Amos 2:6

KJV

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; For three {H7969} transgressions {H6588} of Israel {H3478}, and for four {H702}, I will not turn away {H7725} the punishment thereof; because they sold {H4376} the righteous {H6662} for silver {H3701}, and the poor {H34} for a pair of shoes {H5275};

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "For Isra'el's three crimes, no, four - I will not reverse it because they sell the upright for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes,

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Israel, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 2:6 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, declaring God's unyielding judgment for their profound social injustices. The verse highlights Israel's egregious moral failures, specifically their perversion of justice through the exploitation of the vulnerable, selling the righteous into servitude for mere silver and devaluing the poor to the worth of a trivial item like a pair of shoes. This accumulated wickedness, symbolized by the "three transgressions... and for four," signifies that Israel's sin had reached a point of no return, necessitating an inevitable and irreversible divine reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 2:6 concludes a series of oracles against surrounding nations (Amos 1:3-2:3) and Judah (Amos 2:4-5), culminating in a climactic and severe indictment against Israel, God's covenant people. The recurring rhetorical formula, "For three transgressions of X, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof," builds suspense and emphasizes the overflowing measure of sin that has exhausted divine patience. The transition from external nations to Judah, and then to Israel, underscores the principle that judgment begins with the house of God, holding Israel to a higher standard due to their unique covenant relationship. This verse marks the point where Amos shifts from general condemnation to specific, detailed accusations against Israel's internal moral decay, setting the stage for the deeper expositions of their injustices found throughout the rest of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos was delivered during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 793-753 BCE), a period of relative peace and economic flourishing. However, this prosperity was unevenly distributed, leading to stark social stratification. The wealthy elite often accumulated land and power at the expense of the poor, leveraging debt and corrupt legal systems. Cultural norms of the ancient Near East, while varying, generally held a degree of respect for legal proceedings, but bribery and perversion of justice were persistent temptations. The specific charges in Amos 2:6—selling the righteous and the poor—point to the abuse of legal processes, perhaps through false accusations, unjust judgments, or the enforcement of harsh debt slavery laws that stripped individuals of their dignity and freedom for minimal gain. This context highlights a society that had abandoned the foundational principles of justice and compassion enshrined in the Mosaic Law, despite outward religious observance.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 2:6 is central to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Social Injustice**, demonstrating how Israel's prosperity had led to systemic oppression of the vulnerable and a perversion of legal integrity. This is a recurring motif, as seen in Amos's later condemnations of those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth" ([Amos 2:7](/amos/2-7 "Amos 2:7 - Oppression of the Poor")) or "oppress the poor, crush the needy" ([Amos 4:1](/amos/4-1 "Amos 4:1 - Cows of Bashan")). Secondly, the verse highlights the severity of **Covenant Violation**. Unlike the surrounding nations, Israel had a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, obligating them to uphold justice and righteousness. Their failure to do so, particularly in their treatment of the marginalized, constituted a profound betrayal of their divine calling and a direct affront to God's character, who is depicted as a defender of the poor and oppressed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3-4 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defending the Poor and Needy")). Finally, the declaration "I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" underscores the theme of **Inevitable Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that God's patience had run out, and His righteous wrath would be unleashed upon a nation that had so flagrantly disregarded His moral law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From a root meaning "to rebel" or "to revolt," this term signifies a deliberate and defiant breach of a covenant or moral law. In Amos 2:6, it denotes Israel's intentional and cumulative acts of rebellion against God's righteous standards, particularly through their social and judicial corruption, which had reached an unbearable threshold.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** This word describes someone who is just, innocent, and in right standing, often in a legal or ethical sense. The selling of the "righteous" implies that innocent individuals, perhaps those falsely accused or unable to pay unjust debts, were condemned and enslaved, highlighting a profound perversion of justice within Israel's society.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʼebyôwn'_):** This term refers to the destitute, the needy, or the beggar, emphasizing their state of extreme vulnerability and dependence. The exploitation of the "poor" for trivial gain underscores the callous disregard for human dignity and the systemic oppression of those least able to defend themselves, a direct violation of God's commands to care for the marginalized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority of the message, indicating that the following indictment comes directly from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The numerical formula "three... and for four" is a rhetorical device signifying a complete, overflowing, and overwhelming measure of sin, beyond which God's patience is exhausted. It implies that Israel's accumulated wickedness has reached a critical mass, making divine judgment irreversible and inevitable. The phrase "I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" declares God's unwavering resolve to execute this judgment.
* **"because they sold the righteous for silver,":** This clause specifies the first major transgression: the perversion of justice for financial gain. "Selling the righteous" likely refers to judicial corruption where innocent people were unjustly condemned, perhaps through bribery, false witness, or manipulation of debt laws, leading to their enslavement or exploitation. The "silver" represents the corrupting influence of wealth, prioritizing profit over justice and human dignity.
* **"and the poor for a pair of shoes;":** This second specific transgression vividly illustrates the extreme devaluation of human life and the depth of Israel's depravity. The "pair of shoes" symbolizes something of minimal value, suggesting that the poor were exploited or enslaved for the most trivial debts or for negligible profit. This highlights a society that had lost all moral compass, valuing human beings, made in God's image, less than an inexpensive, disposable item, demonstrating a profound callousness towards the most vulnerable.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 2:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. The most prominent is the **Numerical Progression** (or "x and x+1" formula) in "For three transgressions... and for four." This rhetorical device is not meant to be a literal count but rather a stylistic way to indicate a full, overflowing, and even excessive measure of sin, signifying that Israel's iniquity has reached its absolute limit, leaving no room for divine forbearance. Furthermore, the phrase "and the poor for a pair of shoes" functions as a potent **Understatement** of the value of human life, simultaneously acting as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme triviality for which justice was perverted and people were enslaved. It shockingly highlights the utter contempt with which the vulnerable were treated. Finally, the structure "they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes" utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause reinforces and intensifies the meaning of the first, underscoring the pervasive nature of economic exploitation and judicial corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 2:6 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His profound concern for the oppressed. Theologically, it reveals that true worship and covenant faithfulness are inextricably linked to ethical conduct, particularly the treatment of the vulnerable. Israel's failure to uphold justice, despite their religious rituals, demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of God's character and their covenant obligations. This verse underscores the prophetic tradition's emphasis that social righteousness is not merely an ethical ideal but a theological imperative, a direct reflection of one's relationship with a just and righteous God. The selling of the righteous and the poor for trivial gain is an affront to the divine image in humanity and a perversion of the very foundations of a godly society.

