Micah 2 2

Micah 2:2 kjv

And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

Micah 2:2 nkjv

They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, A man and his inheritance.

Micah 2:2 niv

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance.

Micah 2:2 esv

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.

Micah 2:2 nlt

When you want a piece of land,
you find a way to seize it.
When you want someone's house,
you take it by fraud and violence.
You cheat a man of his property,
stealing his family's inheritance.

Micah 2 verses

Micah 2 2 Meaning

This verse describes the pervasive desire and ability of wicked people to plot and execute evil deeds. They devise wicked schemes, often in the quiet of the night or hidden from view, for selfish gain, regardless of the cost to others.

Micah 2 2 Context

This verse is situated within the prophecy of Micah, who addressed both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The immediate context of chapter 2 reveals God's condemnation of the wealthy and powerful who oppressed the poor and exploited their land and possessions. They unjustly took what did not belong to them, violating God's law and the principles of justice and mercy.

Micah 2 2 Word analysis

• On yiphtzu ( Hebrew for "they devise"): This signifies deliberate planning and scheming. The intent is not accidental but pre-meditated.
• Avot (Hebrew for "inventions" or "devices"): Refers to the specific plans and methods they create to achieve their wicked goals.
• Va'asu (Hebrew for "and they do" or "and they work"): Implies the active implementation of these plans. It's not just thinking about evil, but acting upon it.
• Lahem (Hebrew for "for themselves"): Emphasizes the selfish motivation behind their actions. Their schemes are for personal enrichment and benefit.
• Na'ar (Hebrew for "young man" or "youth"): While literal, in this context it can also imply immaturity or a lack of wisdom in their actions, despite their plans.
• Isham (Hebrew for "his neighbor" or "his friend"): Highlights the betrayal of trust and relationships, as their actions harm those closest to them.
• Ve_saviv (Hebrew for "and round about"): Describes the widespread nature of the oppression, affecting many individuals in their community.
• Vehoreh (Hebrew for "and in the morning" or "early in the morning"): Indicates readiness and promptness in carrying out their evil deeds. The morning implies efficiency in seizing opportunities.
• Ya'asu (Hebrew for "they do"): Reinforces the action, emphasizing the consistent and diligent pursuit of their illicit gains.
• Vakol (Hebrew for "and all"): A comprehensive statement indicating the totality of their covetousness and appropriation.
• Kochi (Hebrew for "my strength" or "my might"): While used here as the "strength" of their arm, it alludes to their reliance on their own power and resources rather than God.
• Bayadayim (Hebrew for "in the hands" or "by the hands"): Points to the execution of their plans through their own efforts and power.
• Havvasu (Hebrew for "possessions" or "wealth"): The object of their desire and acquisition.
• Keled va'avar (Hebrew for "he has taken"): Implies the forcible seizure and removal of property, leaving the victim dispossessed.
• Ha (Hebrew for "the"): Definite article, specifying particular fields and houses.
• Sadai (Hebrew for "field"): Represents agricultural land, the source of livelihood.
• uBatem (Hebrew for "and houses"): Dwellings, places of refuge and security.
• yikahtu (Hebrew for "he will seize" or "he will take"): Foretells the act of forceful confiscation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "They devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds": This phrase underscores the active, intentional nature of their wickedness, conceived even in moments of rest. It's not a spontaneous act but a calculated, pre-meditated assault.
• "In the morning they do it with their hand because it is in the power of their hand": This emphasizes the readiness, capability, and justification they find in their own strength and ability to commit injustice. It highlights their dependence on worldly power and disregard for divine law.
• "They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away": This clearly states the objects of their covetousness and the actions of theft and dispossession. It paints a picture of economic injustice and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Micah 2 2 Bonus section

This verse is part of a larger indictment against social injustice and corruption that characterized much of ancient Israelite society. Micah, like other prophets, stood for the poor and oppressed, speaking God's judgment against those who exploited them. The actions described are not just individual acts of sin but systemic issues that indicate a breakdown of covenant faithfulness and social order. The reference to "beds" can also be interpreted as schemes plotted in the night, demonstrating the insidious and premeditated nature of their injustice. Their reliance on "the power of their hand" shows a rebellion against God's ultimate authority and a trust in human strength rather than divine provision and justice.

Micah 2 2 Commentary

Micah 2:2 condemns a specific type of sin: the greedy and deliberate acquisition of property through oppressive means. The wicked are not merely idle sinners; they actively scheme, plan, and execute their wrongdoings. This happens even in the supposed quiet of rest ("upon their beds"), revealing the pervasive nature of their evil thoughts. When morning comes, they act swiftly ("with their hand") because they possess the physical power ("power of their hand") to do so. Their motivation is pure covetousness ("they covet fields and seize them; and houses, and take them away"), showing a deep disregard for God's command against stealing and a profound lack of empathy for their fellow Israelites who suffer the consequences. This verse speaks to a pattern of exploiting the vulnerable for personal gain, a perennial sin that resonates through all eras.