Amos 1:11

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; For three {H7969} transgressions {H6588} of Edom {H123}, and for four {H702}, I will not turn away {H7725} the punishment thereof; because he did pursue {H7291} his brother {H251} with the sword {H2719}, and did cast off {H7843} all pity {H7356}, and his anger {H639} did tear {H2963} perpetually {H5703}, and he kept {H8104} his wrath {H5678} for ever {H5331}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "For Edom's three crimes, no, four - I will not reverse it because with sword he pursued his kinsman and threw aside all pity, constantly nursing his anger, forever fomenting his fury;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Edom, yea, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 1:11 pronounces a severe divine judgment against the nation of Edom, declaring that their accumulated transgressions have reached an unforgivable peak. Specifically, the LORD condemns Edom for their relentless and merciless pursuit of their "brother" Israel with the sword, characterized by a complete abandonment of compassion, a perpetually tearing anger, and an enduring, unyielding wrath. This oracle underscores God's universal sovereignty and His righteous indignation against cruelty and unremitting hatred, particularly when directed against kin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 1:11 is part of a series of oracles (Amos 1:3–2:16) where the prophet Amos delivers God's judgment against various nations surrounding Israel, culminating in judgments against Judah and Israel themselves. Each oracle follows a consistent rhetorical pattern: "For three transgressions of [nation], and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof." This formula signals that the sins of each nation have reached an overflowing measure, making divine intervention and judgment inevitable. Edom's oracle immediately follows those against Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, and precedes those against Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel, establishing a comprehensive scope of God's moral governance over all peoples. The specific nature of Edom's sin—fratricidal hatred—sets it apart, emphasizing the depth of their moral depravity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom was a nation located southeast of Judah, primarily in the mountainous region of Seir. Their historical identity was deeply intertwined with Israel's, as the Edomites were descendants of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob (Israel), as recorded in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Prophecy of Two Nations"). Despite this familial bond, the relationship between Edom and Israel was marked by consistent hostility and conflict throughout their history, stemming from Esau's initial resentment (cf. [Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). Edom frequently exploited Israel's vulnerabilities, refused passage during the Exodus (cf. [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")), and often sided with Israel's enemies, notably participating in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (cf. [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Role in Jerusalem's Fall") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Cruelty Against Judah")). Amos prophesied during the 8th century BCE, a period of relative peace and prosperity for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, making the pronouncement of judgment against these powerful nations a stark reminder of God's ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Amos. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment on Nations**, asserting God's universal sovereignty and His moral accountability over all peoples, not just His covenant nation. The specific nature of Edom's sin highlights the theme of **Brotherly Hatred and Cruelty**, demonstrating that God condemns not only overt acts of violence but also the underlying malice, lack of compassion, and unyielding wrath that fuel such actions. Edom's refusal to show "pity" and their "perpetual" anger underscore the theme of **Moral Depravity and Unrepentance**, indicating a deep-seated spiritual sickness that had permeated their national character and led to an overflowing measure of sin, making their judgment irreversible.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, meaning "a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass." Here, it signifies Edom's acts of rebellion against God's moral order and their severe breach of the natural law of kinship. It implies a deliberate and defiant stepping over boundaries, not merely an accidental error.
* **pity (Hebrew, _racham'_):** From H7356, meaning "compassion (in the plural); by extension, the womb (as cherishing the fetus); by implication, a maiden; bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb." This word carries a deep emotional weight, often referring to a profound, visceral, almost maternal compassion. Edom's "casting off" of all pity indicates a complete and utter abandonment of this fundamental human and divine quality, revealing a hardened heart devoid of empathy for their own kin.
* **tear (Hebrew, _ṭâraph'_):** From H2963, meaning "to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels); catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces)." When applied to Edom's anger, it vividly portrays their rage as a destructive, predatory force that violently rips apart and devours, leaving devastation in its wake. It emphasizes the active, consuming nature of their malice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;"**: This opening phrase, a prophetic formula (Hebrew, _koh 'amar YHWH'_), establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the pronouncement. It signifies that the following words are not merely human opinion but the direct, infallible word of God, [the self-Existent or Eternal One](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Designation 'I AM'").
* **"For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof;"**: This numerical parallelism indicates that Edom's sins have reached a complete and overflowing measure, exceeding any possibility of divine forbearance or turning back of judgment. It signifies that their wickedness has accumulated to an unbearable point, necessitating an irreversible divine response.
* **"because he did pursue his brother with the sword,"**: This clause identifies the primary and most egregious sin: the active, hostile, and violent pursuit of Israel, their "brother" (descended from Jacob), using military force. This refers to Edom's consistent aggression and exploitation of Israel's weaknesses, violating the sacred bond of kinship.
* **"and did cast off all pity,"**: This emphasizes Edom's complete lack of compassion and mercy. The verb "cast off" (Hebrew, _shachath'_) implies a deliberate act of discarding or destroying, indicating that Edom actively chose to abandon any tender feelings or empathy towards their kin, hardening their hearts against natural affection.
* **"and his anger did tear perpetually,"**: Edom's anger is personified as a destructive force that "tears" or "rends" continually. This highlights the unceasing, violent, and consuming nature of their rage. It was not a momentary outburst but a sustained, characteristic disposition, reflecting a deep-seated, active malice.
* **"and he kept his wrath for ever:"**: This final clause reiterates and intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the enduring and unyielding nature of Edom's animosity. Their "wrath" (Hebrew, _'ebrâh'_, a furious outburst) was not allowed to dissipate but was "kept" or "guarded" (Hebrew, _shamar'_) and nurtured indefinitely, demonstrating a profound and unrepentant hatred that characterized their national identity.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 1:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of Edom's sin and the certainty of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Numerical Parallelism**, specifically the "three transgressions... and for four" formula, which is a common Hebrew poetic device (a form of merism) used to indicate a full, complete, and overflowing measure of something, rather than a literal count. It emphasizes that Edom's culpability has reached its absolute limit, making judgment inevitable. **Personification** is evident in the description of Edom's "anger" (Hebrew, _'aph'_) as something that "did tear perpetually," giving an abstract emotion the active, destructive quality of a predatory beast. This vivid imagery underscores the violent and consuming nature of their rage. Furthermore, the phrases "perpetually" (Hebrew, _'ad'_ or _netsach'_) and "for ever" (Hebrew, _netsach'_) function as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the sustained, unyielding, and chronic nature of Edom's hatred, rather than a temporary lapse. This accumulation of devices paints a stark picture of Edom's deep-seated malice and the righteous basis for God's irreversible judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 1:11 powerfully articulates God's profound concern for justice, even among nations outside His direct covenant. Edom's sin is not merely a political or military transgression but a deep moral and spiritual failure: the rejection of basic human compassion and the cultivation of unyielding hatred, particularly against those with whom one shares a familial bond. This passage reveals that God's moral law is universal, holding all humanity accountable for their actions and attitudes, especially regarding how they treat one another. The severity of the judgment underscores that persistent malice, lack of empathy, and unrepentant cruelty are an affront to the divine character, which is inherently merciful and just. Edom's refusal to "cast off all pity" and their choice to "keep their wrath for ever" demonstrates a hardened heart that has rejected the very possibility of reconciliation and compassion, sealing their fate.

