Micah 6:12
Micah 6:12 in Multiple Translations
For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
For its men of wealth are cruel, and its people have said what is not true, and their tongue is false in their mouth.
Your rich people make money by using violence; they tell lies and practice deceit.
For the rich men thereof are full of crueltie, and the inhabitants thereof haue spoken lyes, and their tongue is deceitfull in their mouth.
Whose rich ones have been full of violence, And its inhabitants have spoken falsehood, And their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.
Her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech.
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
By which her rich men were filled with iniquity, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue was deceitful in their mouth.
The rich people among you always act violently to get money from poor people. All of the people in Jerusalem are liars, and they [SYN] always deceive people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 6:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Micah 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
עֲשִׁירֶ֨י/הָ֙
מָלְא֣וּ
חָמָ֔ס
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
דִּבְּרוּ
שָׁ֑קֶר
וּ/לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
רְמִיָּ֥ה
בְּ/פִי/הֶֽם
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עֲשִׁירֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Adj | Suff
מָלְא֣וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חָמָ֔ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
דִּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
וּ/לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs | Suff
רְמִיָּ֥ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
בְּ/פִי/הֶֽם
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 6:12
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עֲשִׁירֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
מָלְא֣וּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
חָמָ֔ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
דִּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
שָׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
וּ/לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
רְמִיָּ֥ה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
בְּ/פִי/הֶֽם
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Micah 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Micah 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Micah 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Micah 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 6:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 6:12
- Barnes' Notes on Micah 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Micah 6:12
- Sermons on Micah 6:12
Context — The Punishment of Israel
10Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed?
11Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?
12For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.
13Therefore I am striking you severely, to ruin you because of your sins. 14You will eat but not be satisfied, and your hunger will remain with you. What you acquire, you will not preserve; and what you save, I will give to the sword.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 9:8 | Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. |
| 3 | Hosea 7:13 | Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against Me! Though I would redeem them, they speak lies against Me. |
| 4 | Isaiah 3:8 | For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. |
| 5 | Micah 2:1–2 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:7 | For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:2–6 | If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Romans 3:13 | “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” |
| 9 | Zephaniah 3:3 | Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 5:26–29 | For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? |
Micah 6:12 Summary
This verse is saying that the people with power and money in the city are using their influence to hurt others, and that many people in the city are lying and being dishonest. This is a sign of a bigger problem - that people have turned away from God and are living for themselves, as seen in Romans 3:23. We can learn from this verse by being careful not to let our own desire for wealth and power lead us to hurt others, and by striving to live honestly and with integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9. By following God's ways and seeking to live according to His standards, we can avoid the dangers of wealth and deception and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the wealthy of the city are full of violence?
This phrase suggests that those with power and wealth are using their influence to harm and exploit others, rather than to help and serve them, as seen in Jeremiah 22:13 and Amos 4:1.
Why does the verse say that the residents speak lies and have deceitful tongues?
This indicates that the people of the city have become accustomed to dishonesty and deception, which is a sign of a deeper spiritual problem, as warned in Proverbs 12:22 and Ephesians 4:25.
Is this verse only talking about ancient cities, or is it relevant to us today?
Although this verse was written in the context of ancient Israel, its message about the dangers of wealth, violence, and deception is still relevant to us today, as seen in Jesus' teachings in Luke 12:15 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
How can we, as Christians, avoid being influenced by the worldly values described in this verse?
We can avoid being influenced by worldly values by focusing on God's Word and seeking to live according to His standards, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be contributing to the violence and deception in my own community, and how can I work to change this?
- How can I use my own wealth and influence to serve and help others, rather than to harm or exploit them?
- What are some lies or deceptions that I may be telling myself or others, and how can I work to speak the truth in love?
- What would it look like for me to live a life of honesty and integrity, and how can I take steps to make this a reality in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Micah 6:12
For the rich men thereof are full of violence,.... That is, the rich men of the city, to whom the voice of the Lord cried, Micah 6:9.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 6:12
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 6:12
For: this is given as an evidence of the truth of the charge, and of the justness of the resolution God had declared to punish them. The rich men; who of all men had least temptation to deal unjustly; they were so well provided for, that without a trade they might live, and in trading they should have been content with honest gain; they should have been examples of charity and bounty, but these are the men deepest in this guilt. Thereof; of Jerusalem, Samaria, and of every traded city in the land. Full of violence; full of principles, practices, and fruits of violence and rapine, their minds inclined to cheatings and dishonesty, their practices managed with fraud and falsehood, and their riches heaped up through violence. The inhabitants: the disease is universal, not some few rich men, but they that dwell in the city, are wholly oppression; or perhaps thus, who come to dwell among them, soon catch the disease, and learn these ways. Thereof; of all the cities of the land of Canaan. Have spoken lies; have accustomed themselves to speak falsehood, there is no truth in their affirmations or negations. Their tongue is deceitful in their mouth; there is not a man of plain-heartedness, integrity, and honesty among them. So David complains of his times, ,2.
Trapp's Commentary on Micah 6:12
Micah 6:12 For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.Ver. 12. For the rich men thereof are full of violence] After that they have once enriched themselves by fraud and false dealing, they take the boldness openly to oppress, and to exercise regiment without righteousness, which is no better than robbery with authority; of which before, Micah 2:1-13; Micah 3:1-12 Thus wicked men wax worse and worse, 2 Timothy 3:13, "till wrath come upon them to the utmost," 1 Thessalonians 2:16. And the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies] Not the rich men only are in fault; but as the Cretians, so these are always liars, loud and lewd liars; their tongue is deceitful in their mouth, so that they no sooner open their mouths but swarms of lies issue out; they are mendaciorum loquacissimi, they have taught their tongues to speak lies, Jeremiah 9:5, they are now become artists at it; yea, they take fast hold of deceit, Jeremiah 8:5, so that they cannot be got off, without striving. This is lamentable, and yet common; especially in trading and trafficking. But oh when shall that golden age return, that the argument may again proceed, Sacerdos est, non fallet: Christianus est, non mentietur. He is a minister, and will not deceive you: He is a Christian, and will not lie! See Isaiah 63:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 6:12
(12) The rich men thereof—i.e., of the city. The sins of spoliation and fraud were practised by men who had not even the pitiable excuse of poverty and distress.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 6:12
Verse 12. For the rich men thereof are full of violence] This shows that they did not love mercy. The inhabitants thereof have spoken lies] This shows that they did not humble themselves to walk with God.
Barnes' Notes on Micah 6:12
For the rich men thereof - that is, “of the city, Micah 6:9 are full of violence.” It bad been little, had thieves and robbers lived by violence, but now, (as Isaiah at the same time upbraids them,)
Whedon's Commentary on Micah 6:12
11. Shall I count them pure — This is an impossible rendering of the Hebrew, but it is supported by Vulgate; the Hebrew reads, “Shall I be pure?” If this is original, the people must be the speaker;
Sermons on Micah 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon addresses the issue of dishonesty and corruption, highlighting the consequences of cheating and unethical practices, especially during times of crisis. It emphasizes th |
|
(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
|
Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
|
Where Were the Men? by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Barak and Deborah from the book of Judges. The sermon highlights the potential and heart of God that is revealed in this story. |
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:8 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the consequences of turning away from God and embracing sinful behavior. He emphasizes that when we engage in unnatural and sinful acti |
|
The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |
|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel |