Amos 5:14

KJV

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seek {H1875} good {H2896}, and not evil {H7451}, that ye may live {H2421}: and so the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of hosts {H6635}, shall be with you, as ye have spoken {H559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Seek good and not evil, so that you will survive. Then Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot will be with you, as you say he is.

Berean Standard Bible

Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed.

American Standard Version

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be with you, as ye say.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:14 delivers a profound prophetic imperative to the people of Israel, urging them to abandon their widespread moral corruption and religious hypocrisy in favor of actively pursuing righteousness and justice. This divine command is presented as the prerequisite for experiencing true spiritual vitality and the life-giving, covenantal presence of the LORD, directly challenging their superficial claims of divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5:14 is situated within a powerful section of prophetic discourse that includes both lament and a fervent call to repentance. Following a somber dirge over the fallen house of Israel (Amos 5:1-3) and a condemnation of their misguided religious pilgrimages to Bethel and Gilgal (Amos 5:4-5), Amos issues a direct, urgent plea for the people to "seek the LORD and live" (Amos 5:6). This verse, Amos 5:14, reiterates and clarifies that call, defining what "seeking the LORD" truly entails—a radical shift from evil to good. It immediately precedes further warnings of impending judgment and a scathing indictment of their oppressive social practices and empty religious rituals (Amos 5:15-27), emphasizing that their outward piety is an abomination to God without accompanying justice and righteousness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793–753 BC). This era was marked by significant economic growth and territorial expansion, creating an illusion of divine blessing and security. However, beneath this veneer of success, rampant social injustice, oppression of the poor and vulnerable, and widespread moral decay festered. Religious practices, though outwardly observed, had become hollow and syncretistic, devoid of genuine heart transformation or adherence to God's covenant demands for justice and righteousness. The people presumed God's presence and favor simply because they were "God's chosen people," despite their flagrant disobedience. Amos, a shepherd and fig-picker from Judah, was sent by God to expose this disconnect and call Israel back to a right relationship with their covenant Lord.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 5:14 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Amos and the broader prophetic tradition. Primarily, it underscores the **call to ethical righteousness and social justice**, emphasizing that true worship is inseparable from right living. The command to "seek good, and not evil" is a direct challenge to Israel's oppressive practices and moral laxity, highlighting that God demands active pursuit of justice, not mere avoidance of sin. Secondly, the verse presents the **conditional nature of divine blessing and presence**, linking "life" and God's "being with you" directly to their obedience. This challenges their complacent assumption of God's unconditional favor, reminding them of the covenant's stipulations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life")). Finally, the concluding phrase, "as ye have spoken," powerfully exposes the pervasive **religious hypocrisy** of the nation, where their words and claims about God's presence stood in stark contrast to their actual conduct. This theme of exposing empty ritual and demanding genuine righteousness is central to Amos's entire message, as seen in his condemnation of their festivals and offerings in [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Despises Empty Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root (H1875) signifies more than a casual inquiry; it implies a diligent, earnest pursuit, a treading or frequenting with the purpose of following or searching. In a spiritual context, it means to inquire of God, to worship, or to make inquisition. Here, it denotes an active, intentional, and persistent effort to find and adhere to "good." It is not a passive waiting but an energetic quest for righteousness.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Derived from H2896, this word is expansive in its meaning. As an adjective, it describes something beautiful, beneficial, pleasant, or morally upright. As a noun, it can refer to a good thing, a good deed, or even prosperity and welfare. In Amos 5:14, "good" encompasses moral excellence, ethical behavior, and actions that align with God's character and covenant demands, particularly in the realm of justice and compassion towards others. It is the opposite of wickedness and harm.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root (H2421) means to live, whether literally or figuratively. It can signify physical existence, but also spiritual vitality, well-being, recovery, and revival. In this context, "that ye may live" refers to more than mere survival; it points to a flourishing, blessed existence, both individually and nationally, characterized by peace, prosperity, and a right relationship with God, contrasting sharply with the death and destruction threatened by divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seek good, and not evil":** This is a direct, imperative command, forming the core of the prophet's message. It calls for a fundamental reorientation of Israel's priorities and actions. "Seeking good" implies an active, diligent pursuit of moral and ethical righteousness, particularly in their social and judicial dealings. It means embracing justice, compassion, and integrity. Conversely, "not evil" is a prohibition against wickedness, oppression, and all forms of conduct that violate God's law and harm their neighbors. The juxtaposition highlights a clear, binary choice: align with God's character or face His judgment.
* **"that ye may live":** This clause presents the direct consequence and divine promise linked to obedience. The "life" offered is comprehensive, encompassing not only physical existence but also spiritual vitality, national well-being, and a flourishing existence under God's favor. It is the antithesis of the death, destruction, and exile that would result from continued rebellion, emphasizing the life-giving nature of covenant faithfulness.
* **"and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you":** This part of the verse reveals the conditional nature of God's active, blessing presence. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and personal relationship with Israel, while "the God of hosts" (Elohim Sabaoth, H430, H6635) underscores His supreme power, sovereignty over all creation, and His capacity to execute both judgment and salvation. The promise of His presence is contingent upon their seeking good, indicating that their moral state directly impacts their experience of divine favor.
* **"as ye have spoken":** This concluding phrase serves as a sharp, ironic indictment of Israel's hypocrisy. They likely claimed to be God's people, believed He was with them, and perhaps even boasted of their covenant relationship. However, their actions—their pursuit of evil rather than good—contradicted their words. Amos exposes this profound disconnect, challenging them to align their conduct with their stated beliefs and the expectations of their covenant God. It implies a divine challenge to their false confidence.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Imperative** mood, as seen in "Seek good, and not evil," which functions as a direct, authoritative command from God through His prophet, demanding immediate action and a radical change in behavior. This command is immediately followed by a **Conditional Clause** ("that ye may live: and so the LORD... shall be with you"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and divine blessing. The verse also utilizes stark **Antithesis** by contrasting "good" and "evil," highlighting the mutually exclusive nature of these paths and forcing a clear choice upon the audience. Finally, the phrase "as ye have spoken" carries a strong element of **Irony** and **Sarcasm**, exposing the profound hypocrisy of the Israelite people whose stated beliefs about God's presence were utterly contradicted by their unrighteous actions. This rhetorical device serves to shame and convict them, underscoring the chasm between their profession and their practice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:14 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of God's relationship with His people and the essence of true religion. It unequivocally declares that God's presence and blessing are not automatic or based on mere lineage or ritualistic observance, but are intimately tied to ethical conduct and a genuine pursuit of righteousness. The "life" promised is a holistic well-being that flows from alignment with God's character and will, particularly His passion for justice. This verse underscores the prophetic emphasis that outward religious acts are meaningless, even offensive, to God if unaccompanied by a transformed heart and a commitment to living justly and compassionately. It challenges the complacent notion that God is obligated to bless His people regardless of their moral state, revealing Him as a holy God who demands integrity and holds His covenant partners accountable.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life or Death")
* [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 Yourselves and Seek Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to authentic faith and ethical living. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity or mere avoidance of overt sin, urging us instead toward an active, intentional pursuit of "good" in all spheres of life. This means diligently seeking justice, practicing compassion, upholding integrity, and demonstrating righteousness in our personal choices, relationships, and societal engagement. Our claim to be followers of Christ, or to have God's presence with us, must be substantiated by our actions, not just our words or religious affiliations. The promise of "life" and God's "being with us" is still tied to our alignment with His character and His kingdom values. This verse prompts us to examine whether our daily lives reflect a genuine seeking of God's good, or if we, like ancient Israel, are guilty of hypocrisy, claiming His name while pursuing our own desires or tolerating injustice around us. It is a call to live out our faith robustly and visibly, demonstrating the transformative power of God in a world desperately in need of true goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I actively "seeking good" rather than merely avoiding "evil"?**
* **How does my daily conduct align with my spoken confession of faith and belief in God's presence?**
* **What are practical steps I can take this week to pursue justice and compassion in my community or sphere of influence?**
* **Do I truly believe that God's active, life-giving presence is conditional upon my obedience, and how does that belief impact my choices?**

