Amos 8:2

KJV

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Amos {H5986}, what seest {H7200} thou? And I said {H559}, A basket {H3619} of summer fruit {H7019}. Then said {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto me, The end {H7093} is come {H935} upon my people {H5971} of Israel {H3478}; I will not again {H3254} pass {H5674} by them any more.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked, "'Amos, what do you see?" I answered, "A basket of summer [Hebrew: kayitz] fruit." Then ADONAI said to me, "The end [Hebrew: ketz] has come for my people, I will never again overlook their offenses.

Berean Standard Bible

“Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said Jehovah unto me, The end is come upon my people Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 8:2 records the fourth of Amos's five visions, presenting a pivotal moment where God reveals a basket of summer fruit to the prophet. This seemingly innocuous image is immediately interpreted by the Lord as a definitive declaration that the "end" has come for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The vision signifies that Israel's moral and spiritual decay has reached its peak, like overripe fruit, and God's long-suffering patience has been exhausted, leading to an irreversible judgment from which there will be no further reprieve.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 8:2 is strategically placed as the fourth in a series of five visions granted to the prophet Amos, detailing God's impending judgment upon Israel (Amos 7:1-9:10). The preceding visions of locusts (Amos 7:1-3) and fire (Amos 7:4-6) depicted destruction that was averted or mitigated by Amos's intercession. The third vision, the plumb line (Amos 7:7-9), established God's standard of righteousness against which Israel was found wanting, concluding with a declaration of judgment against the house of Jeroboam and the exile of Israel. This fourth vision, however, marks a stark and irreversible shift. Unlike the previous instances, there is no room for intercession or reprieve; the declaration "I will not again pass by them any more" signifies a finality that sets the stage for the detailed descriptions of judgment and lamentation that follow in the remainder of [Amos 8](/amos/8 "Amos 8 - The Basket of Summer Fruit and Coming Judgment") and the ultimate vision of the Lord by the altar in [Amos 9:1-10](/amos/9-1-10 "Amos 9:1-10 - The Lord by the Altar and Inescapable Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos, a shepherd and fig-dresser from Tekoa in Judah, was called to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (circa 760-750 BC). This was a period of significant economic prosperity and military strength for Israel, yet beneath this veneer of success lay profound social injustice, rampant oppression of the poor, widespread moral corruption, and pervasive idolatry, including the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan. The "basket of summer fruit" (Hebrew: _qayits_) held deep cultural significance. Summer fruit, such as figs or grapes, was harvested at the very end of the agricultural season. Once picked, it was highly perishable and had to be consumed quickly or preserved before it spoiled. This imagery would have immediately conveyed to an Israelite audience the idea of something that had reached its peak ripeness and was now on the verge of decay, symbolizing that Israel's time for repentance had expired and their moral rottenness was complete.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice**, revealing God's righteous indignation against Israel's persistent sin, particularly their social injustice and idolatry, which had violated the covenant. Secondly, it highlights the **Irreversible Nature of Judgment**, marking a definitive turning point where God's long-suffering patience has reached its limit, and the consequences for unrepentant rebellion are now certain and inescapable. Thirdly, the striking **Wordplay** between the Hebrew words for "summer fruit" (_qayits_) and "the end" (_qets_) is a central thematic element, emphasizing the direct and immediate connection between Israel's spiritual condition and their impending doom. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, or rather, Israel's profound failure to uphold their covenant obligations to Yahweh, leading to the breaking of the relationship and the imposition of divine discipline, echoing warnings found throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **basket (Hebrew, _kᵉlûwb'_):** This word refers to a container, often made of wicker, used for carrying produce. In this context, it specifically holds "summer fruit." The nature of the basket, holding perishable goods, reinforces the transient and time-sensitive nature of what it contains, underscoring the urgency of the divine message.
* **summer fruit (Hebrew, _qayits'_):** This term denotes the late harvest of fruits, typically at the end of the agricultural season. Such fruit is at its peak ripeness but also highly perishable, signifying that it must be consumed or processed immediately before it spoils. The symbolic weight here is immense: Israel, like this fruit, has reached its full "ripeness" of sin, and its time for judgment is now.
* **end (Hebrew, _qêts'_):** This word signifies an extremity, a conclusion, or a final point. Its phonetic similarity to _qayits_ (summer fruit) forms a powerful wordplay, making the divine declaration unmistakable. It denotes the absolute cessation of God's forbearance and the definitive arrival of the promised judgment, leaving no room for further delay or reprieve.
* **pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to cross over" or "to pass by." In the context of God "passing by" or "passing over," it often implies an act of forbearance, mercy, or protection (as in the Passover). Here, the declaration "I will not again pass by them any more" signifies the cessation of such divine leniency. God will no longer overlook or defer judgment; His previous acts of "passing by" in mercy are now definitively over for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Amos, what seest thou?":** This opening establishes the prophetic vision as a direct divine encounter. God initiates the dialogue, drawing Amos's attention to a specific visual, indicating that the upcoming revelation is of paramount importance and requires the prophet's direct observation and understanding.
* **"And I said, A basket of summer fruit.":** Amos's response is simple and accurate, demonstrating his clear perception of the vision. This immediate identification sets the stage for God's subsequent interpretation, which will imbue the ordinary object with profound theological meaning.
* **"Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel;":** This is the core of the divine oracle. The Lord (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) directly interprets the vision. The perishable "summer fruit" is linked to "the end" (qets), a striking Hebrew wordplay (qayits/qets) that makes the message unmistakable: Israel's time is up. Their accumulated sin has ripened, and their judgment is now imminent and unavoidable. The phrase "my people of Israel" underscores the tragedy of a covenant people facing such a definitive judgment from their own God.
* **"I will not again pass by them any more.":** This solemn declaration signifies the finality of God's patience. Unlike previous instances where Amos's intercession or God's mercy led to a reprieve (as seen in [Amos 7:3](/amos/7-3 "Amos 7:3 - The Lord Relents from Judgment") and [Amos 7:6](/amos/7-6 "Amos 7:6 - The Lord Relents Again")), this statement indicates that Israel's persistent rebellion, social injustice, and idolatry have exhausted divine forbearance. There will be no more "passing over" their sins; the time for reckoning has arrived.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 8:2 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic impact. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "basket of summer fruit" serves as a powerful visual metaphor. This common agricultural image is transformed into a potent symbol of Israel's spiritual condition – ripe for judgment, on the verge of decay. Closely related is **Wordplay** (also known as **Paronomasia**), which is central to the verse's message. The Hebrew word for "summer fruit" (_qayits_, קַיִץ) sounds remarkably similar to the word for "the end" (_qets_, קֵץ). This linguistic connection creates an unforgettable and undeniable link between the perishable nature of the fruit and the imminent, irreversible judgment awaiting Israel. Furthermore, the verse employs **Dialogue**, presenting a direct exchange between God and Amos. This conversational format lends immediacy and authenticity to the divine revelation, emphasizing the personal nature of God's communication with His prophet. Finally, the Lord's concluding statement functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Pronouncement of Judgment**, a formal declaration of God's will that carries absolute authority and finality, leaving no doubt about the impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 8:2 profoundly illustrates the intersection of God's enduring patience and His unyielding justice. While God is characterized by abundant mercy and long-suffering, this verse serves as a stark reminder that divine patience is not limitless. Israel's continuous defiance of the covenant, marked by rampant social injustice, oppression of the vulnerable, and widespread idolatry, had accumulated to a point where their "fruit" was fully ripe for judgment. The declaration "I will not again pass by them any more" signifies a pivotal moment where God's forbearance gives way to the inevitable consequences of sustained rebellion. It underscores the theological truth that God's character demands that sin be addressed, and His covenant relationship with His people carries both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This passage highlights the solemn reality that opportunities for repentance, though generously extended, are not infinite, and persistent rejection of divine warnings will ultimately lead to a decisive reckoning.

* [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God's Spirit Will Not Always Strive") - "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever." This verse echoes the principle that God's patience, while vast, has a limit, beyond which judgment is inevitable.
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - Hardened Neck Leads to Destruction") - "He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." This proverb captures the essence of Israel's situation in Amos 8:2, where persistent defiance leads to irreversible destruction.
* [Jeremiah 5:29](/jeremiah/5-29 "Jeremiah 5:29 - Shall I Not Punish for These Things?") - "Shall I not punish them for these things? says the LORD. And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?" This rhetorical question from Jeremiah reiterates the divine imperative for justice against a nation steeped in sin, paralleling God's resolve in Amos.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 8:2 serves as a potent and timeless warning for individuals and communities today. The imagery of the "basket of summer fruit" compels us to consider the ripeness of our own lives and societies. Are we, like ancient Israel, outwardly prosperous but inwardly decaying, marked by complacency, social injustice, or spiritual apathy? God's declaration, "I will not again pass by them any more," is a sobering reminder that while His grace is boundless, His patience has limits. This should not instill fear in the repentant heart, but rather a profound sense of urgency and gratitude for the present opportunity to turn from sin. It calls us to a rigorous self-examination, prompting us to identify areas where we might be "ripe" for divine correction. Furthermore, it challenges us to actively pursue justice and righteousness, particularly for the vulnerable, recognizing that these are not peripheral concerns but central to God's heart and a reflection of true faith. The message is clear: let us not presume upon God's grace, but rather respond with humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor Him and reflect His character in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community, might we be "ripe" for divine correction due to complacency or unaddressed sin?**
* **How does the concept of God's limited patience challenge my understanding of His mercy and grace, and what does this imply for my response to His warnings?**
* **What specific actions can I take to live out the principles of justice and righteousness that Israel failed to uphold, particularly in light of the suffering of the marginalized?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "basket of summer fruit" in this vision?**

