Amos 3:10

KJV

For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they know {H3045} not to do {H6213} right {H5229}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, who store {H686} up violence {H2555} and robbery {H7701} in their palaces {H759}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they don't know how to do right," says ADONAI. "They store up violence and robbery in their palaces."

Berean Standard Bible

“For they know not how to do right,” declares the LORD. “They store up violence and destruction in their citadels.”

American Standard Version

For they know not to do right, saith Jehovah, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 3:10 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the ruling elite of ancient Israel, particularly in Samaria, for their profound moral corruption and systemic injustice. The verse reveals that their willful ignorance of righteousness has led them to amass wealth and power through pervasive acts of violence and robbery, transforming their very palaces into storehouses of ill-gotten gain. This declaration from the LORD underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His impending judgment on a people who have flagrantly disregarded their covenant responsibilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 3:10 is strategically placed within a section where the prophet Amos establishes the undeniable connection between Israel's sin and God's impending judgment. The preceding verses (Amos 3:3-8) employ a series of rhetorical questions and cause-and-effect analogies (e.g., "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?") to demonstrate that God's actions are not arbitrary but are a direct, logical response to Israel's rebellion. Specifically, Amos 3:9 calls upon pagan nations—Ashdod and Egypt—to witness the "great tumults" and "oppressions" within Samaria, highlighting the shocking extent of Israel's moral decay, which was so egregious that even gentile nations could perceive its wickedness. Verse 10 then provides the specific nature of this internal corruption, pinpointing the source of the tumults as the unjust practices of the powerful.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos was delivered during the reign of Jeroboam II in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (circa 760-750 BC), a period marked by significant economic prosperity and territorial expansion. However, this affluence was primarily concentrated among the elite, leading to a stark social stratification. The cultural norms of the time, while outwardly religious, had become deeply corrupted by a syncretistic blend of Yahwism and pagan practices, fostering a disregard for the covenant's social justice mandates. Geographically, Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was a hub of wealth and power, and its "palaces" (mentioned in the verse) were literal symbols of the ruling class's opulence, often built and maintained through the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable. This context underscores that the "violence and robbery" were not isolated incidents but systemic issues perpetrated by those in positions of authority.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 3:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Systemic Injustice and Oppression**, revealing how the powerful in Israel had institutionalized exploitation, accumulating wealth through illicit means rather than righteous labor. This contrasts sharply with God's demand for justice to "roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" as articulated in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down"). Secondly, the phrase "they know not to do right" highlights **Moral Blindness and Willful Ignorance**, suggesting a profound ethical disorientation where the elite had become so detached from God's standards that they could no longer discern or practice righteousness. Thirdly, the reference to "palaces" underscores the **Corruption of the Elite**, pinpointing the leaders and wealthy as the primary perpetrators and beneficiaries of this injustice, whose luxurious lifestyles were built on the suffering of others. Finally, the declaration "saith the LORD" reinforces the theme of **Divine Accountability**, emphasizing that God Himself is the accuser and judge, holding His people to account for their moral and covenantal failings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this word signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and practical knowledge. When applied to "not to do right," it implies a profound ethical disorientation and a willful refusal to acknowledge or implement God's righteous standards in their daily lives and societal structures. Their ignorance was not due to a lack of information, but a deliberate detachment from the practical outworking of righteousness.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this term refers to physical force, wrong, and unjust gain. It encompasses cruel acts, damage, and oppression. In Amos 3:10, it points to the active, aggressive wrongdoing and exploitation perpetrated by the powerful, often involving physical or economic coercion against the vulnerable.
* **robbery (Hebrew, _shôd'_):** From H7701, this word denotes ravage, desolation, destruction, oppression, and spoiling. While similar to "violence," "robbery" specifically highlights the act of plundering and seizing possessions or resources unjustly. Together with "violence," it paints a picture of a predatory elite systematically dispossessing others for their own gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they know not to do right":** This clause reveals a fundamental spiritual and moral blindness. It's not just that they fail to do what is right, but they have lost the very capacity to discern or understand what righteousness entails. Their moral compass is broken, not due to ignorance of the law, but a hardened heart that has rejected God's standards and become accustomed to injustice.
* **"saith the LORD":** This parenthetical phrase serves as a divine authentication of the indictment. It emphasizes that this is not merely Amos's opinion or a human observation, but a direct declaration from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the absolute authority and certainty of the judgment being pronounced.
* **"who store up violence and robbery in their palaces":** This powerful accusation describes the practical manifestation of their moral corruption. The phrase "store up" (H686, _ʼâtsar'_) implies a deliberate, continuous accumulation of wealth and power, not through legitimate means, but through "violence" and "robbery." The mention of "palaces" (H759, _ʼarmôwn'_) specifically targets the elite—the kings, nobles, and wealthy landowners—whose luxurious dwellings were built and maintained by the spoils of their oppressive practices, turning their symbols of power into monuments of their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 3:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is evident in the statement "they know not to do right," as those in power, who should be the custodians of justice, are depicted as fundamentally ignorant of it, even while actively perpetrating its opposite. This suggests a willful, self-serving blindness rather than an innocent lack of understanding. The phrase "store up violence and robbery" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "violence and robbery" stand for the ill-gotten gains derived from these actions. It also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the sheer scale and systematic nature of their corruption; they are not just committing isolated acts, but accumulating injustice as if it were a commodity. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "palaces" serves as a powerful **Symbol** of the elite's opulence and the seat of their power, directly linking their luxurious lifestyle to the unjust means by which it was acquired.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 3:10 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding character as a God of justice and righteousness, who holds His covenant people to the highest standards of ethical conduct. The verse reveals that true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent but an active embodiment of His moral will, particularly in how one treats the vulnerable. The "storing up" of violence and robbery exposes the deep-seated corruption that had permeated the very structures of Israelite society, where wealth was accumulated at the expense of justice. This systemic injustice is a direct affront to God's nature and His covenant demands, making judgment inevitable. The passage serves as a timeless reminder that prosperity without piety, and power without justice, are an abomination to the Lord.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16-17 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - Wash and Make Yourselves Clean")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To Do Righteousness and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 3:10 is a piercing mirror for every generation, challenging us to examine the foundations of our prosperity and the integrity of our societal structures. It confronts the insidious danger of becoming so accustomed to injustice that we lose the capacity to even "know to do right." This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of how wealth is accumulated and power is exercised, both individually and corporately. Are our "palaces"—our homes, businesses, or institutions—built on practices that exploit or marginalize others, or are they founded on righteousness and compassion? We are called not merely to avoid wrongdoing, but to actively pursue and advocate for justice, ensuring that our pursuit of gain does not come at the cost of human dignity or God's moral standards. The prophetic voice of Amos compels us to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to injustice and committed to living out God's righteous character in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the institutions I am part of, be "storing up" gain through practices that are not fully righteous, even if legally permissible?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper "knowing" of what is right, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to active, compassionate engagement with justice?**
* **What specific actions can I take to challenge systemic injustices in my community or sphere of influence, rather than passively accepting them?**
* **How does the pursuit of personal or corporate prosperity sometimes blind us to the ethical implications of our actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "they know not to do right" truly imply about the people of Israel?**

