Translations
Modern
Does a bird land in a snare where no bait has been set? Does a trap spring from the ground when it has nothing to catch?
Traditional
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?
Literal
Does a bird fall into a trap on the earth and no snare is unto it? Does a trap spring up from the ground and it has captured no prey?
Latin
…numquid cadet avis in laqueum terræ absque aucupe? numquid auferetur laqueus de terra antequam quid ceperit?
Original
Hebrew
English
Does a bird land in a snare where no bait has been set? Does a trap spring from the ground when it has nothing to catch?
Notes
The trap shows the consequences of Israel's sin. Israel fully deserved the judgment that Amos announced.
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
Glossary
Topics
Gin: A Snare Hunting: Fowling Snare: General Scriptures Concerning