Answer: The "basket of summer fruit" (Hebrew: _qayits_) is highly significant due to its perishable nature. Summer fruit, harvested at the end of the season, quickly spoils if not consumed or preserved. This imagery powerfully symbolizes that Israel's moral and spiritual decay had reached its peak, much like fruit that is fully ripe and on the verge of rottenness. It communicates that their time for repentance had run out, and they were "ripe" for immediate and irreversible judgment. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for "summer fruit" (_qayits_) creates a striking wordplay with the word for "the end" (_qets_), which God immediately declares, making the message unmistakable: Israel's end has come.

**How does this vision differ from the previous ones in Amos?**

Answer: This fourth vision in [Amos 8:2](/amos/8-2 "Amos 8:2 - The Basket of Summer Fruit") marks a crucial turning point from the preceding visions (locusts in [Amos 7:1-3](/amos/7-1-3 "Amos 7:1-3 - Vision of Locusts"), fire in [Amos 7:4-6](/amos/7-4-6 "Amos 7:4-6 - Vision of Fire"), and the plumb line in [Amos 7:7-9](/amos/7-7-9 "Amos 7:7-9 - Vision of the Plumb Line")). In the first two visions, Amos's passionate intercession led God to "relent" from the threatened judgment. While the plumb line vision declared Israel's spiritual crookedness and impending judgment, it did not explicitly state the finality of God's patience. However, in this vision of the summer fruit, God explicitly declares, "I will not again pass by them any more." This signifies that the period of reprieve and intercession is over; God's patience has been exhausted, and the judgment is now certain and irreversible, leaving no room for further delay or mitigation.

**Does "I will not again pass by them any more" mean God completely abandoned Israel?**

Answer: While the declaration "I will not again pass by them any more" signifies the cessation of God's forbearance and the certainty of immediate judgment (specifically the Assyrian exile of the Northern Kingdom), it does not mean God completely abandoned His ultimate covenant promises to Israel. This statement refers to the end of His patience with their unrepentant sin and the inevitability of the promised discipline. However, the broader prophetic narrative, especially in later books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/ "The Book of Isaiah") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/ "The Book of Jeremiah"), and even the concluding verses of Amos (e.g., [Amos 9:11-15](/amos/9-11-15 "Amos 9:11-15 - Restoration of David's Fallen Tent")), consistently affirm God's long-term faithfulness to His covenant people, promising future restoration and a remnant. So, it means the end of *that specific period* of forbearance and the beginning of a period of severe discipline, not a permanent, unconditional abandonment of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 8:2, with its stark declaration of "the end" and God's refusal to "pass by" Israel any more, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The perishable "summer fruit" points to the transient nature of human efforts and the inevitable decay of a world steeped in sin, signaling a need for a lasting solution beyond human capacity. Christ, however, is presented as the true and imperishable "fruit" – the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit") in believers, and the [firstfruits of the resurrection](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits"). The "end" that came upon Israel due to their unrepentant sin foreshadows the ultimate judgment that awaits all humanity. Yet, in Christ, the "end" of the Law is fulfilled for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ the End of the Law")). God's patience, which reached its limit with Israel, is perfectly demonstrated in the cross of Christ, where the full weight of sin was borne by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification")). For those who are "in Christ," the terrifying "end" of judgment is replaced by the promise of eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and God's "passing by" is transformed from a cessation of mercy to a "passing over" of sins, not through human intercession, but through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. Thus, Amos's warning of an irreversible end for a rebellious people ultimately points to the definitive and redemptive "end" inaugurated by Christ, offering salvation and reconciliation to all who turn to Him.

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 7:8

And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

Lamentations 4:18

They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.

Micah 7:1

¶ Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: [there is] no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

Jeremiah 1:11

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

Jeremiah 1:14

Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

Jeremiah 24:3

Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.