Old Testament

Amos 3:13

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Listen and testify in the house of Jacob," says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,

What Amos 3:13 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is calling for attention and action from the people of Jacob, which represents the nation of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of listening to His message and bearing witness to the truth. This call to testify is not just for the sake of tradition; it is a reminder of their identity and responsibilities. God, referred to as the Lord of hosts, signifies His authority and power over all creation. The message is clear: the people must acknowledge their relationship with God and share their experiences of His faithfulness. This is a moment of accountability, urging them to reflect on their actions and the consequences that follow. By listening and testifying, they can strengthen their community and deepen their faith. This verse serves as a reminder that God desires an active relationship with His people, one that involves both hearing His words and sharing their stories of His goodness with others. It’s an invitation to engage with God and to be a voice of truth in their world.

How to apply Amos 3:13 to your life

Consider how you can listen to God's messages in your life. Reflect on your experiences and think about how you can share them with others. Testifying about your faith can strengthen your community and encourage others to seek a relationship with God. Your story matters and can inspire change in someone else's life. Be bold in sharing it today.

Curated for this public verse page. Amos Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Amos 3:13

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Amos 3:13

At a Glance — the Book of Amos

Author
Amos the prophet
Written
Around 760 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
The northern kingdom of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Amos 3:13 mean?

Amos 3:13 calls the people of Israel to listen to God's message and testify about their experiences. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their relationship with God and sharing the truth of His faithfulness.

What is the significance of 'testify' in Amos 3:13?

In Amos 3:13, 'testify' signifies the act of bearing witness to God's truth and faithfulness. It encourages the people to actively share their experiences and uphold their identity as God's chosen people.

What does 'the house of Jacob' refer to in this verse?

'The house of Jacob' in Amos 3:13 refers to the nation of Israel, symbolizing God's chosen people. It highlights their collective responsibility to listen to God and share His message.

How can I apply Amos 3:13 in my life?

You can apply Amos 3:13 by actively listening for God's messages in your life and sharing your faith experiences with others. This can help strengthen your community and encourage others in their faith journey.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.