Definition: You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 3:2. It's a really powerful and important statement about judgment and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God sees everything that’s happening in the world – people’s actions, their relationships, and even their thoughts – and He’s deeply concerned. He’s essentially saying, “I know all about your families (groups of people) and what you're doing.” And because he knows so much, He’s going to punish you for all the wrong things you’ve been doing. Let’s unpack it a little more: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” This is the key part. Amos is saying that God has complete knowledge – he knows every family, every group of people, and every relationship. He's not just remembering individual people; he’s aware of everything . “…therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” This means that because God knows about your wrongdoings (like lying, stealing, harming others, etc.), He is going to bring consequences for those actions. “Iniquities” is a tricky word – it’s not just any wrongdoing. It refers to behaviors that are morally wrong and harmful to people and society as a whole. What does this mean practically? This verse isn't necessarily about being punished immediately . It speaks to a future judgment, but it also highlights the importance of repentance (turning away from wrongdoings) and seeking God’s forgiveness. It's a warning about the consequences of our actions and a call to change. In short, this verse is a strong statement of God’s watchfulness over humanity and His expectation that we will be held accountable for our choices. Important Note: This passage often gets misinterpreted. It doesn’t mean everyone will be punished in the future. It's about God's judgment based on what He knows. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the context of Amos’s message?) Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss the meaning of the word "iniquities"?