Amos 4:5
And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
וְקַטֵּ֤ר
And offer
H6999
וְקַטֵּ֤ר
And offer
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
1 of 14
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
תּוֹדָ֔ה
a sacrifice of thanksgiving
H8426
תּוֹדָ֔ה
a sacrifice of thanksgiving
Strong's:
H8426
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
וְקִרְא֥וּ
and proclaim
H7121
וְקִרְא֥וּ
and proclaim
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
נְדָב֖וֹת
the free offerings
H5071
נְדָב֖וֹת
the free offerings
Strong's:
H5071
Word #:
5 of 14
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
הַשְׁמִ֑יעוּ
and publish
H8085
הַשְׁמִ֑יעוּ
and publish
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֵ֤ן
for this
H3651
כֵ֤ן
for this
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בְּנֵ֣י
you O ye children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
you O ye children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Psalms 81:12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.Hosea 9:10I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.Matthew 6:2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.Hosea 9:1Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's sacrificial system required specific procedures detailed in Leviticus. By Amos's era, northern Israel had corrupted worship through syncretism—mixing Yahweh worship with Canaanite fertility cult practices. They maintained sacrificial forms while abandoning covenantal ethics, creating a hollow religious facade that provoked divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual disciplines or church activities do you practice more for social recognition than genuine love for God?
- How does Jesus's warning against practicing righteousness 'to be seen by men' (Matthew 6:1) expose similar tendencies in your own religious life?
Analysis & Commentary
Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven (וְקַטֵּר מֵחָמֵץ תּוֹדָה)—The sarcasm intensifies. Chamets (leaven) was explicitly forbidden in most sacrifices (Leviticus 2:11), though permitted in peace offerings (Leviticus 7:13). Amos mocks their fastidious ritual while violating covenant substance. Proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel (וְקִרְאוּ נְדָבוֹת הַשְׁמִיעוּ כִּי כֵן אֲהַבְתֶּם)—Nedavot (free-will offerings) were voluntary acts of devotion, but Israel publicized them for self-glorification, not God's glory.
The Hebrew ki ken ahavtem ('for this liketh you') drips with irony—'for this you love!' They loved public religious performance, not covenant obedience. Jesus condemned identical hypocrisy: 'They have their reward' (Matthew 6:2). Israel's worship became self-congratulatory theatre rather than humble submission. The Reformers emphasized that true worship requires right heart posture, not merely correct ritual. Calvin wrote that external worship without internal devotion is 'mere hypocrisy and deceit.'