Amos 3:3

KJV

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

KJV (with Strong's)

Can two {H8147} walk {H3212} together {H3162}, except {H1115} they be agreed {H3259}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Do two people travel together without having so agreed?

Berean Standard Bible

Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?

American Standard Version

Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 3:3 presents a profound rhetorical question, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?", serving as a foundational principle within Amos's prophetic message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse encapsulates the essential truth that genuine fellowship, partnership, or a shared journey necessitates a fundamental alignment of purpose, direction, and will. In its immediate context, it highlights the irreconcilable disparity between God's holy character and covenant expectations, and Israel's persistent disobedience, idolatry, and social injustice, thereby justifying the impending divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 3 opens with a direct address to "the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt," immediately establishing Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Verse 2, "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities," sets the stage by affirming God's special, intimate knowledge of Israel, which paradoxically necessitates judgment for their unfaithfulness. Amos 3:3 then introduces the first of several rhetorical questions (3:3-6) that function as a series of undeniable cause-and-effect statements, demonstrating the logical necessity of God's actions. These questions are designed to elicit an obvious "no" or "yes" answer, compelling the audience to acknowledge the inevitable consequences of their actions and the justness of God's impending judgment. The "walking together" of verse 3 is a metaphor for a shared journey or relationship, implying that Israel's lack of agreement with God's will makes their continued "walk" with Him impossible, thus explaining the coming divine reckoning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC). Despite outward national strength and economic stability, this era was marked by profound spiritual decay and social injustice. The people had largely abandoned the covenant stipulations given at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"), engaging in widespread idolatry (worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and Baal worship), gross immorality, and oppression of the poor and vulnerable. Amos, a shepherd and fig-picker from Tekoa in Judah (Amos 1:1), was called by God to deliver a stern message of judgment to this complacent and unfaithful nation. His prophecies often contrasted Israel's privileged status as God's chosen people with their egregious violations of the covenant, emphasizing that their unique relationship with God demanded a higher standard of faithfulness, not immunity from judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 3:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Judgment**. God's "knowing" of Israel (Amos 3:2) refers to a covenantal relationship, implying mutual obligations. Israel's failure to uphold their end of the covenant, particularly their rampant injustice and idolatry, meant they were no longer "agreed" with God, making judgment an inevitable consequence of their rebellion. This verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, portraying God as actively involved in the affairs of His people, holding them accountable for their actions. The rhetorical questions highlight God's righteous character and the logical progression of His judgment. Furthermore, it speaks to the **Nature of True Fellowship**, emphasizing that any genuine relationship, especially with a holy God, demands alignment of will, purpose, and character. The inability of two to "walk together" without agreement foreshadows the coming separation and exile that would befall Israel due to their persistent unfaithfulness, as detailed throughout [Amos's prophecies](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - Seek the Lord and Live").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **walk (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement, often in a literal sense of physical progression, but frequently used metaphorically to describe one's conduct, manner of life, or relationship. Here, it denotes a shared journey or ongoing relationship. To "walk with God" (as in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walked with God")) implies intimate communion, shared purpose, and alignment of direction.
* **together (Hebrew, _yachad'_):** Derived from a root meaning "a unit," this word emphasizes unity, solidarity, or being united. It speaks to a shared existence or action, implying a common path or destination. In the context of the verse, it highlights the impossibility of maintaining a unified journey or relationship when the parties involved are not in accord.
* **agreed (Hebrew, _yâʻad'_):** This root means "to fix upon by agreement or appointment," "to meet at a stated time," or "to summon." It implies a deliberate, intentional coming together based on a prior arrangement, understanding, or common purpose. It's not merely a casual consensus but a pre-established, binding commitment or alignment. The passive form used here ("be agreed") suggests a state of having come to an agreement or having been appointed to meet. For God and Israel, it refers to the terms of the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Can two walk together,"**: This initial clause poses a rhetorical question, immediately inviting the listener to consider the fundamental nature of partnership and shared journey. The "two" implicitly refers to God and Israel in the immediate context, but the principle is universal. The act of "walking together" signifies an ongoing, sustained relationship, a shared path in life, or a common endeavor. The question's structure implies an obvious negative answer, setting up the condition that follows.
* **"except they be agreed?"**: This concluding clause provides the necessary condition for the "walking together" to occur. The Hebrew word for "agreed" (from _yâʻad_) carries the connotation of a deliberate appointment, a mutual understanding, or a settled purpose. It's not just a superficial accord but a deep alignment of will, direction, and values. The rhetorical question thus asserts that a shared journey is impossible without such fundamental agreement. In the divine-human relationship, this "agreement" refers to Israel's adherence to the terms of the covenant God established with them, which they had demonstrably violated.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 3:3 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, which is a question asked not to elicit an answer but to make a point or to produce an effect. By posing "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?", Amos compels his audience to acknowledge the self-evident truth that partnership requires alignment, thereby leading them to the inescapable conclusion about their own fractured relationship with God. This question also functions as a **Metaphor**, where "walking together" symbolizes a relationship or a shared journey. The physical act of walking side-by-side represents the spiritual and covenantal fellowship between God and Israel. The inability to walk together without agreement underscores the brokenness of their covenant relationship. Furthermore, the "two" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (two individuals) stands for the whole (any parties in a relationship or partnership), making the principle universally applicable beyond the immediate context of God and Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 3:3 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of relationship, particularly between a holy God and His covenant people. It underscores that God's character demands a reciprocal response of faithfulness and obedience from those with whom He enters into covenant. The "agreement" is not a negotiation of terms, but an acknowledgment and submission to God's revealed will and righteous standards. Israel's persistent idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption demonstrated a fundamental disagreement with God's character and covenant, making continued fellowship impossible without divine intervention (judgment). This principle reveals God's unwavering justice and His commitment to the integrity of His own character, showing that He cannot "walk" in partnership with unrighteousness. It highlights that true spiritual communion requires a shared moral compass and a unified purpose, ultimately rooted in God's holiness.

