Translations
Modern
Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl in his den if he has caught nothing?
Traditional
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?
Literal
Does a lion roar in the forest and no prey is unto him? Does a young lion give forth his voice from his den, unless he has captured?
Latin
…numquid rugiet leo in saltu, nisi habuerit prædam? numquid dabit catulus leonis vocem de cubili suo, nisi aliquid apprehenderit?
Original
Hebrew
English
Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl in his den if he has caught nothing?
Notes
Amos delivers messages from God. What he predicts will happen to Israel. God is like a roaring lion, and he has already chosen his target—the people of Israel who are ready for judgment.
Amos explains his call to prophesy using rhetorical questions that should be answered with "no." However, the metaphorical language has a deeper meaning beyond the questions.
Amos delivers three prophetic messages to Israel, criticizing their mistaken belief about being God's chosen people. The messages show a progression toward judgment.
Events
- Prophecies of Amosc. 788 BC