Amos 1:6

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; For three {H7969} transgressions {H6588} of Gaza {H5804}, and for four {H702}, I will not turn away {H7725} the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive {H1540} the whole {H8003} captivity {H1546}, to deliver them up {H5462} to Edom {H123}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "For 'Azah's three crimes, no, four - I will not reverse it because they exiled a whole population and handed them over to Edom;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Gaza, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole people, to deliver them up to Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 1:6 declares the Lord's impending judgment upon Gaza, a prominent Philistine city, for its egregious sin of systematically capturing and selling entire populations into slavery, specifically delivering them to Edom. This oracle is part of a series of pronouncements by the prophet Amos against surrounding nations, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly concerning the exploitation and dehumanization of people. The numerical formula "for three transgressions... and for four" signifies that Gaza's accumulated wickedness has reached a point beyond divine tolerance, necessitating an inescapable divine reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 1:6 is strategically placed within the opening chapters of the book of Amos, which feature a series of oracles of judgment against Israel's neighbors, followed by pronouncements against Judah and Israel themselves. This structured indictment, often referred to as the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Amos 1-2), begins with Damascus, then moves to Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab, before turning to the covenant people. The repetitive "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions... and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" creates a powerful rhetorical rhythm, emphasizing the cumulative guilt of each nation and the certainty of God's impending judgment. Gaza's judgment here serves as a precursor to the broader message that God's moral standards apply universally, not just to Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gaza was one of the five major Philistine city-states, located on the vital coastal trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Philistines were a formidable military and economic power, often clashing with Israel throughout its history. Their practice of engaging in human trafficking, particularly selling captives from conquered territories, was a common, albeit brutal, aspect of ancient warfare and commerce. The specific mention of delivering captives "to Edom" is significant. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a long-standing rival and often hostile neighbor of Israel, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother). This act was not merely economic but also deeply malicious, as selling people to an enemy of Israel would have been seen as a profound act of antagonism and cruelty, intensifying the moral outrage of their actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Justice**, demonstrating that God's authority extends over all nations, not just Israel. He is the moral governor of the entire earth, holding all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of the vulnerable, as seen in His condemnation of the nations in [Amos 1-2](/amos/1 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations"). Second, the specific sin condemned—human trafficking—highlights the theme of **Social Injustice and Human Dignity**. Amos consistently rails against the exploitation of the poor and weak, and this passage reveals God's profound abhorrence for practices that strip individuals of their freedom and inherent worth. The phrase "carried away captive the whole captivity" emphasizes the systemic and total nature of this injustice, echoing God's concern for the oppressed found throughout the prophetic tradition, such as in [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."). Finally, the numerical formula reinforces the theme of **Accumulated Guilt and Inevitable Judgment**, portraying God's patience as having reached its limit, leading to an unavoidable divine reckoning for persistent and excessive wrongdoing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, meaning a revolt, rebellion, sin, or trespass. This word implies a deliberate breaking of a known standard or covenant, a defiant act against moral order. Here, it signifies Gaza's persistent and willful violation of fundamental human decency and divine justice.
* **carried away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, a primitive root meaning to denude, by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped), or figuratively, to reveal. Paired with H1546 (gâlûwth), meaning captivity or exiles, the phrase "carried away captive the whole captivity" emphasizes the act of forcibly removing entire populations into exile and slavery. It highlights the brutal and comprehensive nature of Gaza's actions, involving the total displacement and subjugation of people.
* **deliver them up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** From H5462, a primitive root meaning to shut up, figuratively, to surrender or give over. This word underscores the act of handing over the captured populations to another party, in this case, Edom. It emphasizes the deliberate and calculated nature of Gaza's involvement in the slave trade, acting as a supplier of human beings.
* **Edom (Hebrew, _ʼĔdôm'_):** From H123, meaning "red," referring to Esau, Jacob's elder twin brother, and by extension, the region occupied by his descendants. The specific destination of the captives to Edom is significant, as Edom was a traditional enemy of Israel, and selling captives to them would have been perceived as an act of profound hostility and cruelty, perhaps even a form of proxy warfare or deep-seated animosity, as seen in [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - For the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase is a powerful prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the following words are not merely human opinion but a direct declaration from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is also the sovereign ruler over all nations. It establishes the unchallengeable nature of the judgment to follow.
* **"For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof;":** This numerical proverb is a common literary device in Hebrew poetry, indicating a full and overflowing measure of sin. "Three transgressions" suggests a significant number of offenses, while "and for four" implies an additional, culminating transgression that pushes God's patience beyond its limit. It communicates that Gaza's judgment is not for an isolated incident but for a persistent, excessive, and unrepentant pattern of wrongdoing. The phrase "I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" declares the irrevocability of the impending judgment.
* **"because they carried away captive the whole captivity,":** This clause specifies the particular sin that has filled Gaza's cup of iniquity. "Carried away captive the whole captivity" (Hebrew: *heglût šĕlēmâ*) emphasizes the totality and ruthlessness of their actions. It was not merely a few individuals but entire populations or significant portions of communities that were seized and forcibly removed from their homes, highlighting the systematic and widespread nature of their human trafficking.
* **"to deliver [them] up to Edom:":** This final clause reveals the destination and malicious intent behind Gaza's actions. The captives were not merely taken for their own use but were sold or handed over to Edom, a nation known for its animosity towards Israel. This act was a grave violation of human dignity and an act of extreme cruelty, demonstrating a complete disregard for human life and liberty, and perhaps even an alliance in oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 1:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is the **Numerical Proverb** or **Climactic Numerical Sequence** ("For three transgressions... and for four"). This formula, repeated throughout Amos 1-2, serves as a rhetorical device to build tension and emphasize the overflowing measure of guilt. It signifies that God's patience has been exhausted, and the final transgression has sealed the nation's fate. The phrase "carried away captive the whole captivity" is an example of **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and comprehensive nature of Gaza's human trafficking, underscoring the utter ruthlessness and totality of their actions. The repeated declaration "Thus saith the LORD" is a **Divine Oracle Formula**, which lends absolute authority and certainty to the prophetic pronouncement, establishing that the judgment is not a human prediction but a direct, unalterable decree from God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 1:6 profoundly illustrates God's universal moral governance and His deep concern for justice among all peoples. It reveals that Yahweh's dominion extends beyond Israel to encompass every nation, holding them accountable to a foundational standard of human dignity and righteousness, even if they do not explicitly acknowledge Him. The specific condemnation of human trafficking underscores God's abhorrence for any system that dehumanizes individuals, treating them as commodities to be bought and sold. This passage reveals a God who is not indifferent to suffering or exploitation but actively intervenes to judge those who perpetrate such evils, affirming His character as a just and righteous judge who champions the oppressed.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with equity.")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 1:6 serves as a timeless and urgent reminder that God's moral standards are universal and His concern for justice is unwavering. In a world still grappling with various forms of human exploitation, from modern slavery and human trafficking to forced labor and economic injustice, this ancient prophecy resonates with profound contemporary relevance. It challenges us to examine our own societies, economies, and even personal choices for complicity in systems that dehumanize or oppress. The divine condemnation of Gaza's actions calls believers to active advocacy for human dignity and freedom, to be voices for the voiceless, and to work tirelessly to dismantle structures of injustice. It reminds us that our faith is not merely personal piety but has profound implications for how we engage with the world and uphold God's righteous standards for all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's judgment on Gaza for human trafficking challenge my understanding of His universal justice and concern for all people, regardless of their faith or nation?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, unknowingly contribute to systems that exploit or dehumanize others, even indirectly?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and human dignity in my sphere of influence, aligning my actions with God's heart for the oppressed?**
* **How does the concept of "accumulated guilt" (three transgressions... and for four) inform my understanding of personal and societal accountability before God?**

