Amos 5:10

5:10 The Israelites ¹  hate anyone who arbitrates at the city gate; ² 

they despise anyone who speaks honestly.

Amos 5:12

5:12 Certainly ³  I am aware of ⁴  your many rebellious acts ⁵ 

and your numerous sins.

You ⁶  torment the innocent, you take bribes,

and you deny justice to ⁷  the needy at the city gate. ⁸ 

[5:10]  ¹ tn Heb “they”; the referent (the Israelites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[5:10]  ² sn In ancient Israelite culture, legal disputes were resolved in the city gate, where the town elders met.

[5:12]  ³ tn Or “for.”

[5:12]  ⁴ tn Or “I know” (so most English versions).

[5:12]  ⁵ tn Or “transgressions,” “sins.” See the note on the word “crimes” in 1:3 and on the phrase “covenant violations” in 2:4.

[5:12]  ⁶ tn Heb “Those who.”

[5:12]  ⁷ tn Heb “turn aside.” They “turn aside” the needy by denying them the justice they deserve at the city gate (where legal decisions were made, and therefore where justice should be done).

[5:12]  ⁸ sn Legal disputes were resolved in the city gate, where the town elders met.