Micah 3:5

KJV

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} concerning the prophets {H5030} that make my people {H5971} err {H8582}, that bite {H5391} with their teeth {H8127}, and cry {H7121}, Peace {H7965}; and he that putteth {H5414} not into their mouths {H6310}, they even prepare {H6942} war {H4421} against him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says in regard to the prophets who cause my people to go astray, who cry, "Peace" as soon as they are given food to eat but prepare war against anyone who fails to put something in their mouths:

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah concerning the prophets that make my people to err; that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and whoso putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 3:5 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the false prophets in Judah who exploited God's people for personal gain. These deceitful individuals proclaimed a superficial "peace" to those who paid them, but declared "war" against anyone who withheld their desired remuneration, thus revealing their mercenary motives and a profound perversion of true prophetic ministry. The verse underscores the LORD's abhorrence for spiritual deception that leads His covenant people astray, highlighting the stark contrast between authentic divine communication and self-serving manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 3:5 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Micah 3:1-12) that specifically condemns the corrupt leaders of Judah, including its rulers, priests, and prophets. Micah 3 opens with a direct address to the "heads of Jacob" and "princes of the house of Israel," accusing them of perverting justice and oppressing the vulnerable (Micah 3:1-4). Following this general indictment, verse 5 narrows the focus to the false prophets, exposing their mercenary nature and the destructive impact of their messages. This passage serves as a critical exposition of the moral and spiritual decay that permeated Judah's leadership, culminating in the declaration of Jerusalem's impending destruction in Micah 3:12, a direct consequence of the very sins detailed in the preceding verses. The prophet Micah consistently highlights the systemic corruption that has led the nation astray, contrasting it with God's righteous demands for justice and mercy, famously articulated later in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740-687 BC), a tumultuous period in Judah's history marked by political instability, social injustice, and religious syncretism. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria (722 BC), and Judah itself faced the looming threat of Assyrian invasion. In this climate, the role of prophets was crucial: they were meant to be God's direct spokespersons, guiding the nation according to the Mosaic covenant. However, many had become corrupted, integrating into the societal power structures and prioritizing personal gain over divine truth. The practice of prophets receiving gifts or payment was not inherently wrong (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:7-8](/1_samuel/9-7-8 "1 Samuel 9:7-8 - Saul's Servant Offers a Gift to Samuel")), but it became a severe problem when it dictated the prophetic message itself, transforming divine revelation into a commodity. These false prophets operated within a culture where spiritual guidance was sought, but they capitalized on this need, offering comforting pronouncements ("Peace") that affirmed the people's sinful ways rather than challenging them to repentance.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 3:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Corrupt Leadership**. The LORD's direct condemnation ("Thus saith the LORD") highlights His active involvement in judging those who lead His people astray, particularly those in spiritual authority. Secondly, it develops the theme of **True vs. False Prophecy**. The verse vividly contrasts the integrity of a true prophet, who speaks God's word faithfully regardless of personal cost, with the venality of false prophets, whose messages are dictated by financial incentive. This distinction is crucial for understanding spiritual discernment, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")). Thirdly, the passage addresses the theme of **Exploitation and Injustice**. The imagery of "biting with their teeth" and "preparing war" against those who do not pay them reveals the predatory nature of these prophets, reflecting the pervasive social injustice that Micah condemns throughout his book. Their false promises of "Peace" (Hebrew _shalom_) further expose their spiritual fraud, as they offer a superficial well-being that is devoid of true covenant faithfulness, in stark contrast to the genuine peace and wholeness that God desires for His people, as detailed in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** From the root _nâbâʼ_, meaning "to bubble forth" or "to announce." A prophet was understood as an inspired individual, a spokesperson for God, who received divine revelation and communicated it to the people. In Micah 3:5, the term is used to identify those who *claim* this sacred office but have perverted its function, becoming conduits of their own desires rather than God's truth.
* **Err (Hebrew, _tâʻâh_):** A primitive root meaning "to vacillate, reel, or stray." It can refer to physical wandering or, more profoundly, to spiritual deviation and deception. Here, it signifies that these false prophets actively cause God's people to stray from the path of righteousness, leading them into sin and away from covenant faithfulness through their deceptive messages.
* **Bite (Hebrew, _nâshak_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike with a sting (as a serpent)" or, figuratively, "to oppress with interest on a loan." This vivid imagery portrays the false prophets as predatory and exploitative. Like a venomous snake, they inflict harm and drain the life from the people, or like a usurer, they extract exorbitant charges, demonstrating their avarice and the destructive nature of their ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority behind the pronouncement, indicating that the following words are a direct judgment from God. The LORD identifies the target: "the prophets," who, despite their sacred calling, are actively causing "my people" (Israel, God's covenant nation) to "err" or stray from the truth and righteousness. This highlights the severe spiritual danger posed by their deceptive messages.
* **"that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace;":** This clause vividly exposes the mercenary and predatory nature of these false prophets. "Bite with their teeth" metaphorically depicts their exploitation, like wild animals preying on their victims or usurers charging oppressive interest. Their message of "Peace" (Hebrew _shalom_, encompassing wholeness, well-being, and prosperity) is not a genuine divine blessing but a conditional, self-serving pronouncement, offered only when their personal desires are met.
* **"and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.":** This final clause reveals the depth of their corruption and the transactional nature of their "prophecy." If someone does not "put into their mouths" (i.e., provide them with food, money, or sustenance), these prophets, who just moments before cried "Peace," immediately turn hostile. They "prepare war against him," threatening or cursing those who do not pay, demonstrating that their pronouncements are not from God but are entirely dictated by their own greed and self-interest.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 3:5 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, vividly portraying the character and actions of the false prophets. The phrase "bite with their teeth" is a powerful **Metaphor**, likening the prophets to predatory animals or, as suggested by the Hebrew _nâshak_, to serpents or usurers. This imagery immediately conveys their exploitative and harmful nature, emphasizing that they consume and drain the people rather than nourishing them spiritually. There is also stark **Contrast** and **Irony** in the juxtaposition of "cry, Peace" and "prepare war against him." The very individuals who claim to bring _shalom_ (peace, wholeness) are quick to declare _milchâmâh_ (war, conflict) when their selfish demands are not met. This highlights their hypocrisy and the conditional, self-serving nature of their proclaimed "peace." The direct address, "Thus saith the LORD," serves as a powerful **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and solemnity to the condemnation that follows, underscoring the gravity of their offense against God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 3:5 profoundly underscores the theological truth that true prophecy originates solely from God and is communicated without compromise or personal agenda, standing in stark contrast to the self-serving pronouncements of false prophets. This verse reveals God's righteous anger against those who pervert His word for gain, leading His people astray and undermining the very foundation of His covenant relationship with them. It highlights the critical importance of discernment in spiritual matters, reminding believers that the authenticity of a message is not determined by its comfort or popularity, but by its faithfulness to divine truth and its fruit in the lives of those who deliver it. The passage also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that awaits those who exploit God's flock, emphasizing divine justice as an inherent attribute of the LORD.

