Amos 2:4

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; For three {H7969} transgressions {H6588} of Judah {H3063}, and for four {H702}, I will not turn away {H7725} the punishment thereof; because they have despised {H3988} the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}, and have not kept {H8104} his commandments {H2706}, and their lies {H3577} caused them to err {H8582}, after {H310} the which their fathers {H1} have walked {H1980}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "For Y'hudah's three crimes, no, four - I will not reverse it because they rejected ADONAI's Torah and haven't observed his laws, and their lies caused them to fall into error and live the way their ancestors did;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 2:4 delivers a divine indictment against the Southern Kingdom of Judah, declaring that their accumulated transgressions have reached a tipping point, necessitating an inescapable judgment from the LORD. Unlike the surrounding nations judged for general immorality, Judah's condemnation stems from a profound and deliberate rejection of God's covenant law, a failure to obey His commandments, and a pervasive embrace of falsehoods that led them astray, mirroring the persistent apostasy of their ancestors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 2:4 is a pivotal verse within the book of Amos, marking a significant shift in the prophet's oracles of judgment. Amos begins by systematically condemning six surrounding Gentile nations—Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab—for their various atrocities, establishing God's universal sovereignty and moral authority over all peoples. This strategic rhetorical build-up culminates in the judgment of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and then Israel, the Northern Kingdom. By first condemning the nations, Amos prepares his primary audience (Israel and Judah) to accept the justice of God's pronouncements, before turning the spotlight on their own, more grievous, covenant violations. The "three transgressions... and for four" idiom is a recurring literary device in Amos (cf. [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - Judgment on Damascus")), signifying a complete, overflowing measure of sin that has exhausted God's patience and made punishment inevitable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel in the 8th century BCE. This was a period of relative peace and economic prosperity for both kingdoms, but it was also marked by deep social injustice, moral decay, and religious syncretism. Judah, as the inheritor of the Davidic covenant and the custodian of the Jerusalem Temple, held a unique covenantal relationship with the LORD. Their identity was inextricably linked to the **Torah**, God's divine instruction given through Moses, which formed the bedrock of their national life and their relationship with Yahweh. The accusation that they "despised the law of the LORD" speaks to a profound cultural and spiritual crisis, where the very foundation of their covenant identity was actively rejected, not merely neglected. This rejection manifested in their failure to uphold the ethical and religious standards enshrined in the Mosaic Law, leading to widespread corruption and spiritual idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 2:4 powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Amos and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, emphasizing that God's moral standards apply not only to pagan nations but especially to His covenant people, who are held to a higher standard due to their privileged revelation (cf. [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - To Whom Much is Given")). The verse highlights **Covenant Disobedience**, specifically Judah's active "despising" of the "law of the LORD" and failure to "keep his commandments," which represents a fundamental breach of their covenant obligations (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The mention of "their lies caused them to err" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Deception and Apostasy**, indicating that Judah was led astray by false teachings, idolatrous practices, or self-deception, departing from the truth of God's Word (cf. [Isaiah 44:20](/isaiah/44-20 "Isaiah 44:20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Finally, the phrase "after the which their fathers have walked" underscores the theme of **Generational Sin and Persistent Rebellion**, revealing that Judah's current apostasy was not an isolated incident but a continuation of a long-standing pattern of disobedience passed down through generations (cf. [Jeremiah 16:11-12](/jeremiah/16-11-12 "Jeremiah 16:11-12 - Following the Ways of Their Fathers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Despised (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, this primitive root means "to spurn," "abhor," "cast away (off)," "contemn," "disdain," or "reject." It signifies a strong, active, and deliberate act of contempt and rejection, not merely a passive disregard. Judah did not simply forget or neglect the law; they actively scorned and treated it as worthless, demonstrating a profound spiritual rebellion against the divine authority behind it.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, this term refers to "a precept or statute," especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch. More broadly, it encompasses God's divine instruction, teaching, and revelation given through Moses. It is not just a set of rules but the very blueprint for righteous living and covenant faithfulness, designed to guide Israel into a flourishing relationship with God. To despise the _tôwrâh_ was to reject the very wisdom and will of God for their lives.
* **Lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577, this word denotes "falsehood," literally "untruth" or figuratively "idol." It can refer to deceptive words, false prophecies, or the emptiness and deceit of idolatry. In this context, it suggests that Judah was led astray by false narratives, whether from false prophets, deceptive religious practices, or the allure of pagan deities, all of which promised something other than the truth of God's covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof;":** This opening declaration establishes the divine authority of the pronouncement. The numerical formula "for three transgressions... and for four" is a literary device indicating a complete and overflowing measure of sin, beyond what can be pardoned. It signifies that Judah's accumulated rebellion has reached its full extent, necessitating an unavoidable and just divine judgment. The phrase "I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" underscores the certainty and irrevocability of the impending judgment.
* **"because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments,":** This clause specifies the core reason for Judah's judgment: their deliberate and active rejection of God's revealed will. "Despised" (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_) indicates a profound contempt for the _Torah_, the divine instruction given by Yahweh. This was not mere ignorance but an intentional spurning of the very foundation of their covenant relationship. Their failure to "keep his commandments" is the practical manifestation of this contempt, demonstrating a consistent pattern of disobedience that violated the terms of their covenant with God.
* **"and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:":** This final clause further elaborates on Judah's spiritual deviation. "Their lies" (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_) likely refers to the deceptive influence of idolatry, false prophets, or the embrace of cultural falsehoods that led them away from the truth of God. These falsehoods "caused them to err" (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_), meaning they were made to wander or go astray from the path of righteousness. The concluding phrase, "after the which their fathers have walked," highlights the generational nature of this apostasy, indicating that Judah's current rebellion was a continuation of a long-standing pattern of disobedience and spiritual wandering inherited from previous generations.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 2:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Numerical Proverb** or **Climax** ("For three transgressions... and for four"). This idiomatic expression, common in wisdom literature, is used by Amos to build rhetorical tension, indicating that Judah's sins have not just reached a certain number, but have exceeded all bounds, reaching a point of absolute fullness that demands immediate divine intervention. This device underscores the completeness and overwhelming nature of their rebellion. Another device is **Anthropomorphism** in "Thus saith the LORD," attributing human speech to God, emphasizing the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of the divine pronouncement. Furthermore, the phrase "their lies caused them to err" uses a form of **Metonymy** or **Personification**, where "lies" (falsehoods, idolatry, deceptive teachings) are presented as active agents leading the people astray. While lies themselves don't literally "cause" error, they represent the deceptive influences that corrupted Judah's spiritual and moral compass, leading them to depart from God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 2:4 profoundly underscores the principle of divine accountability, particularly for those who have received special revelation. Judah's judgment is not arbitrary but directly proportional to their privileged position and their deliberate rejection of God's covenant. This verse highlights that God's justice is unwavering, and even His chosen people are not exempt from the consequences of persistent disobedience and contempt for His Word. It reveals that the heart of rebellion is often a "despising" of God's truth, leading to a cascade of unfaithfulness and spiritual wandering. The generational aspect of their sin also speaks to the cumulative effect of unaddressed sin and the importance of breaking cycles of rebellion. Theologically, it reaffirms God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to upholding His moral law, demonstrating that His character is one of both love and righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God")
* [Psalm 119:104](/psalms/119-104 "Psalm 119:104 - Understanding Through God's Precepts")
* [Jeremiah 16:11-12](/jeremiah/16-11-12 "Jeremiah 16:11-12 - Following Ancestral Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 2:4 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask whether we truly revere God's Word or if we, like Judah, are guilty of despising it through neglect, selective obedience, or outright rejection of its truths. In a world saturated with competing narratives and "lies," the call to discern truth from falsehood is more critical than ever. We must actively guard against deceptive influences that would cause us to err from the path of righteousness. This verse also compels us to consider the legacy we are building. Are we perpetuating cycles of spiritual complacency or disobedience, or are we actively pursuing a deeper commitment to Christ and His commands, thereby setting a new, righteous path for future generations? Our relationship with God's Word is not merely intellectual assent but a matter of the heart, demanding active obedience and a profound love for His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Judah, be "despising the law of the LORD" through neglect, selective obedience, or outright rejection of biblical truths in my life?**
* **What "lies" or deceptive narratives in my culture or personal thinking might be causing me to "err" from God's path, and how can I actively counter them with biblical truth?**
* **Considering the "fathers have walked" aspect, what generational patterns of sin or spiritual lukewarmness might I need to break in my own life and family?**
* **How does my daily walk demonstrate a genuine love and reverence for God's commandments, rather than a mere intellectual acknowledgment?**

