The phrase "rebukes in the gate" points to someone speaking truth in the public square, where justice should be administered, not just a prophet speaking generally. This highlights that their hatred wasn't just for abstract moralizing, but for the direct correction of their corrupt public dealings and judgments.
They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Amos is calling out the corruption and injustice rampant in Israel, particularly within their legal system. He describes how those who administer justice in the public squares, the "gate," are hated if they try to reprove wrongdoing. Even more, they detest anyone who speaks honestly and truthfully, showing a deep-seated resistance to facing their own sin.
Why would someone be hated specifically for speaking truth 'in the gate'? This wasn't just any public square; it was the heart of civic life and accountability.
The 'gate' in ancient Israelite society was the central hub for public life. It was where:
To speak truth 'in the gate' meant confronting corruption and injustice at its source, where decisions were made and reputations were on the line. It was a bold, public act of defiance against wrongdoing. Amos highlights this specific location to show that the people's hatred wasn't for abstract principles, but for the concrete application of truth in their everyday dealings, especially in matters of law and governance.
Amos uses two strong words: 'hate' and 'abhor.' What's the difference, and what does this intense emotion reveal about the people of Israel?
The people's reaction to truth-tellers is described with escalating intensity:
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This isn't just a mild disagreement. It's a visceral, emotional rejection of God's message delivered through His messengers. It reveals a people so entrenched in their sin and self-deception that they cannot bear to have their worldview challenged, even when the challenge comes from a place of genuine concern for justice and righteousness.
What does it mean to speak 'uprightly' or 'perfectly' in a world that wants comfortable lies?
The phrase 'speaketh uprightly' (or 'perfectly') points to more than just honesty; it implies speaking the complete, unvarnished truth without compromise.
Amos is showing that the people didn't just hate correction; they hated the very idea of absolute, uncompromising truth that demanded a complete change of heart and action.
Understand the original words
yakach · Hebrew Verb
The act of revealing what is hidden, correcting error, or confronting sin; it is a vital part of biblical wisdom and love aimed at turning people back to God.
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
The space at the entrance of a city where legal proceedings, business transactions, and public discourse took place; it represents the seat of societal authority and judgment.
emet · Hebrew Noun
Conformity to reality, honesty, or the character of God; it is the absolute standard by which all human claims and actions must be measured.
dal · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, refers to those who are socially, economically, or physically marginalized and oppressed. God frequently identifies himself as the protector of these individuals, and their exploitation is a recurring theme of divine judgment.
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
In biblical law and prophecy, refers to acts of willful rebellion against God’s law, often involving a conscious breach of the covenant relationship. It suggests a movement beyond mere error into active opposition to God's standard.
chatta'ah · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, refers to missing the mark of God's perfect moral standard, whether through intentional disobedience, omission, or commission. It represents a state of being that alienates the individual from a holy God.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to the person who is morally upright, walking in accordance with God’s covenant requirements. In wisdom literature, this individual is contrasted with the wicked and is the recipient of God's favor.
kopher · Hebrew Noun
A corrupt payment intended to pervert justice. Biblical law strictly forbids this, as it blinds the eyes of judges and leads to the perversion of truth in the legal process.
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
The public place in ancient Near Eastern cities where judicial, commercial, and social activities occurred. It was the center of legal life and the primary location for resolving disputes and administering justice.
Amos's pronouncement highlights a society where justice has collapsed. The 'gate,' meant for fair judgment, has become a place where truth is silenced and the honest are reviled, showing a deep spiritual sickness that Amos bravely confronted.
Late 8th century BC— this verse
Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel
Amos prophesied during a period of outward prosperity and expansion for the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam II. However, this era was marked by deep social injustice, corruption in the legal system, and a disconnect between religious observance and ethical living.
c. 760 BC
Amos Delivers His Prophecy
Amos, a shepherd from the Southern Kingdom, is sent to prophesy against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His message denounces their societal ills, particularly the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice.
8th century BC
Widespread Social Corruption
During Amos's time, the 'gate' – the public square and center of justice – was compromised. Judges were swayed by bribes, and the rights of the poor and vulnerable were ignored, creating an environment where truth and justice were unwelcome.
c. 750 BC
Assyrian Pressure Begins
Though not the direct focus of Amos's message, the growing power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire loomed in the background. This military might would later contribute to the instability and eventual fall of Israel.
This passage directly parallels Amos's language, describing those who 'sin against him who reproves' and 'set a trap for him who corrects the innocent.'
Proverbs 1:20-22This shows wisdom calling out in public places, like the 'gate' and 'streets,' just as Amos was speaking truth publicly, indicating a pattern of society rejecting God's truth.
Jeremiah 17:19-20Jeremiah was commanded to stand 'in the gate of the people' to deliver God's message, highlighting that prophets were sent to these public places to confront sin.
Matthew 23:34-37Jesus speaks of how his messengers (prophets, wise men, scribes) would be persecuted, killed, or driven away, echoing the hostility Amos faced for speaking truth.
John 3:19-20This passage explains that people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, which is the underlying reason they 'hate him who reproves' and 'abhor him who speaks the truth.'
pulpitAmos 5:10: "They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly."
Verses 10-12. - The prophet gives further instances of the people's corruption. Verse 10. - Him that rebuketh in the gate (Isaiah 29:21). The gate of Eastern cities was the place of public resort (Proverbs 1:21), either for business (Deuteronomy 25:7), or the administration of justice (2 Samuel 15:2), or for gossip. So "he that rebuketh in the gate" may be a judge, or a chief, or a prophet (Jeremia…
ellicottAmos 5:10: "They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly."
(10) Rebuker in the Gate.— The person so described might be the prophet himself. So also he that speaketh uprightly.
The phrase "rebukes in the gate" points to someone speaking truth in the public square, where justice should be administered, not just a prophet speaking generally. This highlights that their hatred wasn't just for abstract moralizing, but for the direct correction of their corrupt public dealings and judgments.
Amos is calling out the corruption and injustice rampant in Israel, particularly within their legal system. He describes how those who administer justice in the public squares, the "gate," are hated if they try to reprove wrongdoing. Even more, they detest anyone who speaks honestly and truthfully, showing a deep-seated resistance to facing their own sin.
Amos is calling out the corruption and injustice rampant in Israel, particularly within their legal system. He describes how those who administer justice in the public squares, the "gate," are hated if they try to reprove wrongdoing. Even more, they detest anyone who speaks honestly and truthfully, showing a deep-seated resistance to facing their own sin.
"They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shal…" — The phrase "rebukes in the gate" points to someone speaking truth in the public square, where justice should be administered, not just a prophet speaking generally. This highlights that their hatred…
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Last reviewed October 2026
