Micah 3:2

KJV

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;

KJV (with Strong's)

Who hate {H8130} the good {H2896}, and love {H157} the evil {H7451}; who pluck off {H1497} their skin {H5785} from off them, and their flesh {H7607} from off their bones {H6106};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet you hate what is good and love what is bad. You strip off their skin from them and their flesh from their bones,

Berean Standard Bible

You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones.

American Standard Version

ye who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 3:2 delivers a searing indictment against the corrupt leaders of ancient Israel and Judah, exposing their profound moral perversion and brutal exploitation of the people. The prophet Micah condemns those in power who deliberately invert justice, choosing to hate what is good and embrace what is evil. The verse graphically portrays their predatory nature, likening their oppression to stripping the very skin and flesh from their victims, leaving them utterly vulnerable and destitute. This passage stands as a powerful testament to God's righteous anger against injustice and the abuse of authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 3:2 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle directed specifically at the "heads of Jacob" and "princes of the house of Israel" mentioned in [Micah 3:1](/micah/3-1 "Micah 3:1 - Indictment of Leaders"). This chapter marks a distinct shift in Micah's prophecy, moving from general pronouncements of judgment against the nations and Judah/Israel to a focused condemnation of the nation's leadership—its rulers, prophets, and priests. Verse 2 vividly details the ethical depravity and violent oppression practiced by these leaders, serving as the foundation for the severe judgment and desolation prophesied in the verses that follow, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in [Micah 3:12](/micah/3-12 "Micah 3:12 - Jerusalem's Desolation"). The graphic imagery here sets a stark contrast to the divine justice and true leadership that God desires.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah ministered in Judah during the latter half of the 8th century BC, a period characterized by significant social inequality, political instability, and spiritual apostasy. Kings like Ahaz and Hezekiah reigned, but widespread corruption permeated all levels of society. The wealthy elite and those in power exploited the poor and vulnerable, often through unjust legal practices, land seizures, and economic oppression. Religious leaders, including prophets and priests, frequently colluded with the corrupt system or offered false assurances of peace, failing to uphold God's law. The imagery of "plucking off skin and flesh" would have resonated with the brutal realities of ancient warfare and predatory behavior, emphasizing the merciless nature of the leaders' actions, akin to a predator devouring its prey or a conqueror stripping the vanquished. This was a society where the powerful literally devoured the weak.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 3:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Moral Inversion**, where those in authority deliberately choose wickedness over righteousness, perverting the very standards of justice. This ethical reversal is a direct affront to God's character and law, as seen in the woe pronounced upon those who [call evil good and good evil](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Pervert Truth"). The verse also underscores **Extreme Exploitation**, using visceral imagery to depict the thorough and merciless oppression of the common people by their leaders. This exploitation is not merely economic but a complete stripping away of dignity and livelihood, leaving the populace utterly vulnerable. Consequently, it strongly condemns **Corrupt Leadership**, demonstrating how self-serving rulers, prophets, and priests lead to societal decay and divine judgment. The intensity of Micah's language further conveys God's profound **Divine Indignation** and sorrow over the widespread injustice and the abuse of power by those entrusted with governing His people, contrasting sharply with God's own character of justice and righteousness, as summarized in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hate (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** (H8130) A primitive root meaning to hate personally, implying a deep-seated aversion or animosity. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, active rejection of "the good," indicating a chosen alignment against righteous principles and actions. This is not passive dislike but an active, hostile opposition.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** (H157) A primitive root meaning to have affection for, to like, or to be a friend. Here, it is used in stark contrast to "hate," indicating a chosen affinity and embrace of "the evil." This highlights the leaders' perverted moral compass: they actively cherish and pursue wickedness, finding pleasure and benefit in it.
* **pluck off (Hebrew, _gâzal'_):** (H1497) A primitive root meaning to pluck off, specifically to flay, strip, or rob. It carries connotations of violent seizure, taking away by force or violence, and spoiling. This word underscores the aggressive, predatory, and utterly merciless nature of the leaders' exploitation, emphasizing that their actions are not merely unjust but violently oppressive, leaving nothing behind for their victims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hate the good, and love the evil":** This clause immediately establishes the profound moral inversion of the leaders. It's a direct antithesis, highlighting that their values are diametrically opposed to God's. They do not merely tolerate evil or neglect good; they actively despise what is righteous and embrace what is wicked. This indicates a deliberate choice to operate outside of God's moral framework, driven by self-interest and a perverted sense of justice.
* **"who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;":** This graphic and visceral imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the extreme and brutal exploitation of the people. "Plucking off their skin" suggests stripping away their very identity, dignity, and external protection, leaving them exposed and vulnerable. "And their flesh from off their bones" extends this metaphor to an even more horrific degree, implying that the leaders consume every last bit of their victims' resources, livelihood, and vitality, leaving them utterly destitute, like a carcass picked clean. It speaks to a predatory, cannibalistic form of governance, where the leaders literally "devour" their own people for personal gain.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 3:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its scathing message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the stark contrast between "hate the good" and "love the evil." This juxtaposition immediately highlights the profound moral perversion of the leaders, emphasizing their deliberate and complete reversal of righteous values. The verse then employs powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole** with the imagery of "who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones." This is not a literal description but a vivid, grotesque **Analogy** comparing the leaders' exploitation to a predatory animal or a butcher dismembering its prey. The **Visceral Imagery** evokes a strong emotional response, underscoring the extreme brutality, thoroughness, and mercilessness of their oppression. This language is also a form of **Prophetic Indictment**, using strong, condemnatory terms to expose sin and announce impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 3:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of righteous governance and divine justice. It reveals God's deep concern for the oppressed and His fierce opposition to those who abuse power. The leaders' actions—hating good and loving evil, and ruthlessly exploiting the vulnerable—are a direct affront to God's character, who is just and righteous. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true leadership is characterized by service, protection, and upholding justice, not by self-enrichment and oppression. It foreshadows the inevitable judgment that awaits those who pervert justice and disregard the well-being of God's people, affirming that God will hold leaders accountable for their stewardship.

* [Ezekiel 34:3](/ekiel/34-3 "Ezekiel 34:3 - Shepherds Who Feed Themselves")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Like a River")
* [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 3:2 remains strikingly relevant, offering timeless insights into the nature of true leadership and the dangers of moral decay. It challenges us to critically examine the values that drive individuals and institutions in our own time. The verse serves as a stark warning against the abuse of power in any sphere—be it political, economic, social, or religious. It calls believers to cultivate a discerning spirit, recognizing that true leadership prioritizes the well-being of others and upholds justice, while corrupt leadership exploits for personal gain. Furthermore, it compels us to confront the temptation within ourselves to compromise on what is good or to embrace what is expedient but evil. Ultimately, this passage is a powerful call to action for those who follow God: to speak out against injustice, to advocate for the marginalized, and to embody the righteous character of God in a world that often hates the good and loves the evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to "hate the good and love the evil" in subtle or overt ways?**
* **How can we identify and challenge forms of "plucking off skin and flesh" (i.e., exploitation and oppression) in our contemporary society?**
* **What are the characteristics of leadership that truly serves and protects, contrasting with the corrupt leadership condemned in Micah 3:2?**
* **How does this verse inspire us to actively pursue justice and righteousness in our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does the graphic imagery of "plucking off their skin and flesh" truly mean?**

Answer: The imagery in [Micah 3:2](/micah/3-2 "Micah 3:2 - Corrupt Leaders' Exploitation") is a powerful metaphor, not a literal description. It signifies extreme and brutal exploitation. "Plucking off their skin" suggests stripping away a person's dignity, identity, and external protections, leaving them utterly exposed. "And their flesh from off their bones" extends this to imply consuming every last resource, livelihood, and vitality from the people, leaving them completely destitute and vulnerable, like a carcass picked clean by predators. It vividly portrays the merciless, predatory nature of the leaders' actions, highlighting that they were literally "devouring" their own people for personal gain.

**How does Micah's prophecy about corrupt leadership relate to Christian leadership today?**

Answer: Micah's prophecy provides a timeless warning and a crucial benchmark for all forms of leadership, including Christian leadership. It underscores that true spiritual leadership, exemplified by Christ, is characterized by humble service, protection of the flock, and upholding justice, not by self-enrichment, abuse of power, or exploitation. Just as Micah condemned the false shepherds of his day, the New Testament also warns against leaders who [lord it over others](/mark/10-42-45 "Mark 10:42-45 - Servant Leadership") or [feed themselves instead of the flock](/1_peter/5-2-4 "1 Peter 5:2-4 - Shepherding the Flock"). Christian leaders are called to embody the selfless, compassionate, and just character of God, serving as true shepherds who nourish and protect, rather than exploit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 3:2, with its stark portrayal of corrupt, self-serving leaders who devour their own people, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets consistently condemned false shepherds who exploited the flock, but Jesus came as the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"). Unlike the leaders who "hated the good and loved the evil," Jesus perfectly embodied righteousness, always doing the will of the Father and loving what is good. He condemned the hypocrisy and exploitation of the religious leaders of His day, as seen in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), exposing their burdening of the people rather than serving them. Where the leaders in Micah "plucked off skin and flesh," Jesus, in His ultimate act of selfless love, allowed His own flesh to be broken and His blood shed, not to exploit, but to redeem and give life to His people. He is the one who truly cares for the vulnerable, having compassion on the crowds who were [like sheep without a shepherd](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"). Thus, Christ stands as the divine answer to humanity's longing for just and compassionate leadership, fulfilling the prophetic call for a righteous ruler who builds up rather than tears down, and who gives His all for the well-being of His flock.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Proverbs 28:4

¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

Psalms 53:4

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon God.

1 Kings 22:6

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king.

1 Kings 22:8

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 19:2

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.