commentary on Amos 2:4

Amos 2:4 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:Ver. 4. For three transgressions of Judah] Who were therefore worse than the above mentioned nations, because they ought to have been better Ideo deteriores quia meliores esse debebant. Beset they were with enemies round about, who dealt cruelly with them; and this should have made them to cleave more closely to God; these horns pushing and scattering them, should have pushed them home to him, Zechariah 1:19 : but it proved otherwise. For Judah also is found to be incorrigibly flagitious, guilty, as the former, "of three transgressions, and of four," &c., worse in them than in others, because "in Judah was God known," and to them were committed the oracles of God, whom they might hear again screeching out unto them, when they were putting forth their hands to wickedness, "Oh do not this abominable thing," Jeremiah 44:4. But they, tanquam monstra marina, as one saith, like so many sea monsters, passed by God’ s words with a deaf ear. They despised the law of the Lord] They would have none of his counsel; they liked well to live in God’ s good land, but not to live by God’ s good laws; like those in the Gospel, "they rejected the counsel of God within themselves," Luke 7:30, and that with scorn and disdain, as the word here used signifieth. And have not kept his commandments] Though holy, just, and good, though such as, if a man keep them (be it but evangelically, si faciat, etiamsi non perficiat, Liv. xviii. 5), he shall live in them, by a life of grace, as the flame lives in the oil, or the creature by his food; though in "keeping thereof" (how much more for keeping thereof!) "there is great reward," Psalms 19:11. And their lies caused them] That is, their idols (as the Vulgate well rendereth it), and their will worships, their new inventions, and good intentions thereby to serve and please God. These are properly called lies; because, contrary to the law of truth (whereto they are here opposed), and to David’ s practice, who "did the truth," 1 John 1:6; and could safely say, "I hate and abhor lying; but thy law do I love," Psalms 119:163; Psalms 119:104, "through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." After the which their fathers have walked] So that they are a race of rebels, a seed of evildoers, and do fill up the measure of their fathers’ sins, till wrath come upon them to the utmost. This is no small aggravation: Ezekiel 20:30, "Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations." See Acts 7:51. Must I be provoked by you from one generation to another.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 2:4

Verse 4. For three transgressions of Judah] We may take the three and four here to any latitude; for this people lived in continual hostility to their God, from the days of David to the time of Uzziah, under whom Amos prophesied. Their iniquities are summed up under three general heads: 1. They despised, or rejected the law of the Lord. 2. They kept not his statutes. 3. They followed lies, were idolaters, and followed false prophets rather than those sent by Jehovah.

Cambridge Bible on Amos 2:4

4–5. Judah. The prophet now comes nearer home; and passes sentence on the Southern kingdom.

Barnes' Notes on Amos 2:4

For three transgressions of Judah etc. - Rup.: “Here too there is no difference of Jew and Gentile. The word of God, a just judge, spareth no man’s person.

Whedon's Commentary on Amos 2:4

4, 5. The sin and punishment of Judah. Judah — The southern kingdom, the home of Amos, in distinction from the northern kingdom, against which Amos prophesied.

Sermons on Amos 2:4

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 16-20 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of the United States as a nation that once acknowledged and depended on God. He highlights how the nation has turned its back on G
	(Genesis) 40 - the Last Days of Abraham and the First Days of Jacob by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading from the book of Hosea, specifically verses 2-4. The passage talks about God's dispute with Judah and his punishment of Jacob accordin
	Hosea 12:2 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith explores the life of Jacob, an unlikely candidate for the title 'Power with God.' Despite his deceptive actions and attempts to gain advantage over others, Jacob ultima
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials
	The Mystery of Iniquity by Reggie Kelly	Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mysteries of Genesis 3:15, connecting it to the comprehensive plan of God revealed in the Bible, particularly focusing on the two seeds repres
	The Only Place of Safety by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that throughout history, many have believed they can withstand calamities without faith in God, likening them to the spiritually blind described by Isaia
	The Foot Out of the Snare by John Toldervy	John Toldervy recounts his journey of being led astray by false teachings and delusions, believing he was the true Christ and receiving revelations from spirits. He describes his o