Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Woe {H1945} to them that devise {H2803} iniquity {H205}, and work {H6466} evil {H7451} upon their beds {H4904}! when the morning {H1242} is light {H216}, they practise {H6213} it, because it is {H3426} in the power {H410} of their hand {H3027}.

Woe to those who think up evil and plan wickedness as they lie in bed. When morning comes, they do it, since they have it in their power.

Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.

Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Commentary

Micah 2:1 opens with a solemn declaration of judgment, a "woe," pronounced against those who actively plan and execute evil. This verse vividly portrays individuals whose very thoughts, even in the quiet of their beds, are consumed with devising wickedness, which they then eagerly carry out once day breaks, simply because they possess the means or power to do so.

Context

The prophet Micah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah and Israel (late 8th century BC), addressing rampant social injustice, corruption, and spiritual apostasy. His prophecies frequently expose the sins of the ruling elite, wealthy landowners, and false prophets who oppressed the poor and vulnerable. This particular "woe" is directed at those who abuse their influence and authority, reflecting the widespread moral decay that characterized the time. Micah's message serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His condemnation of those who exploit others, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books, as seen in Amos 5:11-12 and Isaiah 10:1-2.

Key Themes

  • Premeditated Evil: The phrase "devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds" highlights the deliberate and calculated nature of their sin. It's not impulsive but planned, conceived in the quiet hours of reflection, indicating a deep-seated corruption of the heart. This contrasts sharply with seeking God in quiet moments.
  • Abuse of Power: "because it is in the power of their hand" points to the primary motivation and enabler of their wickedness. These individuals act oppressively because they have the means, authority, or physical capability to do so, without fear of immediate repercussion or divine judgment. This theme of powerful oppressors is central to Micah's ministry.
  • Divine Judgment: The opening word "Woe" (Hebrew: Hoy) is a prophetic interjection, a lament or an oracle of doom. It signifies God's impending judgment upon those who persistently engage in such malicious and oppressive practices. It's a declaration of divine disapproval and a warning of the inevitable consequences for unrepentant sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "devise" (chasab) implies careful thought, planning, or scheming, emphasizing the intentionality behind the evil. It's not accidental sin but a deliberate act of plotting. The term "iniquity" ('aven) refers to wickedness, trouble, or injustice, often with the connotation of something harmful or destructive. The visual of "working evil upon their beds" suggests that their minds are so consumed with malice that even in private moments, where one might expect rest or contemplation, they are instead plotting their next wicked scheme. This premeditation makes their sin all the more grievous in God's sight, as also noted in Psalm 36:4 where the wicked devise mischief on their beds.

Practical Application

Micah 2:1 serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of premeditated sin and the abuse of power. For believers today, it prompts self-examination: are our thoughts and plans, even in private, aligned with God's will? It reminds us that God sees not only our actions but also the intentions of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Furthermore, it calls us to be vigilant against injustice in society and to use any influence or power we possess for good, to uphold righteousness, and to protect the vulnerable, rather than to exploit them. The verse ultimately affirms God's justice; though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, His judgment is certain.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 36:4

    He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

  • Isaiah 32:7

    The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.

  • Nahum 1:11

    There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

  • Psalms 7:14

    Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

  • Psalms 7:16

    His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

  • Hosea 7:6

    For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.

  • Hosea 7:7

    They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: [there is] none among them that calleth unto me.