Micah 7 6

Micah 7:6 kjv

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

Micah 7:6 nkjv

For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies are the men of his own household.

Micah 7:6 niv

For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law? a man's enemies are the members of his own household.

Micah 7:6 esv

for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

Micah 7:6 nlt

For the son despises his father.
The daughter defies her mother.
The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law.
Your enemies are right in your own household!

Micah 7 verses

Micah 7 6 Meaning

This verse vividly portrays the deep societal and familial breakdown experienced during a time of great judgment. The destruction of trust extends even to the closest relationships, indicating a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and betrayal.

Micah 7 6 Context

Micah's prophecy in chapter 7 depicts a period of severe national distress and divine judgment upon Israel. The people have turned away from God, embracing corruption and injustice. This verse specifically highlights the complete erosion of social order and familial integrity as a consequence of their apostasy. The prophet expresses the anguish of witnessing such profound moral decay, where even the most fundamental bonds of family are shattered, leaving individuals vulnerable and without recourse. The backdrop is one of political instability and religious hypocrisy, contributing to the breakdown of trust.

Micah 7 6 Word analysis

• Kî (כִּי): Hebrew for "for," "indeed," "because," "that." It introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement.
• Yâṭîbû (יָטֵב): "To act pleasingly," "to do well," or "to deal kindly." Here, it's used in a negative context, meaning "acting badly" or "doing harm."
• BEN (בֵּן): "Son."
• abîw (אָבִיו): "His father."
• m’qalleh (מְקַלֶּה): From root (קָלַל) qalal, meaning "to be slight," "to be lightly esteemed," "to curse." Here it means "dishonoring," "treating with contempt," or "making light of."
• wa (וְ): Hebrew for "and." Connects the clauses.
• bên (בַּת): "Daughter."
• ʾēlam (אֵלָּהּ): "Against her." Demonstrates direct opposition.
• tûqôm (תָּקוּם): From root (קוּם) qum, meaning "to rise," "to stand up," "to arise." Implies rebellion or taking a stand against.
• lāh (לָהּ): "To her."
• ʾêm (אֵם): "Mother."
• qěnûlâ (קִינוּנָה): This is a key and less common term. The root is (קִנֵּן) qinen, which means "to make a nest," "to build a dwelling," but can also carry the sense of plotting or harboring malice like a bird of prey in its nest. Here it describes "enmity," "rivalry," or "strife" originating from within the family unit. It implies an active and deliberate hostile disposition.
• šěnî (שְׁכֵנָה): "Neighbor" or "companion." The inclusion of "neighbor" juxtaposed with familial terms emphasizes the breadth of relational breakdown.
• hî (הִי): Pronoun, "she."
• mîzēm’gônêh (מִזִּמּוֹנֶיהָ): From root (זמם) zamam, meaning "to plan," "to purpose," "to intend," or "to plot." The phrase implies those who scheme or plot against someone. In this context, it signifies people who plot evil or harmful schemes, specifically from close associates or even within the home ("zĕmûmôth êlah zimmāh êlâ šenâtēh"). The possessive ending suggests deliberate harmful intention from those close to them.
• ʾôbhîw (אֹבִיב): This appears to be a scribal error or a very rare word. Likely intended to be related to closeness or relationship, perhaps akin to "kinsman" or "relative." Standard texts often render this portion differently, reflecting the difficulty. Scholars suggest it might relate to a conspirator or close confidant.
• wěḥên (וְחֵן): "and favor" or "and grace." In this negative context, it can imply a perversion or absence of grace.
• ḵî (כִּי): "But," "for."
• śîkūlah (שִׂכּוּלָה): From root (שָׁכַל) shakal, meaning "to be bereaved of children," "to be made childless." Here it denotes a mother who has lost her children, highlighting the grief and the unnatural reversal of life's order, but also potentially meaning a mother who has lost her "nourishment" or affection, leading to harshness. It can also be interpreted as referring to someone who is barren or childless.
• wĕkhêlyon (וְכִלְיוֹן): "and destruction," "ruin." From the root (כָּלָה) kalah, meaning "to finish," "to accomplish," "to destroy."

Micah 7 6 Bonus section

The term qenûlâ (קִינוּנָה) is significant here. While its primary sense relates to nesting, in its poetic and prophetic use, it can suggest the sinister harboring of malice or deep-seated antagonism within close quarters. This goes beyond a momentary disagreement; it points to a festering enmity. The inclusion of "neighbor" being deceived also broadens the scope, showing that trust has vanished not just in families but in the wider community as well. This societal fragmentation is presented as a direct outcome of spiritual disobedience, where the foundational covenant relationship with God has been broken, leading to the collapse of all other human bonds. The perversion of intimate relationships mirrors the perversion of the covenant with God.

Micah 7 6 Commentary

This verse describes a profound collapse of social and familial order, a dire consequence of widespread sin and divine judgment. The phrase "the son dishonors the father" speaks of utter disrespect and rebellion against paternal authority, a foundational principle in ancient society. Similarly, "the daughter rises against her mother" signifies a breach in filial piety, turning a nurturing relationship into one of conflict. The inclusion of "daughter-in-law" against "mother-in-law" further underscores the breakdown of intergenerational respect and harmony, extending even to extended family relations. The phrase "a man's enemies are the men of his own house" poignantly captures the pervasive sense of betrayal and danger that exists within the very places meant to provide safety and love. This complete loss of trust indicates a society where sin has corrupted all relationships, leaving individuals isolated and vulnerable, even within their own families.