Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse from the book of Amos. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and consequence. It suggests that those who are truly wicked and selfish will be so consumed by their actions that they become so awful that they might even appear to roar – literally! - like a lion. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Amos 3:4” : This is the verse itself, written in Hebrew. It's from the Old Testament Book of Amos. “Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey?” – Think of a lion roaming alone in the wilderness. It’s a dramatic image. Lions are predators, and they need to eat! “will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?” – This is the key part. It's saying that if a lion has been selfish, greedy, or consumed by their own desires and doesn’t take anything (food, possessions, etc.), they will appear to be roaring with distress and pain. They'll be so tormented by their lack of resources that they'd cry out for help – like a young lion in its den. What does it mean practically? The verse is essentially saying: “Those who are truly bad, those who act selfishly and greedily, will face a terrible consequence. They’ll be so consumed with their own problems that they might become a frightening presence – even appearing to roar – because of the pain they inflict on themselves. It's a warning about the dangers of selfishness and the potential for suffering when we don't share or consider others.” Context is Important: The book of Amos is a message of judgment against the people of Israel, particularly during a time of political instability and moral decay. Amos uses vivid imagery to call them to repentance and change their ways. In short, it’s a warning about the potential for suffering when we prioritize our own needs over others. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its possible meaning within a larger context of the Bible? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories or teachings?