Amos 3:8

KJV

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

KJV (with Strong's)

The lion {H738} hath roared {H7580}, who will not {H3808} fear {H3372}? the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} hath spoken {H1696}, who can but prophesy {H5012}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The lion has roared. Who will not fear? ADONAI, God, has spoken. Who will not prophesy?

Berean Standard Bible

The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy?

American Standard Version

The lion hath roared; who will not fear? The Lord Jehovah hath spoken; who can but prophesy?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 3:8 serves as a potent rhetorical declaration, establishing an undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between God's authoritative pronouncements and the inevitable human response. Just as the terrifying roar of a lion compels fear, so too does the sovereign voice of the Lord God necessitate a prophetic utterance from His chosen messengers. This verse encapsulates the divine compulsion behind Amos's bold and uncompromising message of judgment and warning to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, underscoring that his words are not his own, but a direct, unavoidable consequence of God having spoken.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 3:8 is the climactic statement in a series of rhetorical questions posed by the prophet in [Amos chapter 3](/amos/3 "Amos 3 - The Lord's Indictment of Israel"). The chapter opens with a declaration of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, which paradoxically leads to greater accountability ([Amos 3:1-2](/amos/3-1-2 "Amos 3:1-2 - Israel's Unique Relationship and Accountability")). The subsequent verses ([Amos 3:3-6](/amos/3-3-6 "Amos 3:3-6 - A Series of Rhetorical Questions")) present a chain of cause-and-effect scenarios from the natural world and human experience—such as two walking together without agreement, a lion roaring without prey, or a trumpet sounding without alarm—all designed to illustrate that every effect has a preceding cause. This culminates in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to Prophets"), which explicitly states, "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:8 then acts as the ultimate conclusion to this logical progression, asserting that once God has revealed His will (the "roar"), the prophet is left with no choice but to declare it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (circa 760-750 BCE). This period was marked by significant economic prosperity for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but this affluence was coupled with profound social injustice, moral decay, and rampant idolatry. The rich oppressed the poor, legal systems were corrupted, and the worship of Yahweh was syncretized with pagan practices. In this cultural milieu, prophets served as God's spokespersons, often delivering unpopular messages of rebuke and judgment. The image of a lion roaring was a powerful and universally understood metaphor in the ancient Near East, symbolizing immense power, imminent danger, and royal authority. A lion's roar was a terrifying sound that signaled a predator's presence and an unavoidable threat, evoking immediate fear and a desperate response. Applying this imagery to God's voice would have immediately conveyed His supreme power and the terrifying certainty of His impending judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos and beyond. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**. The "lion's roar" is an unmistakable symbol of God's absolute control and the irresistible nature of His decrees. Just as no one can ignore the roar of a lion, so too can no one disregard the voice of the Lord God without consequence. His word is not merely advice but an unalterable decree, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty"). Second, the verse highlights the **Compulsion to Prophesy**. Once the "Lord GOD hath spoken," the prophet is divinely compelled to deliver that message; it is not a matter of personal choice but of unavoidable obedience to a higher authority. This resonates with the experiences of other prophets, like [Jeremiah, who felt God's word like a burning fire in his bones](/jeremiah/20-9 "Jeremiah 20:9 - Jeremiah's Burning Word") if he tried to hold it back. Finally, the verse touches on the **Fear of the Lord**. The fear mentioned is not merely terror but a profound reverence and awe in the presence of God's overwhelming power and truth. This [fear of the Lord is consistently presented as the beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") and knowledge throughout the wisdom literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lion (Hebrew, _ʼărîy'_):** (H738) This term refers to a powerful, predatory animal, often symbolizing strength, royalty, and danger in the ancient Near East. In Amos 3:8, it is a direct metaphor for God Himself, emphasizing His majestic, terrifying, and irresistible power when He acts or speaks. The roar of this lion signifies an unavoidable and impactful divine declaration.
* **roared (Hebrew, _shâʼag'_):** (H7580) This primitive root means "to rumble or moan," specifically referring to the deep, resonant sound made by a lion. When applied to God, it conveys the authoritative, fear-inducing, and unmistakable nature of His voice. It is not a whisper but a thunderous proclamation that demands attention and evokes an immediate, visceral response.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** (H136, H3069) This compound divine title combines _ʼĂdônây_ (H136), an emphatic form meaning "my Lord" or "Sovereign Master," and _Yᵉhôvih_ (H3069), a variation of YHWH (the covenant name of God), used to avoid repeating the sound of _ʼĂdônây_ when YHWH follows it. This combination profoundly emphasizes God's supreme and personal authority, His covenant faithfulness, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and His people. It underscores that the one who speaks is the ultimate ruler and covenant-keeping God.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** (H1696) This primitive root means "to speak" or "to arrange." Here, it signifies a deliberate, authoritative utterance from God. It implies not merely communication, but a decree, a command, or a revelation that carries the full weight of His divine will and power. When God "speaks," His word is effective and brings about what it declares.
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** (H5012) This primitive root means "to prophesy," specifically to speak or sing by divine inspiration, whether in prediction or simple discourse. In the context of Amos 3:8, it highlights the compelled nature of the prophetic office. Once God has spoken, the prophet is divinely impelled to declare that message, acting as God's mouthpiece, unable to resist the divine imperative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lion hath roared, who will not fear?"**: This clause sets up the initial, undeniable premise. The "lion" is a powerful metaphor for God Himself, and His "roar" signifies His authoritative and terrifying voice, or His decisive action. The rhetorical question "who will not fear?" implies that the response to such a powerful and dreadful sound is universal and unavoidable. Just as a physical lion's roar instills immediate and overwhelming fear, so too does God's declaration evoke a profound, inescapable sense of awe, dread, or reverence in those who hear it. It establishes the irresistibility of God's power and the certainty of His impending action.
* **"the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"**: This second clause directly parallels the first, applying the principle to the divine-prophetic relationship. The "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) is the ultimate sovereign and covenant-keeping God, whose "speaking" is a definitive and purposeful act of revelation. The rhetorical question "who can but prophesy?" then logically follows: if God, the ultimate authority, has spoken, how can His chosen messenger, the prophet, possibly refrain from declaring His word? It underscores the divine compulsion that rests upon the prophet, making their proclamation not a matter of choice, but an inevitable and necessary response to God's revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 3:8 is rich with literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, used twice ("who will not fear?" and "who can but prophesy?"). These are not questions seeking information but statements crafted to elicit an obvious, undeniable answer, thereby emphasizing the certainty and inevitability of the stated truth. The verse also employs a powerful **Metaphor**, where God is directly compared to a "lion." This comparison imbues God's voice and actions with the attributes of a lion: strength, majesty, terrifying power, and the certainty of its presence and impact. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** between the two halves of the verse. The structure "The lion hath roared, who will not fear?" is mirrored by "the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" This structural repetition reinforces the core message, drawing a direct, inescapable equivalence between the natural, fear-inducing roar of a lion and the divinely compelling word of God. Finally, a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism** is present, attributing human-like action ("spoken") to God, even while using the animal metaphor, to make His communication tangible and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 3:8 profoundly illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God and the nature of divine revelation. It asserts that God is not a silent or passive deity, but an active, speaking God whose word carries inherent authority and demands an unavoidable response. This truth undergirds all prophetic ministry, emphasizing that true prophecy is not human opinion or conjecture, but a direct, compelled utterance of God's own heart and mind. The prophet, therefore, serves as a mere conduit, unable to resist the divine imperative to declare what the Lord has spoken, especially concerning judgment or salvation. This divine compulsion ensures the integrity and authority of the prophetic message, reminding both the messenger and the audience that the words are God's, not man's.

* [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9-10 "Jeremiah 1:9-10 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John Cannot But Speak")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 3:8 serves as a profound reminder for believers today regarding the nature of God's word and our response to it. Just as the ancient Israelites could not ignore the lion's roar, we too cannot passively disregard the voice of the Lord God. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of reverent listening and immediate obedience to God's revealed truth, whether it comes through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or the prophetic voice within the church. For those who feel a divine calling to speak God's truth, whether in ministry, evangelism, or simply bearing witness in daily life, this verse underscores the compelling urgency and divine authority behind such a call. It reminds us that our words, when aligned with God's, are not merely human opinions but carry the weight of His sovereign will. We are called to be faithful messengers, recognizing that when the Lord God has spoken, we "can but prophesy"—we are compelled by love, awe, and obedience to declare His truth to a world desperately in need of hearing it. This should inspire both a profound fear of the Lord (reverence) and a bold confidence in proclaiming His message, knowing it is backed by the roar of the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense the "roar" of God's word, demanding a response?**
* **How does the "fear of the Lord" (reverence and awe) shape your willingness to listen and obey His voice?**
* **If God has spoken, what might be holding you back from "prophesying" or speaking His truth in your sphere of influence?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's voice in your daily life, recognizing His authority and the necessity of your response?**

### FAQ
**What does the "lion's roar" symbolize in Amos 3:8?**

Answer: The "lion's roar" in [Amos 3:8](/amos/3-8 "Amos 3:8 - The Lion's Roar and Prophetic Compulsion") is a powerful and multi-layered symbol. Primarily, it represents the authoritative, terrifying, and unmistakable voice or action of God Himself. In the ancient Near East, a lion's roar signaled immense power, imminent danger, and the certainty of its presence and impending strike. Thus, when God "roars," it signifies His decisive intervention, His pronouncements of judgment, or His revealing of His will, which cannot be ignored or avoided. It evokes a profound sense of awe and dread, underscoring the absolute sovereignty and irresistible power of the [Lord GOD](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord GOD Almighty").

**Does "who can but prophesy?" mean that every believer is compelled to be a prophet?**

Answer: While [Amos 3:8](/amos/3-8 "Amos 3:8 - The Lion's Roar and Prophetic Compulsion") speaks specifically to the prophetic office of Amos, its underlying principle can be broadly applied. It highlights the divine compulsion that comes when God reveals His truth. For the prophet, this means a direct, unavoidable command to declare God's message. For all believers, it implies that once we truly hear and understand God's word, particularly through the [Holy Spirit's conviction](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts the World"), there is an internal imperative to respond and, in some way, to bear witness to that truth. This might not mean formal prophecy for everyone, but it does mean living in obedience, sharing the Gospel, or speaking truth into situations as God leads. The [Apostles Peter and John](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John Cannot But Speak") famously declared, "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard," illustrating this broader principle of compelled witness for all who encounter God's living word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 3:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's "roar" and the ultimate "prophet" who could not but speak what the Father commanded. Jesus is the [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the definitive and final revelation of God to humanity. His very presence and teachings were the "roar" of the Almighty, a divine declaration that demanded an inescapable response from all who heard Him. Unlike the Old Testament prophets who spoke *for* God, Jesus spoke *as* God, declaring, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")" and "[He that hath seen me hath seen the Father](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")". His words carried inherent authority, causing people to marvel, as He taught "[as one having authority, and not as the scribes](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")". Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy, the one to whom all the prophets pointed ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - All Scripture Points to Christ")). His life, death, and resurrection were the "speaking" of the Lord God in the most profound way, compelling not just fear, but worship and repentance. Just as Amos could not but prophesy, Jesus, in His perfect obedience, could not but fulfill the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, thereby becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His "roar" from the cross, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), echoes through eternity, demanding a response of faith and surrender from all who hear it.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 3:4

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?

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].

Amos 1:2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

1 Corinthians 9:16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Amos 2:12

But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.