6 This is what the Lord says: "For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not relent. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom,

Other Translations of Amos 1:6

King James Version

6 Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive away captive...: or, them away with an entire the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom:

English Standard Version

6 Thus says the Lord: "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they carried into exile a whole people to deliver them up to Edom.

The Message

6 God's Message: "Because of the three great sins of Gaza - make that four - I'm not putting up with her any longer. She deported whole towns and then sold the people to Edom.

New King James Version

6 Thus says the Lord: "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom.

New Living Translation

6 This is what the Lord says: "The people of Gaza have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished! They sent whole villages into exile, selling them as slaves to Edom.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 1:6

Chapter Contents

Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, and Ammonites.

GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!