Amos 1:9 (KJV)

What does Amos 1:9 mean?

Amos 1:9 says that God will not withhold punishment from the city of Tyre (Tyrus) because they betrayed a covenant of brotherhood by handing over an entire group of captives to Edom. The verse highlights Tyre’s guilt for breaking trust and acting with cruelty toward their neighbors.

In this verse, the prophet Amos is speaking God’s message to the people, specifically addressing Tyre, a powerful port city. The situation involves Tyre’s role in delivering prisoners to Edom, despite a previous agreement or relationship described as a "brotherly covenant." This betrayal is presented as a serious offense, showing how Tyre’s actions broke both moral and relational obligations.

The Hebrew behind Amos 1:9

• "Transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word refers to deliberate acts of rebellion or breaking trust, not just accidental wrongdoing. Here, it emphasizes that Tyre’s actions were willful betrayals.
• "Brotherly" (אָח, ach): This word means "brother" or "brotherly," pointing to a close relationship or alliance. The verse accuses Tyre of forgetting or ignoring this bond, making their betrayal more serious.
• "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a formal agreement or treaty. The mention of a "brotherly covenant" suggests there was a recognized pact of friendship or alliance that Tyre disregarded.

Why Amos 1:9 matters

• Amos 1:9 clarifies that God holds nations accountable not only for violence but also for breaking trust and agreements, especially when those involve close relationships.
• The verse connects Tyre’s actions to a wider pattern of betrayal and cruelty among neighboring nations, setting the stage for Amos’s broader message about justice.
• Understanding the "brotherly covenant" highlights that Tyre’s sin was not just political, but also a personal and moral failure to honor a relationship that should have been respected.