Amos

8th century BC · Hebrew prophet & shepherd of Tekoa

Amos was a herdsman and fig-grower from Tekoa in Judah who prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel around 760–750 BC, making him among the earliest of the literary prophets. His short book denounces empty ritual and social injustice, culminating in the demand of Amos 5:24 that justice and righteousness flow like unstoppable water. The verse became a rallying cry of the American civil-rights movement through Martin Luther King Jr., who quoted it repeatedly.

Traced to source

2 quotes we’ve traced to Amos

“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream”

Verified

“Justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream”

Disputed

Did they really say it?

Thought Amos said something else?

Type a quote you think Amos said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.