Answer: This phrase (using the Hebrew word _yâdaʻ_) implies more than a simple lack of information or intellectual ignorance. It suggests a profound moral and spiritual blindness, a willful refusal to acknowledge or apply God's righteous standards. It means they had become so morally corrupt and accustomed to their unjust practices that they had lost the capacity to discern or even care about what was truly right in God's eyes. Their actions were not accidental errors but stemmed from a hardened heart that had rejected the very foundation of justice, which God had revealed to them through the Law and prophets. It speaks to a deep ethical disorientation that had permeated their society, particularly among the elite.

**Why is the mention of "palaces" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "palaces" (Hebrew _ʼarmôwn_) is highly significant because it specifically targets the wealthy and powerful elite of Israel, particularly those in Samaria. These were the leaders, nobles, and affluent merchants who resided in luxurious dwellings, symbolizing their status and authority. By stating that they "store up violence and robbery in their palaces," Amos is directly accusing those in positions of power of being the primary perpetrators and beneficiaries of the systemic injustice. Their opulence was not earned legitimately but accumulated through exploitation, fraud, and oppression of the vulnerable. The palaces, therefore, become a stark symbol of their sin—monuments built on the suffering and ill-gotten gains, rather than on righteousness and equity, as God's covenant required (compare [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18-20 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Justice for All")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 3:10, with its stark indictment of Israel's elite for their systemic injustice and moral blindness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Amos condemns those who "know not to do right" and store up violence, Jesus perfectly embodied righteousness, always knowing and doing the will of His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - I Always Do What Pleases Him")). He consistently exposed the hypocrisy and injustice of the religious and political leaders of His day, who, like those in Amos's time, often prioritized their own power and prestige over true justice and compassion for the marginalized ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, where the "palaces" of Israel's elite were filled with the spoils of violence and robbery, Christ's kingdom is built not on oppression but on self-sacrificial love and righteousness. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering true cleansing from the violence and injustice that human sin perpetuates. Ultimately, Jesus, the righteous King, will return to establish a kingdom where justice reigns supreme, and all forms of oppression are abolished, fulfilling the deepest longings for righteousness that prophets like Amos cried out for ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Zephaniah 1:9

In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Psalms 14:4

¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.