Keraia
Micah 6

Micah 6:8

The Case against Israel · Micah 6:1–8
Read Micah 6

Translations

Modern
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Traditional
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?
Literal
He has shown to you, O man, what is good. And what does YHWH seek from you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to be humble to walk with your God?
Latin
Indicabo tibi, o homo, quid sit bonum, et quid Dominus requirat a te: utique facere judicium, et diligere misericordiam, et sollicitum ambulare cum Deo tuo.

Original

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

Notes

Micah 6:8

  • Good means what is right in God's eyes. God is the source of all goodness (Genesis 1; Exodus 33:19; 34:6–7; Deuteronomy 12:28).

  • what is good (Hebrew mishpat, often translated as "justice"): This means treating others fairly and without manipulation or oppression.

  • mercy (Hebrew khesed): This is a deep, undeserved loyalty that defines God's holy character (see Psalm 136). Those who know God should act this way toward others (see Genesis 21:22–24; Joshua 2:12–14; Matthew 5:43–48).

  • walk humbly: God’s people must live with humility. They must not act with pride or claim special privilege. Instead, they should live in reverent fear of God (deep respect and awe). Mishpat ("justice") and khesed ("mercy") cannot exist together with human pride. God wants an ongoing, close relationship with his people. This relationship is described as a “walk” (a way of living life each day). This walk changes how people treat one another (compare Deuteronomy 28:9; Joshua 22:5).

Micah 6:1–16

The Lord presented, argued, and decided a case against his rebellious people, Israel. This section is written as a formal legal court case. Other prophets use the same pattern (compare Isaiah 1:2–4; Jeremiah 2:4–9; Hosea 4).

Using the image of a courtroom, the Lord challenged his people to state their case against him. At the same time, he stated his case against them (Micah 6:1–5). The people had not obeyed what the Lord required of them (Micah 6:6–8), so they were found guilty (6:9–12).

After the guilty verdict, the passage describes Israel’s punishment. This final section announces the sentence that follows the judgment (Micah 6:13–16).

Events

Glossary

Adam (Person) Book of Amos Book of Micah Courts and Trials Humility Mercy Work

Topics

Being a Man Being a Man of God Being Humble Being Kind to Others Christian Conduct: Living: To Righteousness Christian Simplicity Condescension of God: Expostulates with Backsliding Israel Discerning God's Will Expectations Fairness God's Mercy God's Will Godliness Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning How God Wants Us to Live How we Should Live Human Rights Humbling Yourself Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Inequality Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Justice: God: Requires Kindness Manhood Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Offerings: Useless when not Accompanied by Genuine Piety Purpose of Man Rights Serenity Social Injustice Social Justice The Meaning of Life True Religion