Amos 3:3
Amos 3:3 in Multiple Translations
Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?
Is it possible for two to go walking together, if not by agreement?
Can two people walk together unless they have arranged to meet?
Can two walke together except they bee agreed?
Do two walk together if they have not met?
Do two walk together, unless they have agreed?
Can two walk together, except they are agreed?
Shall two walk together except they be agreed?
Two people certainly cannot [RHQ] walk together if they have not already agreed about what place they will start walking from.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 3:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Amos 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יֵלְכ֥וּ
שְׁנַ֖יִם
יַחְדָּ֑ו
בִּלְתִּ֖י
אִם
נוֹעָֽדוּ
הֲ/יֵלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
יַחְדָּ֑ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
בִּלְתִּ֖י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
נוֹעָֽדוּ
yâʻad
H3259
to appoint
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 3:3
הֲ/יֵלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
יַחְדָּ֑ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
בִּלְתִּ֖י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
נוֹעָֽדוּ
yâʻad
H3259
"to appoint"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To appoint or agree on something, like setting a time to meet or making a plan, as seen in Esther when the king appoints a new leader. It can also mean to gather or assemble people for a purpose.
Definition: 1) to fix, appoint, assemble, meet, set, betroth 1a)(Qal) to appoint, assign, designate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to meet 1b2) to meet by appointment 1b3) to gather, assemble by appointment 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet 1d) (Hophal) to be set, be placed before, be fixed
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time). See also: Exodus 21:8; 2 Samuel 20:5; Psalms 48:5.
Study Notes — Amos 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 3:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 3:3
- Sermons on Amos 3:3
Context — Witnesses against Israel
1Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:
2“Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”
3Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?
4Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl in his den if he has caught nothing? 5Does a bird land in a snare where no bait has been set? Does a trap spring from the ground when it has nothing to catch?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” |
| 2 | Genesis 17:1 | When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. |
| 3 | Genesis 5:22 | And after he had become the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. |
| 4 | Genesis 6:9 | This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. |
Amos 3:3 Summary
Amos 3:3 asks a simple but profound question: 'Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?' This verse reminds us that to walk with God, we must be in agreement with Him, as seen in 1 John 1:6-7, which teaches us to walk in the light as He is in the light. Just as two people can't walk together without agreeing on their destination, we can't follow God without being in harmony with His will, as described in Romans 8:28-30. By focusing on our relationship with God and seeking to align our lives with His plan, we can experience a deeper sense of harmony and purpose, as seen in Psalm 37:23-24 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Amos 3:3?
The main idea of Amos 3:3 is that two people cannot walk together in harmony without agreeing on their destination, as seen in the question, 'Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?' This principle applies to our walk with God, as seen in Amos 3:3, and is also reflected in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Is Amos 3:3 talking about friendships or something more?
While Amos 3:3 can apply to friendships, in the context of the book of Amos, it is primarily talking about our relationship with God, emphasizing the need for agreement and harmony in our walk with Him, similar to what is described in Genesis 5:24 and Genesis 6:9, where Enoch and Noah walked with God.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse encourages us to examine our relationships, including our relationship with God, and ensure we are in agreement and harmony, as seen in Amos 3:3, and also in Matthew 22:37-40, which teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
What is the significance of the question in Amos 3:3?
