Micah 2:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Prophesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, [that] they shall not take shame.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Don't preach!" - thus they preach! "They shouldn't preach about these things. Shame will not overtake us" -

Berean Standard Bible:

“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”

American Standard Version:

Prophesy ye not, thusthey prophesy. They shall not prophesy to these: reproaches shall not depart.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Prophesy{H5197} ye not, say they to them that prophesy{H5197}: they shall not prophesy{H5197} to them, that they shall not take{H5253} shame{H3639}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Amos 2:12

  • But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

Isaiah 30:10

  • Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Acts 5:40

  • And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Jeremiah 8:11

  • For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Jeremiah 8:12

  • Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Psalms 74:9

  • We see not our signs: [there is] no more any prophet: neither [is there] among us any that knoweth how long.

Ezekiel 20:46

  • Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

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Commentary for Micah 2:6

Micah 2:6 is a verse from the Old Testament book of Micah, who was a prophet during the 8th century BCE. The historical context of this verse is set against the backdrop of the moral and spiritual decline of the northern kingdom of Israel, as well as issues within the southern kingdom of Judah. Micah's ministry occurred during a time of great social injustice, idolatry, and corruption among the ruling classes and religious leaders.

In Micah 2:6, the prophet addresses a specific issue within the community. The verse captures the sentiment of the people who are rejecting the prophecies of Micah and other prophets. They tell the prophets not to prophesy and insist that the prophecies will not come to pass, hoping to avoid the shame that would come with the fulfillment of these dire predictions. This reflects the people's unwillingness to hear the warnings of God's impending judgment for their sins.

The themes present in this verse include:

1. **Denial and Rebellion**: The people's refusal to accept the prophets' messages indicates their denial of the reality of their situation and their rebellion against God's authority.
2. **False Security**: The people's rejection of the prophets' warnings suggests they have a false sense of security, believing they can avoid the consequences of their actions.
3. **Divine Judgment**: The verse underscores the theme of divine judgment that runs throughout the book of Micah. The people are warned that their actions will lead to shame and punishment if they do not repent.
4. **Prophetic Role**: This verse highlights the role of the prophet in society, which is to speak the truth of God's word, even when it is unpopular or rejected by the people.

In summary, Micah 2:6 reflects the tension between the prophetic call to repentance and the stubborn refusal of the people to listen to God's warnings through His prophets. It speaks to the broader themes of accountability, the consequences of sin, and the importance of heeding divine guidance, which are central to the prophetic books of the Bible.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H5197
    There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָטַף
    Transliteration: nâṭaph
    Pronunciation: naw-taf'
    Description: a primitive root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration; drop(-ping), prophesy(-et).
  2. Strong's Number: H5253
    There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָסַג
    Transliteration: nâçag
    Pronunciation: naw-sag'
    Description: a primitive root; to retreat; departing away, remove, take (hold), turn away.
  3. Strong's Number: H3639
    There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כְּלִמָּה
    Transliteration: kᵉlimmâh
    Pronunciation: kel-im-maw'
    Description: from כָּלַם; disgrace; confusion, dishonour, reproach, shame.