King James Version
Amos 3:4 in the King James Version says “Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? cr...” — study this verse from Amos chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? cry: Heb. give forth his voice”
Amos 3:4 · KJV
You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. punish: Heb. visit upon
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? cry: Heb. give forth his voice
Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? be afraid: or, run together? the LORD: or, shall not the L.doe somewhat?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“in the forest”
H3293a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
“when he hath no prey”
H2964something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
“will a young lion”
H3715a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
“of his den”
H4585an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
“nothing”
H1115properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“if he have taken”
H3920to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
This verse is found in the book of Amos. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Amos 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Amos 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge