To provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature thereof, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy and specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; an AM device having short response time, a large voltage holding ratio and contrast ratio, and a long life. A liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase and contains a specific straight-chain compound as a first component and a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as second component, and may contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a third component and a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and a liquid crystal display device includes the composition.