15 This is the same Hebrew term that is translated “crimes” in the previous oracles (see at 1:3). The change to “covenant transgressions” reflects the probability that the prophet is condemning the nation of Israel for violating stipulations of the Mosaic Law.
16 Heb “Because of three violations of Judah, even because of four.” On the three … four style that introduces each of the judgment oracles of chaps. 1–2 see the note on the word “four” in .
17 Heb “I will not bring it [or “him”] back.” The translation understands the pronominal object to refer to the decree of judgment that follows; the referent (the decree) has been specified in the translation for clarity. For another option see the note on the word “judgment” in .
18 Or “instruction”; “teachings.”
19 Heb “lies.” This may very well be a derogatory term for idols (perhaps also at Ps. 40:4 [Heb 40:5]). Elsewhere false gods are called “vanities” (Deut 32:21; 1 Kgs 16:13, 26) and a delusion (Isa 66:3). In no other prophetic passages, however, are they called “lies.” The term could refer to the deceptions of false prophets (note Ezek 13:6–9; cf. Hab 2:3). See F. I. Andersen and D. N. Freedman, Amos (), .
20 Heb “after which their fathers walked.” The expression “to walk after” is an idiom meaning “to be loyal to.” See S. M. Paul, Amos (Hermeneia), . Here the idolatry of the parents carried over to the children, who persisted in worshiping the idols to which their fathers were loyal.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Thus says the Lord:

“For three transgressions of Judah,

and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,

because they have rejected the law of the Lord,

and have not kept his statutes,

but their lies have led them astray,

those after which their fathers walked.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

This is what the Lord says:

“For three sins of Judah,

even for four, I will not relent.

Because they have rejected the law of the Lord

and have not kept his decrees,

because they have been led astray by false gods,

the gods their ancestors followed,

CSBChristian Standard Bible

The Lord says:

I will not relent from punishing Judah

for three crimes, even four,

because they have rejected the instruction of the Lord

and have not kept his statutes.

The lies that their ancestors followed

have led them astray.

NLTNew Living Translation

This is what the Lord says:

“The people of Judah have sinned again and again,

and I will not let them go unpunished!

They have rejected the instruction of the Lord,

refusing to obey his decrees.

They have been led astray by the same lies

that deceived their ancestors.

Thus says Yahweh: “For three transgressions of Judah and for four I will not revoke the punishment, because they have rejected the law of Yahweh and have not kept his rules, and their lies have led them astray, after which their ancestors walked!

KJV 1900King James Version

Thus saith the Lord;

For three transgressions of Judah,

And for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;

Because they have despised the law of the Lord,

And have not kept his commandments,

And their lies caused them to err,

After the which their fathers have walked:

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Amos 2:4

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