### FAQ

**What does "seek good, and not evil" practically mean for a modern believer?**

Answer: For a modern believer, "seeking good, and not evil" means actively pursuing righteousness, justice, and compassion in all aspects of life, rather than merely abstaining from obvious sins. Practically, this involves:
* **Ethical Conduct:** Making choices that reflect honesty, integrity, and fairness in business, relationships, and personal dealings.
* **Social Justice:** Advocating for the oppressed, challenging systemic injustices, and working towards equitable treatment for all, especially the vulnerable (as seen in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).
* **Loving Others:** Demonstrating active love for neighbors, enemies, and strangers, going beyond passive tolerance to intentional acts of kindness and service (cf. [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")).
* **Moral Discernment:** Actively choosing what aligns with God's character and commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, rather than passively conforming to societal norms or personal desires that are contrary to His will.
It's about proactive righteousness, not just reactive avoidance of sin.

**Is God's presence truly conditional, as implied by "and so the LORD... shall be with you"? Doesn't the New Testament teach that God is always with believers?**

Answer: This verse from Amos speaks to the covenantal presence of God, particularly His active, blessing, and life-giving presence that brings prosperity and well-being. In the Old Testament covenant, God's manifest presence and blessing were indeed conditional upon Israel's obedience and faithfulness. Their rebellion led to His withdrawal of favor and ultimately, judgment. While the New Testament reveals God's indwelling presence in believers through the Holy Spirit (e.g., [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")), this does not negate the principle that our obedience and pursuit of righteousness impact our *experience* of His blessing and the *effectiveness* of our witness. A believer living in unrepentant sin may still have the Spirit, but will not experience the fullness of God's life, peace, and power. The call to "seek good" is still essential for walking in the light and experiencing the manifest reality of God's presence and favor in our lives (cf. [1 John 1:6-7](/1_john/1-6-7 "1 John 1:6-7 - Walking in the Light")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 5:14 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament call to "seek good, and not evil, that ye may live" revealed humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill this command, Christ perfectly embodied the "good" that God demands. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), the [Good Teacher](/mark/10-18 "Mark 10:18 - No One is Good but God Alone"), and the very [embodiment of righteousness](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus addressed the "evil" that separates humanity from God, making it possible for us to be reconciled and empowered to truly "seek good." Furthermore, the promise "that ye may live" is fully realized in Christ, who declared Himself to be the [Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life") and came that we might have [life, and have it more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant"). Most significantly, the promise "and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you" is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who is [Immanuel, God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"), and who promised His disciples, "[I am with you always, even to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")". In Christ, God's presence is not merely conditional on our imperfect obedience, but is graciously given through faith, empowering us by His Spirit to genuinely pursue the good that reflects His character, thus aligning our lives with the very "spoken" truth of God's presence among His people.

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

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Genesis 39:2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.