that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse intentionally shifts from "possessing the remnant of Edom" in its original Hebrew to "that the residue of mankind may seek the Lord," highlighting that God's plan is about drawing all people into relationship with Him, not just conquest or possession. This subtle change, emphasized by James, reveals that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises isn't about earthly territory but about drawing diverse peoples to seek and know Him.
that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this pivotal council meeting in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders are grappling with a major question: do Gentile believers need to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be truly part of God's people? Peter and Paul have just shared powerful testimonies about God working among the Gentiles, leading James to quote this passage from Amos to show that God's plan has always included Gentiles seeking Him and being called by His name. This verse serves as a prophetic promise, assuring them that this inclusion of all nations is part of God's grand design.
Have you ever wondered if God's promises were only for one group of people? This verse shows us a stunning expansion of God's vision.
The verse quotes Amos 9:11-12, but with a crucial difference. The original Hebrew of Amos speaks of Israel possessing 'the remnant of Edom and all the heathen.' However, the Septuagint (an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) and James in Acts 15 change this to 'the residue of men' and 'all the Gentiles.'
A Subtle Shift, a Huge Meaning
What does it mean for God's name to be 'called upon' us? And what does seeking the Lord actually look like?
Ask a follow-up
This passage highlights two interconnected ideas: God's name being called upon people, and those people seeking Him.
Called By Name
Actively Seeking
In the midst of God's grand plans for humanity, who is ultimately in control? This verse gives us a powerful answer.
The verse concludes with a profound statement about God's active role: 'saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.' This isn't just a closing signature; it's a theological declaration.
God's Active Hand
The Present Tense of Divine Action
Understand the original words
kataloipon · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, a small portion of a larger group that remains faithful to God's covenant, often preserved through judgment to continue God's purpose. It reflects the idea that God always maintains a witness for Himself.
ethnos · Greek Noun
In this context, it refers to all people groups other than the Jews; those who were previously outside the covenantal promises but are now invited to participate in salvation through Christ.
This verse, quoted by James at the Jerusalem Council, draws from Amos' prophecy. The council's decision to welcome Gentiles without requiring adherence to Jewish law directly fulfilled God's ancient promise of including 'all the Gentiles' in His people.
c. 760 BC
Amos Prophesies
The prophet Amos delivers a message from God to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, including prophecies about the future restoration of David's fallen kingdom and the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. 200 BC - 150 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Bible is translated into Greek (the Septuagint), a version that becomes widely influential and is often quoted by New Testament writers.
c. AD 40s - 50s
Missionary Journeys
Paul and Barnabas undertake extensive missionary journeys, establishing churches among both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 50— this verse
Jerusalem Council Convenes
A pivotal council of apostles and elders meets in Jerusalem to address the controversial issue of whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, including circumcision.
This passage is the direct source of the quote in Acts 15:17, and it prophesies God restoring David's fallen tent so that the remnant of humanity and Gentiles would possess all the nations.
Isaiah 49:6This verse speaks of the Servant of the Lord being a light to the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth, showing God's long-held plan for Gentiles to be included.
Romans 15:9-11Paul quotes from various Old Testament passages, including Psalms and Deuteronomy, to demonstrate that God's plan from the beginning included Gentiles praising Him alongside Israel.
Zechariah 14:16-17This prophecy describes a future time when all who survive among the nations will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, showing a future of Gentile inclusion.
ellicottActs 15:17: "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."
(17) That the residue of men . . . —The Hebrew gives, as in our version, “That they may possess the remnant of Edom and of all the heathen which are called by my name.” The LXX. translators either paraphrased the passage, so as to give a wider and more general view of its teaching, or followed a reading in which the Hebrew for “man” ( Ad…
gillActs 15:17: "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord,.... The rebuilder and proprietor of this tabernacle, and who dwells in it; that is, attend his worship, pray unto him, and seek unto him for life and salvation: in Amos these are called, "the remnant of Edom": and design the remnant according to the election of grace among the Gentiles;…
The verse intentionally shifts from "possessing the remnant of Edom" in its original Hebrew to "that the residue of mankind may seek the Lord," highlighting that God's plan is about drawing all people into relationship with Him, not just conquest or possession. This subtle change, emphasized by James, reveals that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises isn't about earthly territory but about drawing diverse peoples to seek and know Him.
In this pivotal council meeting in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders are grappling with a major question: do Gentile believers need to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be truly part of God's people? Peter and Paul have just shared powerful testimonies about God working among the Gentiles, leading James to quote this passage from Amos to show that God's plan has always included Gentiles seeking Him and being called by His name. This verse serves as a prophetic promise, assuring them that this inclusion of all nations is part of God's grand design.
In this pivotal council meeting in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders are grappling with a major question: do Gentile believers need to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be truly part of God's people? Peter and Paul have just shared powerful testimonies about God working among the Gentiles, leading James to quote this passage from Amos to show that God's plan has always included Gentiles seeking Him and being called by His name. This verse serves as a prophetic promise, assuring them that this inclusion of all nations is part of God's grand design.
"that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things" — The verse intentionally shifts from "possessing the remnant of Edom" in its original Hebrew to "that the residue of mankind may seek the Lord," highlighting that God's plan is about drawing all peo…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026