New International Version“Hear this and testify against the descendants of Jacob,” declares the Lord, the LORD God Almighty.
New Living Translation“Now listen to this, and announce it throughout all Israel,” says the Lord, the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.
English Standard Version“Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob,” declares the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
Berean Standard BibleHear and testify against the house of Jacob, declares the Lord GOD, the God of Hosts.
King James BibleHear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
New King James VersionHear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
New American Standard Bible“Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Declares the Lord GOD, the God of armies.
NASB 1995“Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Declares the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.
NASB 1977“Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Declares the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.
Legacy Standard BibleHear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Declares Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts.
Amplified Bible“Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
Christian Standard BibleListen and testify against the house of Jacob — this is the declaration of the Lord GOD, the God of Armies.
Holman Christian Standard BibleListen and testify against the house of Jacob— this is the declaration of the Lord GOD, the God of Hosts.
American Standard VersionHear ye, and testify against the house of Jacob, saith the Lord Jehovah, the God of hosts.
Contemporary English VersionThe LORD God All-Powerful told me to speak this message against Jacob's descendants:
English Revised VersionHear ye, and testify against the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationListen, and testify against the descendants of Jacob, declares the Almighty LORD, the God of Armies.
Good News TranslationListen now, and warn the descendants of Jacob," says the Sovereign LORD Almighty.
International Standard Version"Listen and testify against the house of Jacob," declares the Lord GOD, the God of the Heavenly Armies,
NET BibleListen and warn the family of Jacob! The sovereign LORD, the God who commands armies, is speaking!
New Heart English Bible"Listen, and testify against the house of Jacob," says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.
Webster's Bible TranslationHear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHear and testify against the house of Jacob, declares the Lord GOD, the God of Hosts.
World English Bible“Listen, and testify against the house of Jacob,” says the Lord Yahweh, the God of Armies. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHear and testify to the house of Jacob,” "" A declaration of Lord YHWH, God of Hosts.
Young's Literal Translation Hear ye and testify to the house of Jacob, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, God of Hosts.
Smith's Literal TranslationHear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, says the Lord Jehovah, God of armies. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord the God of hosts:
Catholic Public Domain VersionListen and give testimony in the house of Jacob, says the Lord God of hosts:
New American BibleHear and bear witness against the house of Jacob— an oracle of the Lord GOD, the God of hosts:
New Revised Standard VersionHear, and testify against the house of Jacob, says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHear, and testify in the house of Jacob, says the LORD God, the God of hosts of Israel,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedHear and testify in the house of Yaqob, says The Lord of Lords, the Almighty God of Israel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Hear ye, and testify against the house of Jacob, Saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationHear, O ye priests, and testify to the house of Jacob, saith the Lord God Almighty.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Witnesses Against Israel… 12This is what the LORD says: “As the shepherd snatches from the mouth of the lion two legs or a piece of an ear, so the Israelites dwelling in Samaria will be rescued having just the corner of a bed or the cushion of a couch. 13Hearand testifyagainst the houseof Jacob,declaresthe LordGOD,the Godof Hosts.14On the day I punish Israel for their transgressions, I will visit destruction on the altars of Bethel; the horns of the altar will be cut off, and they will fall to the ground.…
Cross References Isaiah 1:2Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.
Jeremiah 6:19Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.
Micah 1:2Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and everyone in it! May the Lord GOD bear witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.
Deuteronomy 32:1Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Psalm 50:4He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:
Hosea 4:1Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land!
Isaiah 34:1Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it.
Jeremiah 22:29O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD!
Ezekiel 6:3You are to say: ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places.
Joel 1:2Hear this, O elders; and give ear, all who dwell in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your fathers?
Matthew 11:15He who has ears, let him hear.
Revelation 2:7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
Mark 4:9Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Luke 8:8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it sprang up and produced a crop—a hundredfold.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Acts 13:16Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
Treasury of Scripture Hear you, and testify in the house of Jacob, said the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, and testify. Deuteronomy 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. Deuteronomy 30:18,19 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish,and that ye shall not prolongyour days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it… 2 Kings 17:13,15 Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets,and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandmentsand my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets… the Lord. Amos 5:27 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose nameis The God of hosts. Joshua 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; ifit be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,) Isaiah 1:24 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: Jump to Previous AffirmationAlmightyArmiesDeclaresEarFamilyHearHostsHouseJacobTestifyWitnessJump to Next AffirmationAlmightyArmiesDeclaresEarFamilyHearHostsHouseJacobTestifyWitnessAmos 3 1.The necessity of God's judgment against Israel.9.The publication of it, with the causes thereof.Hear and testify against the house of JacobThis phrase is a call to attention and action. The "house of Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. The call to "hear" is a common prophetic summons, urging the audience to listen to God's message. The command to "testify against" suggests a legal proceeding, where witnesses are called to present evidence of wrongdoing. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where Israel is held accountable to the laws and commandments given at Sinai. The prophets often served as God's messengers, bringing charges against Israel for their covenant violations. declares the Lord GOD This phrase emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of the message. "Lord GOD" is a translation of the Hebrew "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's supreme authority. The use of "declares" indicates that this is not merely a suggestion or opinion but a divine proclamation. Throughout the Old Testament, God's declarations are binding and carry the weight of divine judgment or promise. This phrase assures the audience that the message is not from Amos himself but from God, lending it ultimate authority. the God of Hosts This title, "God of Hosts," or "Yahweh Sabaoth," highlights God's command over the heavenly armies and all creation. It underscores His power and ability to execute judgment. In the context of Amos, this title serves as a reminder of God's might and the seriousness of the impending judgment against Israel. The term "hosts" can refer to angelic beings or the stars, symbolizing God's control over both the spiritual and physical realms. This title is often used in prophetic literature to emphasize God's ability to carry out His plans and enforce His decrees. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet from Tekoa, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to Israel. 2. House of JacobRefers to the nation of Israel, descendants of Jacob, who are being called to account for their sins. 3. The Lord GODThe sovereign ruler, Yahweh, who commands respect and obedience. 4. God of HostsA title emphasizing God's supreme authority over all heavenly and earthly armies. 5. TestifyThe act of bearing witness or giving evidence, often in a legal or formal setting. Teaching Points The Seriousness of God's CallGod’s call to "hear and testify" underscores the gravity of His message. Believers should approach God's Word with reverence and readiness to respond. Accountability Before GodJust as Israel was held accountable, Christians are reminded that they too will give an account of their lives. This should inspire a life of integrity and obedience. The Role of WitnessesThe call to testify against Israel serves as a reminder of the importance of witnesses in God's justice system. Believers are called to be witnesses of God's truth in the world. God's Sovereignty and AuthorityThe title "God of Hosts" emphasizes God's ultimate control over all creation. Trust in His sovereignty should bring comfort and confidence to believers. Repentance and RestorationThe prophetic call to testify is not just about judgment but also an invitation to repentance. God desires restoration and reconciliation with His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Amos 3:13?