### FAQ

**What does "For three transgressions of Judah, and for four" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a common Hebrew literary idiom, often called a "numerical proverb" or "staircase parallelism." It does not mean that God counted exactly three or four specific sins. Instead, it signifies that Judah's transgressions have reached a complete, overflowing, and undeniable measure. It implies that their sins have accumulated to such an extent that divine patience has been exhausted, and judgment is now inevitable and fully deserved. It emphasizes the fullness and severity of their rebellion, making their punishment non-negotiable.

**What is "the law of the LORD" that Judah despised?**

Answer: "The law of the LORD" refers to the **Torah** (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_), which encompasses God's divine instruction, teaching, and revelation given primarily through Moses. This includes the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments")), the detailed statutes and ordinances found in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament), and the covenant stipulations that defined Israel's relationship with Yahweh. To "despise" this law meant to actively scorn, reject, and treat with contempt the very foundation of their national identity, their moral code, and their covenant with God. It was a rejection of God's wisdom and authority for their lives.

**How did "their lies cause them to err"?**

Answer: The "lies" (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_) that caused Judah to err likely refer to various forms of falsehood and deception. This could include the false prophecies from those who claimed to speak for God but led the people astray ([Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies")), the deceptive nature of idolatry (worshipping false gods who could not deliver on their promises, as seen in [Isaiah 44:20](/isaiah/44-20 "Isaiah 44:20 - The Folly of Idolatry")), or the widespread acceptance of social and moral untruths that contradicted God's righteous standards. These falsehoods created a distorted reality that pulled Judah away from the truth of God's covenant and led them into spiritual and moral wandering, causing them to stray from the path of obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 2:4, with its stark declaration of judgment against Judah for despising God's law and being led astray by lies, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. The "law of the LORD" that Judah failed to keep and actively despised finds its perfect embodiment and fulfillment in Christ, who lived a life of flawless obedience to every divine commandment ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "punishment" that Judah faced for their "transgressions" was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, as He became the substitute for humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the wrath due to our rebellion against God's law ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Furthermore, where Judah was led astray by "lies," Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), offering liberation from all falsehood and deception. Through His atoning sacrifice and His Spirit, believers are empowered to no longer despise God's law but to have it written on their hearts, enabling them to walk in obedience and truth, breaking the generational cycles of sin that once ensnared humanity ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the judgment pronounced in Amos 2:4 highlights the desperate need for a Savior who would perfectly fulfill the law and pay the penalty for its transgression, a need fully met in Jesus Christ.

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 20:24

Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.

Ezekiel 20:13

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Ezekiel 20:16

Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Isaiah 28:15

Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

Jeremiah 16:19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

Jeremiah 16:20

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?