Amos 1:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Edom, descended from Esau, is condemned for relentless, pitiless violence against his brother Israel and for nursing unending wrath.
What Does Amos 1:11 Mean?
Edom and Israel were kin, descended from the twin brothers Esau and Jacob. The charge here is the betrayal of that kinship: Edom hunted his brother with the sword, stifled all compassion, and kept his anger burning without end.
Few sins are described so vividly as nursed and cherished wrath, anger that "did tear perpetually" and was kept "for ever." Bitterness held onto becomes its own prison and its own judgment. The Lord, who is rich in mercy and slow to anger, sets Himself against the heart that refuses to forgive a brother. This is a searching word: it asks each reader whether some old grievance is being fed rather than released.
Amos 1:11 in the Original Language
rachamim (רַחֲמִים), 'pity' -- tender mercy, the compassion Edom deliberately cast off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 1:11
What does Amos 1:11 mean?
Edom, descended from Esau, is condemned for relentless, pitiless violence against his brother Israel and for nursing unending wrath.