* [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walked with God")
* [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in Light and Fellowship")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless truth embedded in Amos 3:3 resonates deeply with both our individual walk with God and our human relationships. For the believer, "walking with God" implies an intentional, daily alignment of our will, desires, and actions with His revealed Word and the leading of His Spirit. When our lives are characterized by unconfessed sin, disobedience, or a pursuit of worldly values that contradict God's commands, we are, in essence, out of "agreement" with Him, and our fellowship becomes hindered. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination: are we truly seeking to walk in step with God, or are we charting our own course? It reminds us that spiritual intimacy is not passive; it requires active submission and a conscious decision to meet God on His terms. In our human relationships—especially marriage, friendships, and partnerships—the principle holds equally true. Shared values, mutual respect, clear communication, and a common purpose are indispensable for a healthy, sustainable connection. Disagreement on fundamental issues or a lack of shared vision inevitably leads to friction, distance, and potential separation. This verse challenges us to cultivate intentional agreement in all our relationships, prioritizing unity and shared purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be out of "agreement" with God's revealed will or character?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better align my daily walk with God's purposes and commands?**
* **How does the principle of "agreement" apply to my most significant human relationships (e.g., marriage, family, church community)?**
* **What might be the consequences in my life if I continue to walk in disagreement with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "agreed" mean in the context of Amos 3:3?**

Answer: In Amos 3:3, "agreed" (from the Hebrew _yâʻad_) signifies more than just a casual consensus. It refers to a deliberate, intentional coming together based on a prior appointment, mutual understanding, or a settled, common purpose. For God and Israel, it points to the terms of the covenant established between them. Israel's unfaithfulness and disobedience demonstrated a fundamental breach of this "agreement," making their continued "walk" or fellowship with God impossible without divine intervention or judgment. It implies a shared direction, values, and commitment.

**Is Amos 3:3 only about God and Israel, or does it have broader application?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Amos 3:3 is indeed the relationship between God and His covenant people, Israel, the principle it articulates is universally applicable. The rhetorical question is designed to highlight a self-evident truth about the nature of any shared journey or relationship. Whether it's a marriage, a business partnership, a friendship, or a church community, genuine and sustainable fellowship requires a fundamental alignment of purpose, values, and will. The verse serves as a timeless wisdom principle, demonstrating that divergence in these areas inevitably leads to discord and separation. It underscores the importance of seeking unity and shared vision in all our relationships, both with God and with others, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 3:3, with its emphasis on the necessity of agreement for a shared walk, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, separated from God by sin, was fundamentally out of "agreement" with His holy nature and righteous demands. The Old Covenant, though revealing God's will, could not bridge this chasm because of humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill its terms. However, Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, entered into our human condition, perfectly fulfilling the Law and offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, making it possible for humanity to be reconciled to God and once again "walk together" with Him. He is the "Way, the Truth, and the Life" (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and it is only through Him that we can come into agreement with God. By grace, through faith in Christ, believers are justified and receive the Holy Spirit, who indwells them, enabling them to walk in newness of life (as described in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). This spiritual union with Christ means our will is progressively aligned with God's, allowing for true fellowship and a shared journey with the Father, a peace that was once impossible (as found in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Christ")). Thus, Jesus is the very means by which the two—God and humanity—can finally walk together in perfect agreement.

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 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Genesis 5:22

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

Genesis 6:9

These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.