Micah 6 7

Micah 6:7 kjv

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Micah 6:7 nkjv

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Micah 6:7 niv

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Micah 6:7 esv

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"

Micah 6:7 nlt

Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?

Micah 6 verses

Micah 6 7 Meaning

The verse questions what God truly desires from humanity in terms of worship and devotion. It asserts that material sacrifices like thousands of rams or rivers of oil are not the primary requirements. Instead, God seeks a demonstration of moral and ethical conduct, specifically acting justly and loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him. This highlights that true worship is intrinsically linked to a life of righteousness and intimate relationship with God.

Micah 6 7 Context

Micah chapter 6 addresses the covenant lawsuit God has against Israel. Following a declaration of God's mighty acts for their salvation and a recounting of Israel's transgressions (Micah 6:1-5), the people inquire about what constitutes acceptable worship and how they can approach God. This verse is a direct response to that inquiry, moving beyond the ritualistic practices prevalent in their society and religious environment. The surrounding verses highlight that material offerings and even excessive sacrifices are insufficient if not accompanied by a transformed life and a sincere relationship with God. The historical context is one where Israel, like its neighbors, engaged in sacrifices, but often divorced them from true morality and covenant faithfulness. Micah is polemicizing against a superficial religiosity that masked deeper corruption.

Micah 6 7 Word Analysis

• "What does the LORD require?"

  • Mah (מַה): Hebrew for "What." This is a direct question, seeking essential conditions for divine favor and relationship.
  • yahweh (יְהוָה): The personal covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and active relationship with His people.
  • Shu'al (שָּׁאַל): Hebrew for "require" or "ask." It signifies a deep and fundamental inquiry into God's will and expectations, not a casual request.

• "of you"

  • 'otkha (אֹתְךָ): Hebrew for "you" (singular masculine). Directly addresses the individual believer and collectively the covenant community.

• "to do justly,"

  • 'asah misphat (עָשׂוּ מִשְׁפָּט): Literally "to do judgment/justice." This is an active imperative, highlighting the need for righteousness in deeds, fair dealings, and upholding what is right in all interactions. It implies an adherence to God's law and ethical principles.

• "to love mercy,"

  • 'ahav chesed (אַהַב חֶסֶד): "To love kindness/steadfast love." This speaks of cherishing and actively practicing God's covenant faithfulness and active benevolence towards others, showing compassion and grace. It's not just a feeling, but an active embracing of this divine attribute.

• "and to walk humbly with your God."

  • hakaht zem'meh 'elohaykha (הָלֹךְ זִמְמָּה אֱלֹהָיֶךָ): "To walk, a deliberate habit/way of life, with your God."
    • Halaḵ (הָלֹךְ): "To walk," often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe one's manner of life, conduct, and progression in relation to God.
    • Zem'mah (זִמְמָּה): "Deliberation," "purpose," "inclination," "wisdom," "counsel." When translated as "humbly," it signifies a walk characterized by recognition of God's sovereignty, dependence, and not presumption or self-reliance. It points to a life guided by God's wisdom and council, a humble and intentional relationship. This walking implies covenant relationship and adherence to God's ways.

Micah 6 7 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "doing justly" and "loving mercy" directly echoes the Law and the Prophets. Prophets like Amos and Isaiah had already railed against sacrifices offered by those who oppressed the poor and acted unjustly. Jesus later summarized the entirety of the Law and the Prophets as loving God and loving neighbor, further emphasizing that the outward expressions of justice and mercy are not optional extras but fundamental to knowing and pleasing God. The humility required in "walking humbly with your God" is the foundational attitude that enables one to truly embrace justice and mercy. It means recognizing God's supreme authority, relying on His strength rather than one's own, and submitting to His will, which inherently includes caring for the vulnerable and acting with integrity.

Micah 6 7 Commentary

Micah 6:8 encapsulates the core of true religion. God is not impressed by mere religious observance or costly offerings when the heart and actions are contrary to His nature. He seeks a life lived out in practical righteousness—fairness in dealings with others, demonstrable compassion, and a profound humility that acknowledges dependence on Him and walks in intimate fellowship. This isn't about emotionalism or outward display alone; it's about a transformed character reflecting God's character in everyday life. The "doing justly" and "loving mercy" are concrete manifestations of this inner reality and are inseparable from the act of "walking humbly" with God.