2.How does Amos 3:13 emphasize the importance of listening to God's warnings today?
3.What role do "witnesses" play in understanding God's message in Amos 3:13?
4.How does Amos 3:13 connect to the broader theme of judgment in Amos?
5.How can we apply the call to "testify" in our daily lives?
6.What does Amos 3:13 teach about God's authority over Israel and the nations?
7.What is the significance of "testify against the house of Jacob" in Amos 3:13?
8.How does Amos 3:13 reflect God's judgment and justice?
9.Why does God call witnesses in Amos 3:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 3?
11.What is the order of the Bible's books?
12.If God is unchanging, why does He show different behaviors in the Old and New Testaments?
13.What does 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' mean?
14.2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 - Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy?What Does Amos 3:13 Mean hear• The verse opens with an imperative: “Hear.” God is summoning His people to listen attentively, just as He did inDeuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One”. • This call echoes throughout Scripture (Isaiah 1:2;Revelation 2:7), underscoring that revelation brings responsibility. When God speaks, His people must tune in with undivided hearts. and testify• “Testify” indicates that what follows is courtroom language. Amos is commissioned as a witness who will give sworn testimony. • Moses performed a similar role when he gathered the elders to “hear these words and call heaven and earth to witness against them” (Deuteronomy 31:28). • God often appoints prophets as legal witnesses (Isaiah 43:10), ensuring that no one can claim ignorance when judgment falls. against the house of Jacob• The target is “the house of Jacob,” a covenant name reminding Israel of its patriarchal roots (Genesis 32:28). • Despite their privileged relationship, they have violated covenant stipulations (Amos 3:1-2;Jeremiah 2:4-5), so the testimony is “against” them, not for them. • The phrase also points to the northern kingdom’s accountability—prosperity had not excused their injustice and idolatry. declares the Lord GOD• “Declares” carries the weight of an official proclamation. This is not Amos’s opinion but a divine decree. • The doubled title “Lord GOD” stresses absolute sovereignty (Isaiah 45:18)—He owns the message and guarantees its fulfillment. • Every prophetic utterance rests on this bedrock of divine authority (Ezekiel 22:31). the God of Hosts• “Hosts” refers to angelic armies and all cosmic forces. The One speaking commands them all (1 Samuel 17:45). • By ending the sentence this way, God reminds Israel that the Judge has limitless resources to carry out His verdict (Isaiah 6:3;Jeremiah 10:16). • What He promises—whether discipline or deliverance—cannot be thwarted. summaryAmos 3:13 is a solemn summons. God calls His people to listen, appoints His prophet to testify, singles out covenant-breaking Israel, and seals the message with titles that trumpet His unrivaled authority and power. The verse warns that the Judge of all the earth is ready to act, and His word is final. (13) Hear ye.--Addressed to the foreign nations Egypt and Philistia referred to in Amos 3:9. Verse 13. - Hear ye; Septuagint, Ἱερεῖςἀκούσατε, "Hear, O ye priests." The address is to the heathen, already summoned (ver. 9) to witness the sins of Israel, and now called to witness her punishment, In the house; better, against the house of Jacob, the tribes of Israel (ver. 1). God of hosts. God of the powers of heaven and earth, and therefore able to execute his threats. Septuagint, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ, "the Almighty."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Hearשִׁמְע֥וּ(šim·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyand testifyוְהָעִ֖ידוּ(wə·hā·‘î·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5749:To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restoreagainst the houseבְּבֵ֣ית(bə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004:A houseof Jacob,יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descdeclaresנְאֻם־(nə·’um-)Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002:An oraclethe Lordאֲדֹנָ֥י(’ă·ḏō·nāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136:The LordGOD,יְהוִ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069:YHWHthe Godאֱלֹהֵ֥י(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof Hosts.הַצְּבָאֽוֹת׃(haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)Article | Noun - common plural Strong's 6635:A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign
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OT Prophets: Amos 3:13 Listen and testify against the house (Amo. Am) |