* [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")
* [Ezekiel 13:19](/ezekiel/13-19 "Ezekiel 13:19 - Prophets for Profit")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 3:5 serves as a timeless warning and a call to profound spiritual discernment for believers today. It challenges us to critically evaluate the messages we receive and the motives of those who deliver them, especially in an age saturated with various forms of spiritual communication. True spiritual leadership is characterized by selflessness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to God's truth, even when that truth is challenging or unpopular. We are called to be wary of any message that prioritizes personal gain, financial incentive, or conditional blessings, as these are often hallmarks of the mercenary spirit condemned by Micah. Instead, we should seek out and embrace teaching that faithfully proclaims the whole counsel of God, calls for genuine repentance, and fosters a deeper relationship with Christ, regardless of the personal cost to the messenger or the recipient. This verse compels us to cultivate a robust biblical literacy and a discerning spirit, ensuring that our spiritual nourishment comes from the pure wellspring of God's Word, not from polluted streams of self-interest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize messages that might be motivated by personal gain rather than divine truth?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek "peace" or comfort over challenging truth in my own spiritual journey?**
* **What are the characteristics of true spiritual leadership that I should look for and support, based on the principles in Micah 3:5?**

### FAQ
**What does "bite with their teeth" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "bite with their teeth" (Hebrew _nâshak_) is a powerful metaphor that conveys the predatory and exploitative nature of the false prophets. It can be understood in two primary ways: first, like a wild animal preying on its victim, consuming and draining them for personal sustenance; second, in a legal sense, it can refer to charging usury or excessive interest, implying that these prophets were financially exploiting the people. In either interpretation, it highlights their avarice and the harm they inflicted upon God's people, contrasting sharply with the nurturing role of a true shepherd. This imagery underscores the depth of their corruption and the destructive impact of their self-serving ministry.

**Why did the false prophets "cry, Peace" but then "prepare war"?**

Answer: The false prophets would "cry, Peace" (Hebrew _shalom_) to those who paid them or otherwise met their demands, offering superficial assurances of well-being and prosperity. This was a manipulative tactic to maintain their influence and income. However, the moment their financial or personal expectations were not met ("he that putteth not into their mouths"), their message immediately shifted from "peace" to hostility. They would "prepare war against him," meaning they would pronounce curses, threats, or condemnations. This stark contrast reveals that their pronouncements were not from God but were entirely conditional upon their own selfish interests, exposing their hypocrisy and the mercenary nature of their "prophecy." This is similar to the condemnation found in [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace") where prophets cry "Peace, peace; when there is no peace."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 3:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus, who stands as the antithesis of the false prophets condemned by Micah. Jesus is the true Prophet, not motivated by personal gain or the approval of men, but by radical obedience to the Father and sacrificial love for humanity. Unlike the false prophets who offered a conditional "peace" based on payment, Jesus freely offered true and lasting peace, a _shalom_ that transcends worldly circumstances and is rooted in reconciliation with God through His atoning work on the cross (as seen in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace") and [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). While the false prophets "bit with their teeth" and exploited the people, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep, nurturing and protecting them (as declared in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself faced and condemned the religious leaders of His day who, much like Micah's prophets, were more concerned with their own status and traditions than with leading the people to God (e.g., [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Condemns the Pharisees")). He did not "prepare war" against those who withheld from Him, but rather, He willingly suffered rejection and death at their hands, ultimately bringing salvation to all who believe. Thus, Jesus perfectly embodies the true prophetic ministry, fulfilling the righteous demands of God and exposing the emptiness of all self-serving spiritual deception.

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

Jeremiah 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Jeremiah 6:14

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

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 22:29

The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.

Isaiah 9:15

The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

Isaiah 9:16

For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed.