Amos 5:24

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Amos 5:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Amos 5:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Amos 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24But let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But let judgments run down as waters, etc.] Or “roll”f134; in abundance, with great rapidity, bearing down all before them, which nothing can resist; signifying the plenty of justice done in the land, the full and free exercise of it, without any stoppage or intermission: and righteousness as a mighty stream; the same thing expressed in different words; though some think that not the execution of judgment and justice by men is here exhorted to, but the vindictive justice of God is threatened; which like a mighty torrent of water should come down, overwhelm, bear away, and destroy all before it, even all the transgressors in Israel.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“judgment--justice. run down--literally, "roll," that is, flow abundantly (Isa 48:18). Without the desire to fulfil righteousness in the offerer, the sacrifice is hateful to God (Sa1 15:22; Psa 66:18; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:8).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But - (And) let judgment run down (Literally, “roll” English margin) “like water.” The duties of either table include both; since there is no true love for man without the love of God, nor any real love or duty to God without the love of man. People will exchange their sins for other sins. They will not break them off unless they be converted to God. But the first outward step in conversion, is to break off sin. He bids them then “let judgment,” which had hitherto ever been perverted in its course, “roll on like” a mighty tide of “waters,” sweeping before it all hindrances, obstructed by no power, turned aside by no bribery, but pouring on in one perpetual flow, reaching all, refreshing all,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Let judgment - Let justice be administered constantly. Righteousness - Equity. Stream - Bearing down all that opposes it. Amos 5:25”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:24 This is the second of the great thematic verses in Amos (see 4:12). • endless river: The streams or gullies (wadis) in Israel’s dry areas contained water only temporarily during rainy seasons. However, God wanted continual, not just seasonal, justice.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“let: Amo 5:7, Amo 5:14, Amo 5:15; Job 29:12-17; Pro 21:3; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:8; Mar 12:32-34 run: Heb. roll Amos 5:25”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification