Amos 3:4

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיִשְׁאַ֤ג
H7580
roar
to rumble or moan
#2
אַרְיֵה֙
H738
Will a lion
a lion
#3
בַּיַּ֔עַר
H3293
in the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#4
וְטֶ֖רֶף
H2964
when he hath no prey
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
#5
אֵ֣ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
ל֑וֹ
H0
#7
הֲיִתֵּ֨ן
H5414
cry out
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
כְּפִ֤יר
H3715
will a young lion
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
#9
קוֹלוֹ֙
H6963
a voice or sound
#10
מִמְּעֹ֣נָת֔וֹ
H4585
of his den
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
#11
בִּלְתִּ֖י
H1115
nothing
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#12
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
לָכָֽד׃
H3920
if he have taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection