Micah 6 8

Micah 6:8 kjv

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8 nkjv

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 niv

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 esv

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 nlt

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6 verses

Micah 6 8 Meaning

This verse clearly articulates the core requirements of a life lived in right relationship with God. It synthesizes the essence of biblical faith: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. It's a call to internal disposition and external action, demonstrating genuine piety.

Micah 6 8 Context

Micah's prophecy addresses a time when Israel, particularly its leaders, had strayed from God's covenant. They were marked by social injustice, oppression of the poor, and a perfunctory religious observance that lacked true righteousness. The preceding verses (Micah 6:1-7) detail a rhetorical lawsuit brought by God against His people, employing the imagery of a cosmic courtroom. God summons the mountains and hills as witnesses to Israel's wrongdoing. He recalls His mighty acts of redemption and guidance, contrasting them with Israel's continued disobedience and the emptiness of their rituals when divorced from moral obedience. This verse serves as the culmination of God's indictment, cutting through superficial religious practice to reveal the heart of true worship and discipleship. It clarifies that genuine spirituality is not found in elaborate sacrifices or outward shows but in consistent ethical living and humble reliance on God.

Micah 6 8 Word Analysis

• HINNEH (הִנֵּה): "Behold," "Lo." An interjection that draws attention to what follows, emphasizing its importance and certainty. It signals a revelation or a declaration of profound truth.

• GADAD (גָּדַד) - O man: (Often implied rather than explicit word for 'man' in such contexts; the addressing is direct and universal). This refers to humanity in general, specifically those addressed by the prophet. It signifies accountability before God.

• MAH-TOV (מַה־טוֹב): "What is good?" A fundamental question probing the nature of true goodness. It’s not about subjective preference but objective divine standard.

• VEDO (וָמַ) / DOM/ (וְדִמֶל): "And what." Connects the initial question to the subsequent, more specific requirements.

• SHA'AL (שָׁאל): "Asks," "Demands." The root conveys seeking, inquiring, and also requiring or asking for something owed. God, as sovereign, rightfully asks of His creation.

• AHUM (אוֹתְךָ) - of you: Direct personal address. God requires this from individuals and collectively from His people.

• KIMAT: "What the LORD." Underscores that these requirements originate from God's own character and will.

• AH LA'ASOT (עָשׂוֹת): "To do." Emphasizes action, active participation in ethical living. Not passive agreement, but implementation.

• MISHPAT (מִשְׁפָּט): "Justice," "Judgment."

  • In its core meaning, mishpat refers to doing what is right and equitable according to God's law. It includes fairness in dealings, upholding rights, and administering proper judgment.
  • It speaks of social righteousness, ensuring fairness for the vulnerable and weak, as seen in prophetic calls against exploitation.
  • Its root implies to "settle" or "decide," linking it to governing principles.
  • Cross-references show it's a foundational aspect of God's character and His expectations for His people.

• CHASAD (חֶסֶד): "Mercy," "Steadfast love," "Loving-kindness."

  • This Hebrew word is rich in meaning, extending beyond simple pity. It signifies a deep, loyal, and covenantal love characterized by benevolent action.
  • It's a proactive kindness, going beyond what is strictly due. It often involves a desire to help and to relieve suffering.
  • It’s the embodiment of God’s grace toward His people, and by extension, how His people should act towards each other and all creation.
  • The instruction to "love mercy" is an imperative to cultivate this quality internally and express it externally.

• LAHATLIK (לָתֶק): "To love." A strong term indicating a deep affection and deliberate cherishing. This isn't merely tolerance but an active appreciation and embrace of mercy.

• LAHALEK (לְהַלֵּךְ): "To walk." This verb conveys movement, progression, and a way of life. It signifies continuous conduct and habitual behavior.

• TAMAM (תָּמָם) - humbly: (Root mtk often related to 'sweetness' or 'gentleness', and when modified or used contextually can imply humility or a gentle, teachable spirit. Tsa’an or Anavah are more common for humility, but the meaning here emphasizes a soft, submissive, teachable disposition before God, often contrasted with arrogance). The emphasis is on a proper understanding of one's place before God – not proud or presumptuous, but teachable, dependent, and rightly oriented.

• EMTSET (אֶתְךָ) - with your God: Highlights the relationship as the grounding for all other actions. This walking is done in communion and dependence upon God.

• IMUL/LISH'AH: "With Your God." This refers to living in relationship, dependence, and obedience to God. It's a covenantal walk, acknowledging God’s presence and guidance.

Micah 6 8 Bonus Section

This verse is often considered a summary statement of Old Testament prophetic ethics, beautifully paralleled in Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, particularly the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) which calls for loving God and neighbor. The phrase "do justly, love mercy, walk humbly" can be seen as fulfilling these two great commandments. The prophets frequently railed against injustice and hypocrisy, emphasizing that God detested rituals offered by a people whose hearts and actions were far from Him (e.g., Amos 5:21-24). Micah 6:8 is a direct response to this theological problem, redirecting focus to the character God desires in His people and the behaviors that flow from that character. It is the essence of living a life pleasing to God, uniting an inward state of reverence with outward actions of goodness and equity. It’s a timeless call for integrity in faith.

Micah 6 8 Commentary

Micah 6:8 distills the ethical heart of Israelite prophecy and, by extension, all biblical teaching. It’s a profound articulation of what God requires. It moves beyond mere ritual observance to the tangible outworking of divine principles in human conduct. To "do justly" means actively pursuing fairness and righteousness in all personal and societal interactions, correcting wrongs and upholding equity, particularly for the marginalized. To "love mercy" is to cultivate a deep wellspring of compassion and benevolent action, actively seeking to help those in need, mirroring God's own steadfast love. And to "walk humbly with your God" is to maintain a continuous posture of dependence, recognizing our finite nature in relation to the Infinite, allowing God's wisdom and character to guide every step. This isn't a sporadic effort but a lifelong commitment to an internal disposition that inevitably manifests in external deeds. The three commands are interconnected: genuine justice flows from a merciful heart, and both are lived out in humble submission to God.