* [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.")
* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.")
* [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 2:6 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for individuals and societies today. It challenges us to examine our own lives and the systems we participate in, asking whether our pursuit of prosperity or comfort comes at the expense of justice and human dignity. The "silver" and "pair of shoes" can manifest in myriad forms: exploitative labor practices, predatory lending, discriminatory policies, or even apathetic silence in the face of injustice. This verse calls believers to a radical commitment to righteousness, reminding us that our faith is not merely a private spiritual exercise but a public declaration that demands active engagement in advocating for the marginalized and dismantling oppressive structures. It compels us to cultivate a heart that values human life above all material gain and to remember that God takes the cries of the oppressed seriously, holding all accountable for their treatment of the least of these.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently "selling the righteous for silver" or "the poor for a pair of shoes" in today's context?**
* **How does my daily life and consumer choices reflect God's heart for justice and the dignity of all people?**
* **What specific actions can I take to advocate for the vulnerable and challenge systemic injustices in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does the "inevitable judgment" in Amos 2:6 shape my understanding of God's character and the urgency of pursuing righteousness?**

### FAQ

**What does "three transgressions... and for four" mean in Amos 2:6?**

Answer: This phrase is a common Hebrew numerical proverb or rhetorical device, often called an "x and x+1" formula. It is not meant to be a literal count of Israel's sins but rather emphasizes that their transgressions have reached a full, overflowing, and even excessive measure. It signifies that God's patience has been exhausted, and their cumulative wickedness has reached a point of no return, making divine judgment inevitable and irreversible. It underscores the severity and abundance of their sin.

**How does "selling the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes" illustrate Israel's sin?**

Answer: This vivid imagery powerfully illustrates the depth of Israel's moral corruption and their profound disregard for human dignity. "Selling the righteous for silver" points to a corrupt legal system where innocent people were unjustly condemned, enslaved, or exploited for monetary gain, possibly through bribery or the manipulation of debt laws. The phrase "and the poor for a pair of shoes" further intensifies this by showing the extreme devaluation of human life; it suggests that the poor were exploited or enslaved for the most trivial debts or for negligible profit, valuing a human being less than an inexpensive, disposable item. It highlights a society that prioritized material gain over justice, compassion, and the inherent worth of individuals made in God's image, a direct violation of the covenant principles found throughout the Law, such as those protecting the vulnerable in [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 2:6, with its searing indictment of injustice and exploitation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. First, Jesus Himself perfectly embodies the "righteous" one who was "sold for silver" ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")), betrayed for a paltry sum, and unjustly condemned to death, though He was utterly innocent. His suffering and sacrifice on the cross represent the ultimate act of God's justice and mercy, where the righteous Lamb of God bore the sins of the unrighteous ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins")). Second, Jesus consistently identified with and championed the cause of the poor and marginalized, declaring that true righteousness is demonstrated in care for "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")). His ministry was a living commentary on Amos's call for justice, challenging the religious hypocrisy that neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Finally, while Amos prophesied an inevitable judgment for Israel's transgressions, Christ's atoning work offers a path to forgiveness and restoration for those who turn from their own injustices and embrace His righteousness. Believers are now called to live as agents of His kingdom, pursuing justice and righteousness not out of fear of judgment, but out of love for the One who was sold for us, reflecting His character to a world still plagued by the very injustices Amos condemned ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

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

Joel 3:3

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

Micah 3:2

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;

Micah 3:3

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Amos 5:12

For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate [from their right].

Micah 6:10

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?

Micah 6:16

For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.