Amos 8:2
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.
Amos 8:2 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse from Amos 8:2-11 carries a powerful message about the impending judgement on the people of Israel. In this verse, Amos sees a vision of a basket of ripe summer fruit, which symbolizes the ripeness of Israel for judgement. The Lord declares that the end has come for his people, and he will no longer overlook their sinful ways. The choice of summer fruit is significant, as it represents the end of a season and the time for harvest. In this context, it signifies the end of a period of prosperity for Israel and the beginning of a time of reckoning for their actions. The Lord's decision not to pass by them anymore reflects his determination to bring justice and judgement upon his people for their disobedience. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel to repent and turn back to the Lord before it is too late.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Amos, the prophet sees a vision of a basket of summer fruit. The word "summer fruit" in Hebrew is "kayitz," which can also be translated as "end" or "ripeness." This imagery of ripe fruit symbolizes the fullness of Israel's sin and the impending judgment that will come upon them. The Lord declares that the end has come upon his people of Israel, indicating that the time for repentance has passed and judgment is imminent. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience and the importance of heeding the call to return to the ways of God. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the themes of divine judgment, the consequences of sin, and the urgency of repentance. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to uphold justice and the need for His people to align themselves with His will.
Amos 8:2 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
He said, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then Yahweh said to me, “The end has come on my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more.
Douay-Rheims
And he said: What seest thou, Amos? And I said: A hook to draw down fruit. And the Lord said to me: The end is come upon my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I sayd, A basket of sommer fruite. Then sayd the Lord vnto me, The ende is come vpon my people of Israel, I wil passe by them no more.