Amos 5:15 (KJV)

What does Amos 5:15 mean?

Amos 5:15 calls the people to actively reject what is evil and to embrace what is good, urging them to make sure justice is carried out where decisions are made. The verse holds out hope that if they do this, the LORD God might show kindness to the small group of faithful people left among them.

Amos, a prophet speaking to the people of Israel, delivers this message during a time when injustice and corruption are common, especially among leaders and in the courts. The "gate" refers to the place in ancient cities where legal matters were settled. The verse makes clear that God values not just personal morality but also public justice, and that His grace is possible for those who remain faithful even when most have turned away.

The Hebrew behind Amos 5:15

• "Hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane'): This word means to have a strong aversion or rejection, not just mild dislike. Amos is calling for a clear, active stance against wrongdoing.
• "Evil" (רַע, ra'): This term covers moral wrong, harm, or injustice. The focus here is on actions and systems that are harmful or corrupt.
• "Establish" (יָצַב, yatsav): This word means to set up firmly or make something stand. The idea is not just to wish for justice but to make sure it is actually put into practice.
• "Gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): In ancient Israel, the gate was the center of community life and where legal cases were judged. Justice at the gate means justice in public life, not just in private.

Why Amos 5:15 matters

• Amos 5:15 shows that God cares deeply about justice in society, not just private religious devotion. The verse links personal morality ("hate evil, love good") with public responsibility ("establish judgment in the gate").
• The verse corrects the idea that God's grace is automatic; it is connected to the people's response to His call for justice and goodness.
• This verse ties into the larger message of Amos, where the prophet warns that religious rituals are empty if not matched by real justice and compassion in daily life.