Old Testament
Obadiah 1:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You should not have entered the gate of my people on the day of their calamity. You should not have looked on their affliction on the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their possessions on the day of their calamity.
Compare translations
Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;
What Obadiah 1:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Obadiah 1:13, the prophet condemns Edom for taking advantage of Israel's misfortune. The verse highlights three specific actions that Edom should not have done: entering Israel's gates, observing their suffering, and seizing their belongings. These actions reflect a lack of compassion and a betrayal of kinship, as Edom and Israel were related through their ancestry. The verse emphasizes the moral responsibility to support those in distress rather than exploit them. It serves as a warning against indifference and opportunism in times of crisis, reminding us that our actions during others' hardships reveal our true character. The repetition of 'the day of their calamity' underscores the seriousness of the situation and the expectation that allies should stand together in times of trouble, not take advantage of one another's suffering.
How to apply Obadiah 1:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to others' hardships. Instead of taking advantage of their misfortunes, we should offer support and compassion. In our daily lives, we can choose to help those in need rather than ignore their struggles or exploit their vulnerabilities.
Curated for this public verse page. Obadiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Obadiah 1:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Obadiah 1:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Obadiah
- Author
- Obadiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 586 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Israel concerning Edom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Obadiah 1:13 teach about compassion?
Obadiah 1:13 teaches that we have a moral responsibility to show compassion to others, especially during their times of trouble. The verse condemns Edom for taking advantage of Israel's calamity, highlighting that true character is revealed in how we respond to the suffering of others. Instead of exploiting their misfortunes, we are called to support and uplift those in distress.
How does Obadiah 1:13 relate to the concept of betrayal?
In Obadiah 1:13, the actions of Edom are seen as a betrayal of kinship, as they were related to Israel. The verse illustrates that failing to support family or allies in times of crisis is a form of betrayal. It serves as a reminder that we should stand by our loved ones and communities during their hardships, rather than turning a blind eye or taking advantage of their suffering.
What is the significance of 'the day of their calamity' in this verse?
The phrase 'the day of their calamity' is repeated in Obadiah 1:13 to emphasize the gravity of the situation. It highlights the expectation that allies should come together in times of crisis. This repetition serves as a warning against indifference and opportunism, reminding us that our actions during others' hardships reflect our true values and commitments.
How can we apply the lessons of Obadiah 1:13 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons of Obadiah 1:13 by actively choosing to support those who are struggling rather than exploiting their vulnerabilities. This could mean offering help to a friend in need, volunteering in our communities, or simply being present for someone going through a tough time. The verse encourages us to cultivate empathy and compassion in our daily interactions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.