Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "do good," it calls for a deep, active "love" for what is good and a passionate "hate" for evil, implying these aren't just preferences but fundamental orientations of the heart. It also links this internal change to external action: "establish justice in the gate" shows that genuine goodness must be lived out in the public square. Finally, the phrase "it may be" highlights that even with these actions, salvation is not guaranteed, but rests entirely on God's sovereign mercy for those who remain.
Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After denouncing their corrupt practices and false worship, Amos calls the Northern Kingdom of Israel to turn from their ways. He urges them to genuinely despise evil and embrace what is good, ensuring that justice is properly administered in their public courts. This plea is offered with the hope that the Lord might show mercy to the few who remain faithful amidst the coming judgment.
Amos doesn't just suggest a casual preference. He calls for a deep, active commitment to what's right and a visceral rejection of what's wrong.
The Hebrew concept here isn't about a mild dislike or a polite nod. It's a powerful, active engagement.
Beyond Mere Preference
This is about the internal disposition that fuels outward action. It's a heart fully committed, not merely going through the motions.
Establishing justice isn't just an abstract ideal; it's a practical, public act. Where does that happen, and why is it so crucial?
The phrase "establish judgment in the gate" points to the heart of public life in ancient Israel.
The Gate as a Crossroads
Ask a follow-up
When the people were called to hate evil and love good, the tangible outcome was meant to be justice, visibly and consistently applied in the very places where life happened.
Amidst judgment, there's a flicker of hope – but it's not for everyone. Who receives mercy, and why?
The phrase "it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph" carries significant weight.
A Conditional Mercy
Understand the original words
chanan · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the divine attribute of showing favor, mercy, or compassion, especially toward those who do not deserve it. It implies an active, loving kindness that provides relief or restoration.
she'erith · Hebrew Noun
A small group of people who remain faithful to God after a period of divine judgment or apostasy. The concept emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving a faithful seed through whom His promises continue.
Amos's call to 'hate evil, love good, and establish justice' was a radical plea for repentance in a prosperous but deeply unjust society, holding out the fragile hope of God's mercy for a faithful remnant, even as the historical shadow of Assyrian conquest loomed.
c. 793-753 BC
Reign of Jeroboam II
Amos prophesied during the prosperous but morally corrupt reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel (the northern kingdom, often referred to as 'Joseph' or 'Ephraim'). This era saw significant wealth and expansion, but it was also marked by social injustice, oppression of the poor, and religious syncretism.
c. 760 BC— this verse
Amos's Prophetic Ministry
Amos, a shepherd from Judah (the southern kingdom), was sent by God to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel. His message condemned their corruption and warned of imminent judgment.
c. 753 BC
Assyrian Threat Looms
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire was beginning its expansionary phase. While direct invasion hadn't yet occurred, their growing might cast a shadow over the region, and their tribute demands were a significant geopolitical reality.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
Though the verse implies a potential for God's mercy on a remnant, the ultimate historical outcome for the northern kingdom was conquest. Assyria deported a significant portion of the population, effectively ending the northern kingdom of Israel as a distinct entity.
This passage echoes Amos's call for justice and righteousness, highlighting that true worship isn't just ritual but a commitment to 'act justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.'
Isaiah 1:16-17Similar to Amos, Isaiah urges a cleansing from wrongdoing and a pursuit of good, stating, 'Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring the fatherless to trial, plead the widow’s cause.'
Romans 12:9The Apostle Paul takes up the theme of loving good and hating evil, applying it to the believer's heart and actions: 'Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.'
Amos 5:10This verse directly contrasts with Amos 5:15, showing what 'hating evil' and 'establishing justice' are *not*. It depicts those who 'hate the one who reproves in the gate and abhor the one who speaks truth.'
Zephaniah 2:3This passage offers a similar conditional promise of mercy to those who seek the Lord and do righteousness, echoing the 'it may be' of Amos, which hinges on the people's response: 'Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who practice his justice; seek righteousness; seek humility; it may be you will be hidden on the day of the LORD's anger.'
barnesAmos 5:15: "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph."
Hate the evil and love the good - Man will not cease wholly to "seek evil," unless he "hate" it; nor will he "seek good," unless he "love" it. Jerome: "He 'hateth evil,' who not only is not overcome by pleasure, but hates its deeds; and he 'loveth good,' who, not unwillingly or of necessity or from fear, doth what is good, but becau…
wesleyAmos 5:15: "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph."
5:15 The evil - All evil among the people, and yourselves. Love - Commend, encourage, defend: let your heart be toward good things, and good men. Remnant - What the invasions of enemies, or the civil wars have spared, and left in Samaria and Israel.
The verse doesn't just say "do good," it calls for a deep, active "love" for what is good and a passionate "hate" for evil, implying these aren't just preferences but fundamental orientations of the heart. It also links this internal change to external action: "establish justice in the gate" shows that genuine goodness must be lived out in the public square. Finally, the phrase "it may be" highlights that even with these actions, salvation is not guaranteed, but rests entirely on God's sovereign mercy for those who remain.
After denouncing their corrupt practices and false worship, Amos calls the Northern Kingdom of Israel to turn from their ways. He urges them to genuinely despise evil and embrace what is good, ensuring that justice is properly administered in their public courts. This plea is offered with the hope that the Lord might show mercy to the few who remain faithful amidst the coming judgment.
After denouncing their corrupt practices and false worship, Amos calls the Northern Kingdom of Israel to turn from their ways. He urges them to genuinely despise evil and embrace what is good, ensuring that justice is properly administered in their public courts. This plea is offered with the hope that the Lord might show mercy to the few who remain faithful amidst the coming judgment.
"Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." — The verse doesn't just say "do good," it calls for a deep, active "love" for what is good and a passionate "hate" for evil, implying these aren't just preferences but fundamental orientations of the…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026