* [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")
* [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Remember Edom, O LORD")
* [Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 1:11 serves as a sobering mirror, challenging us to examine the state of our own hearts and relationships. The Edomites' sin of unyielding hatred and lack of pity towards their "brother" is a stark warning against allowing bitterness, anger, or resentment to take root and fester. In our own lives, whether within families, communities, or even on a global scale, unchecked anger and a refusal to extend compassion can lead to destructive outcomes, just as they did for Edom. This verse calls us to cultivate mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, actively seeking to "cast off" malice and to nurture love. It reminds us that our treatment of others, especially those with whom we have a close connection or a shared humanity, is not inconsequential to God. Instead, it is a reflection of our obedience to His moral law and the character we embody. We are called to resist the temptation to harbor perpetual wrath and instead to pursue peace and righteousness, knowing that God holds all people accountable for their actions and the attitudes of their hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there any "brothers" or "sisters" in your life (family, friends, community members) towards whom you harbor unyielding anger or a lack of pity?**
* **How does the concept of "casting off all pity" manifest in modern society or in your own interactions?**
* **What steps can you take to "turn away" from perpetual anger and cultivate compassion and forgiveness in your relationships?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "For three transgressions... and for four"?**

Answer: This is a common Hebrew literary device known as numerical parallelism or an ascending numerical sequence. It is not meant to be a literal count of specific sins. Instead, it signifies that the nation's transgressions have reached a complete, full, and overflowing measure. It communicates that Edom's wickedness has accumulated to an unbearable degree, exceeding God's patience and making divine judgment inevitable and irreversible. It emphasizes the totality and saturation of their sin.

**Who were Edom and their "brother" in this context?**

Answer: Edom was a nation descended from Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel (see [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")). Therefore, Edom's "brother" refers to the nation of Israel, with whom they shared a common ancestry. Despite this familial bond, the relationship between the two nations was historically marked by deep-seated animosity, hostility, and conflict, stemming from the rivalry between their patriarchs (cf. [Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")).

**Why was Edom's sin considered so severe by God?**

Answer: Edom's sin was particularly egregious because it involved unyielding hatred and cruelty directed against their own kin, the Israelites. The text highlights several aspects of their sin: "pursuing his brother with the sword" (active aggression), "casting off all pity" (complete lack of compassion), and their anger that "did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever" (sustained, destructive malice). This was not a momentary lapse but a deep-seated, characteristic disposition of relentless animosity and a refusal to show mercy, which God found abhorrent, especially given the familial connection. Their actions violated fundamental principles of kinship and humanity, making their judgment just and severe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 1:11, with its pronouncement of judgment against Edom for their unyielding hatred and lack of pity toward their brother, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's brokenness found in Jesus Christ. Edom's sin of fratricidal malice, a deep-seated rejection of love and compassion, reflects the universal human condition of sin and rebellion against God and neighbor (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). While God's righteous judgment against such sin is certain, as seen in Edom's fate, Christ's coming offers a pathway to reconciliation and transformation. Jesus, the true "brother" who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), perfectly embodies the compassion and self-sacrificial love that Edom so tragically lacked. Through His atoning death on the cross, Christ bore the full wrath and judgment for humanity's transgressions, including the very hatred and lack of pity condemned in Amos 1:11. His resurrection offers the power to break the perpetual cycle of anger and wrath, enabling believers to "put off their old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting On the New Self")). Ultimately, Christ's work establishes a new covenant of love and reconciliation, inviting all people, regardless of their past enmity, to become "brothers and sisters" in Him, living out the very compassion and forgiveness that Edom rejected (cf. [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 25:12

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;

Ezekiel 25:14

And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

2 Chronicles 28:17

For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.

Joel 3:19

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence [against] the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Jeremiah 49:7

¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Psalms 137:7

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.