The question in Amos 3:3 is a rhetorical one, emphasizing the obvious need for agreement and harmony in any relationship, including our walk with God, as seen in Psalm 119:105, which describes God's word as a lamp to our feet, guiding us on our path, and in Psalm 23:3, which describes God as our shepherd, leading us on righteous paths.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life are not in agreement with God's will, and how can I align them with His plan, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- How can I ensure I am walking in harmony with God, as seen in Amos 3:3, and described in Isaiah 30:21 and John 10:27?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of agreement and harmony in my relationships, including my relationship with God, as seen in Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's guidance and leadership in my life, as seen in Psalm 32:8-11 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a deeper sense of agreement and harmony with God, as described in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 13:14?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 3:3
Can two walk together except they be agreed?] Unless they meet together, and appoint time and place, when and where they shall set out, what road they will take, and whither they will go; without
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Here follow several questions of a parable-like kind, to awaken conviction in the people. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 3:3
Here the prophet threatens this people that God would begin his visitations and their punishments in his forsaking them, and doth by this interrogatory endeavour to convince them that they could not with any reason expect better from him; it could not be they should long have God’ s presence with them, or that he should walk among them and bless them, while they walk so contrary to him; they could not in reason hope that there should be any friendly commerce where was so little agreement and friendship; a retaliation they must expect from the Lord; he will forsake them who have forsaken him.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 3:3
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?Ver. 3. Can two walk together, except they be agreed] God permits his people to walk together with him in a humble familiarity; but then they must take care that familiarity breeds not contempt; and that they conceit not that he will connive at their iniquities, or that their holy services will bear them out in any known sin. He is just and jealous of his glory, wherein he should be no small loser, if he did wink at any besides involuntary failings and unavoidable infirmities; for which there is a pardon of course, if sued out. If I shall walk with you, saith God, as a father, friend, husband, you must agree with me, consent and conform to me, idem velle, et idem nolle, will and nill the same that I do; or else I shall walk with you no otherwise than as a severe judge or cruel enemy, Leviticus 26:24, as a lion with the prey that he hath taken, as the fowler with the bird he hath caught, or the hunter with the wild beast he hath gotten into his snare.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 3:3
(3) Two.—Who are the two here represented? Some commentators say, two prophets; Rosenmüller, “God and the prophet.” But Grotius, Lowth, Henderson, and Pusey refer it, with more reason, to God and Israel, the expression denoting, not merely God’s knowledge of a man, but man’s response to God. His practical obedience, his communion of heart and will, are described as “walking with” or “before God.” (Genesis 5:22; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 17:1; Psalms 56:13; Psalms 116:9.) Will, then, God walk with man, guiding, shielding, strengthening him, if man is not in harmony with Him? This is the first of a series of parabolic apothegms, all of which require a negative answer. (Leviticus 26:23-24.) Each states an event, closely and indissolubly related to another in the bond of cause and effect. All these symbolic utterances point on to the climax in Amos 3:7-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 3:3
Verse 3. Can two walk together] While ye loved and served me, I dwelt in you and walked among you. Now ye are become alienated from me, your nature and mine are totally opposite. I am holy, ye are unholy. We are no longer agreed, and can no longer walk together. I can no longer hold communion with you. I must cast you out. The similes in this and the three following verses are all chosen to express the same thing, viz., that no calamities or judgments can fall upon any people but by the express will of God, on account of their iniquities; and that whatever his prophets have foretold, they have done it by direct revelation from their Maker; and that God has the highest and most cogent reason for inflicting the threatened calamities. This correctness of the prophets' predictions shows that they and I are in communion.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 3:3
3–8. Such a severe rebuke might provoke contradiction among the prophet’s hearers: he therefore proceeds to indicate the authority upon which it rests, arguing by means of a series of illustrations drawn from the facts of common life, that every event or occurrence in nature implies the operation of some cause adequate to produce it: if, therefore, he has spoken such a word, it is because there has been a sufficient cause impelling him to do so. The questions, it is obvious, require in each case a negative answer.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 3:3
Sacred parables or enigmas must have many meanings. They are cast on the mind, to quicken it and rouse it by their very mystery.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 3:3
3-8. The prophet’s authority. Amos anticipated the startling effect of his message. Many would consider him a madman, and pay no attention to his words, unless he could convince them that they were indeed a message from Jehovah.
Sermons on Amos 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Cultivate the Holy Spirit's Companionship by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking for granted the sacrifices made by our pilgrim fathers in worshiping God. He urges the congregation to cultivat |
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The Cost of the Resurrection Life by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher talks about how the Lord instructed the early army to conquer their captivity by simply walking around it and praising God. He shares his personal expe |
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God's Truth About Alliances (Part 2) by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of being unequally yoked with the world. He uses the story of Lot from the book of Genesis as an example. Lot had moved in wi |
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Walking With God by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and having a perfect agreement in the theme of conversation. He shares a personal story about a jeweler wh |
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Grieve Not the Holy Spirit by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a book he read about an evangelist who preached to large crowds but allowed immorality and sin to destroy him. He then references |
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Let No Enemy Find Safety by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not allowing any enemy, whether internal struggles or external forces, to find safety in our lives. It encourages believers to be separated |
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Dynamic Daniel by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being careful about what we watch and listen to, as it can have a negative impact on our hearts and minds. He warns agains |