Amos 3:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God calls for witnesses to hear and testify against the house of Jacob, naming Himself the God of hosts.
What Does Amos 3:13 Mean?
A fresh summons to attention: hear and testify against the house of Jacob. The Lord names Himself "the God of hosts," commander of the armies of heaven, lending weight and authority to the warning that follows.
Testimony in Scripture is a solemn thing, a formal witness that establishes the truth of a matter. God calls for His word against Israel's sin to be made known and confirmed. The title "God of hosts" reminds the reader that the One who warns is no local deity but the sovereign Lord of all powers. When such a God calls for testimony, the matter is grave. The verse summons us to take seriously the witness God raises up against complacency and injustice.
Amos 3:13 in the Original Language
tseva'ot (צְבָאוֹת), 'hosts' -- armies, the heavenly powers the Lord commands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 3:13
What does Amos 3:13 mean?
God calls for witnesses to hear and testify against the house of Jacob, naming Himself the God of hosts.