Amos 2:4 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet's gaze turns to Judah, condemned not for cruelty but for despising God's law and being led astray by false things their fathers also followed.
What Does Amos 2:4 Mean?
Now the indictment comes nearer home. Judah, God's own covenant people in the south, is charged not with the brutalities of the pagan nations but with something more intimate: they have despised the law of the Lord, broken His commandments, and let lies lead them astray, walking the worn path of their fathers.
Here is a sobering shift. Those who possess God's word and ignore it bear a special guilt. To have the truth and prefer falsehood, to inherit the commandments and despise them, is its own grave sin. The Lord measures privilege by faithfulness. This verse asks the reader who knows the Scriptures whether knowing has become obeying, or whether familiarity has bred neglect.
Amos 2:4 in the Original Language
torah (תּוֹרָה), 'law' -- God's instruction and teaching, not merely rules but revealed guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 2:4
What does Amos 2:4 mean?
The prophet's gaze turns to Judah, condemned not for cruelty but for despising God's law and being led astray by false things their fathers also followed.