The verse from Amos 3:3 has caused confusion for many, as it asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Various translations offer different interpretations, and some suggest that it means you have to agree on everything in order to have fellowship. However, this would require absolute uniformity in everything, which is impossible. In this article, we humbly and prayerfully consider the full context of the verse to understand its true meaning. It becomes clear that the word “agreed” refers to an appointment or agreement to meet and walk together, rather than requiring absolute uniformity in all things. We explore the Hebrew word yaad and its usage in the Bible to understand its true meaning. The article also discusses the sin of sectarianism and the importance of Christian fellowship, even in the presence of disagreements.
Let’s look at this verse in several different translations to get a deeper understanding of what it means:
Can two walk together,
except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3 KJV)
Do two walk together
unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3 NIV)
Can two people walk together
without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:3 NLT)
Do two men walk together
unless they have made an appointment? (Amos 3:3 NASB)
Does that verse mean that you have to agree on everything in order to have fellowship? At first glance, it may seem like some translations might be requiring that kind of uniformity. But, if that’s what it means, then it would require absolute uniformity in everything. That doesn’t make common sense. There aren’t any 2 people on the Earth that agree with each other absolutely on everything. This requires bending the verse so far from common sense that it risks making it into nonsense.
If the verse doesn’t mean absolute unconditional uniform agreement in everything, does it mean that you have to agree on all “religious doctrines” in order to have fellowship? On the contrary, there is no hint of this kind of limitation in the verse. And, spiritualizing this verse to add the idea of “only religious doctrines” is adding to the word of God as specifically warned against in Revelation 22:18. It runs the risk of incurring the wrath of God.
Consider the agreed context
Most misunderstandings and disagreements with the word of God are easily solved by reading the context of the message.
Listen to this message that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel and Judah—against the entire family I rescued from Egypt: (Amos 3:1)
“From among all the families on the earth,
I have been intimate with you alone.
That is why I must punish you
for all your sins. ” (Amos 3:2)
Can two people walk together
without agreeing [3259 yaad] on the direction?
Does a lion ever roar in a thicket
without first finding a victim?
Does a young lion growl in its den
without first catching its prey?
Does a bird ever get caught in a trap
that has no bait?
Does a trap spring shut
when there’s nothing to catch?
When the ram’s horn blows a warning,
shouldn’t the people be alarmed?
Does disaster come to a city
unless the LORD has planned it? (Amos 3:3-6)
Study the Hebrew word yaad (to agree)
There are lots of Hebrew words that could have been used here: 2164 zeman – to agree together; 225 uth – to consent, agree; 7737 shavah – to agree with, be like, resemble; but the Holy Spirit inspired Amos to choose 3259 yaad – to appoint. By this the Prophet signifies that he speaks not of himself, but as God guides and moves him, which is called the agreement between God and his Prophets.
- 3259 yaad
- agree, make an appointment, a time, assemble selves, betroth, gather selves
A primitive root; to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or position), to engage (for marriage) — agree, (make an) appoint(-ment,a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time) —Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
This word is also translated in other verses as: agreed to meet (1), appointed (3), assemble (1), assembled (3), assigned (1), designated (1), designates (1), gather (1), gathered (3), made an appointment (2), meet (7), meet together (1), set (1), summon (3). Therefore, it seems dangerously wrong to force it to mean unconditional uniform agreement.
Continuing with the context of Amos 3:3
Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything
until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
The lion has roared—
so who isn’t frightened?
The Sovereign LORD has spoken—
so who can refuse to proclaim his message?
Announce this to the leaders of Philistiaa
and to the great ones of Egypt:
“Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria,
and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel.” (Amos 3:8-9)
“My people have forgotten how to do right,”
says the LORD.
“Their fortresses are filled with wealth
taken by theft and violence.
Therefore,” says the Sovereign LORD,
“an enemy is coming!
He will surround them and shatter their defenses.
Then he will plunder all their fortresses.” (Amos 3:10-11)
The lion has roared again
Jesus has spoken through his prophets and apostles; he has warned against the sin of sectarianism. Are you guilty of this sin?
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (1 Corinthians 3:3)
In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. (1 Corinthians 11:18)
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)
The miracle of Christian fellowship
Brethren can walk together in the love of God even when they are not agreed.
Please read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to see how Jesus treated sinners. Then read the letters from the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Corinth (1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians) to see how Paul wanted them to treat each other. And finally, remember that every man, woman, and child throughout the entire Earth who has believed on the Lord Jesus Christ is a member of the same body of Christ as you are. Consider how Jesus Christ wants you to treat one another.
If you walk together only with people you agree with. What is that? Even the ungodly do that. The miracle of Christian fellowship is when you voluntarily submit to one another in love and walk together regardless of your disagreements.
Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. (Proverbs 10:12)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. (1 Peter 4:7-9 AMP)
In conclusion, the verse in Amos 3:3 is often misinterpreted to suggest that people must agree on everything to have fellowship. However, when we study the context and the original Hebrew word used in the verse, we find that it refers to an appointment to meet and walk together, rather than absolute uniformity of thought. The miracle of Christian fellowship lies in the ability to walk together in love, despite our differences. As believers, we are called to live in harmony with one another, to be of one mind, and to strive together for the faith of the gospel. Let us remember that every man, woman, and child who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ is a member of the same body of Christ, and let us treat one another with patience, kindness, and fervent love, overlooking unkindness and unselfishly seeking the best for others.
For deeper study:
- 101 Verses on Walking With One Another
An older christian man challenged me to look up the “one another” verses in the Bible. He said it was amazing! I accepted his challenge and I am astonished! Here I have collected just the verses that teach about walking with one another, which in Bible terminology, means “how you conduct your life.” I hope these verses don’t leave you neutral. - The perfect unity of love
Jesus Christ said the entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on the perfect unity of love. That is an astonishing statement. By some estimates, there are 613 commandments, laws, and statutes in the mitzvot. All of those commandments, laws and statutes are based on love. If we had that love, we would be fulfilling the entire law and all the demands of the prophets. - What about “closed” or “separatist” fundamentalism?
Throughout history, there have been many different groups of Christians, coming from different backgrounds, operating in different environments, and struggling with different problems. … Out of this struggle arose groups who were prepared “to do battle royal for the fundamentals of the faith.” Around 1920, these began to be described as “fundamentalists.” This term started as a derogatory label by outsiders and was adopted as a badge of honor by insiders. - Turn the other cheek vs. gird on the sword
Jesus Christ gave 2 different teachings to 2 different groups of people in 2 different circumstances. How can we know what to do? When should we “turn the other cheek?” When should we “gird on the sword?”
If you are struggling with this concept, or you know someone who is, please share this, write to us, or join the conversation below.