### FAQ

**What does "For three transgressions... and for four" mean?**

Answer: This is a common Hebrew literary device, a numerical proverb, used to indicate a full and overflowing measure of sin. It doesn't necessarily mean exactly three or four specific acts, but rather that a nation's accumulated wickedness has reached a point where God's patience has been exhausted, and judgment is now inevitable. It signifies that the final transgression has "filled up the measure" of their iniquity, making divine punishment unavoidable. This pattern is repeated for each nation in [Amos 1-2](/amos/1 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations").

**Why was Gaza's specific sin of carrying away "the whole captivity" so egregious?**

Answer: Gaza's sin was particularly egregious because it involved the systematic and total dehumanization of people. "Carrying away the whole captivity" (Hebrew: *heglût šĕlēmâ*) implies the forced removal and enslavement of entire communities or significant populations, not just a few individuals. This act of human trafficking was a grave violation of human dignity, stripping people of their freedom, families, and identity, treating them as mere commodities. The additional detail of delivering them "to Edom" compounded the cruelty, as Edom was a hostile nation, suggesting a malicious intent beyond mere economic gain, perhaps even a form of proxy warfare or deep-seated animosity, as seen in [Obadiah 1:10](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10 - Edom's violence against Jacob").

**Does this passage imply that God only judges nations for specific, major sins like human trafficking?**

Answer: No, this passage demonstrates that God judges nations for a range of moral and social injustices, but it highlights human trafficking as a particularly heinous offense. The oracles in Amos condemn various sins, including violence (Damascus), covenant breaking (Tyre), cruelty (Edom), desecration (Moab), and internal oppression and injustice within Israel and Judah. Amos 1:6 emphasizes that God's moral law applies universally, and He holds all nations accountable for their actions, especially how they treat the vulnerable and uphold basic human dignity. It underscores that God's justice is comprehensive and extends to all forms of unrighteousness, as further elaborated in [Amos 2:6-8](/amos/2-6-8 "Amos 2:6-8 - God's judgment on Israel for social injustice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 1:6 directly condemns the ancient city of Gaza for its egregious human trafficking, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate justice and liberation found in Jesus Christ. The Lord's declaration of judgment against those who exploit and dehumanize others foreshadows Christ's mission to bring justice and freedom to the oppressed. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not only to address individual sin but also to inaugurate a kingdom where righteousness and justice prevail. His ministry consistently championed the marginalized, the captive, and the downtrodden, fulfilling the prophetic call to "proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' mission statement")). The judgment against Gaza for its cruel trade in human beings finds its ultimate antithesis in Christ's redemptive work, which liberates humanity from the ultimate captivity of sin and death, offering true freedom and restoring the dignity lost through exploitation. He is the righteous judge who will one day execute perfect justice, and the compassionate Savior who breaks every chain, embodying the very heart of God's concern for the oppressed.

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

2 Chronicles 28:18

The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

Amos 1:11

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:

Obadiah 1:11

In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou [wast] as one of them.

Amos 1:9

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:

1 Samuel 6:17

And these [are] the golden emerods which the Philistines returned [for] a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Jeremiah 47:5

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?