Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate/Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Establish (“set up”) justice is the exact opposite of cast down righteousness in verse 7. Many languages do not use such a word as “to set up” or establish for justice, and Good News Translation translates directly as see that justice prevails in the courts (compare New American Bible: “and let justice prevail at the gate”). One possibility is to say something like “do what is right in your palaver house (or: in the decisions of the elders).”

Will be gracious/will be merciful. For this context, the word chosen in translation should indicate kindness or mercy toward someone who deserves severe punishment.

To the remnant of Joseph/the people of this nation who are still left alive. For Joseph, meaning “the (people) of Israel,” see 5.6. In a message addressed to Israelites it may be better in many languages to continue speaking directly to them: (the people of) this nation (or: “your nation”). However, some translators may prefer a translation which keeps the term Joseph (if it is clear), because it balances verse 6: “what is left of the descendants of Joseph” (so The Translator’s Old Testament: “those of Joseph’s descendants who survive”). For the meaning and translation of remnant, see also 1.8.

Quoted with permission from de Waard, Jan & Smalley, William A. A Handbook on Amos. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1979. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .