Micah 3:6

KJV

Therefore night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore night {H3915} shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision {H2377}; and it shall be dark {H2821}{H2821} unto you, that ye shall not divine {H7080}; and the sun {H8121} shall go down {H935} over the prophets {H5030}, and the day {H3117} shall be dark {H6937} over them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore you will have night, not vision, darkness and not divination; the sun will go down on the prophets, over them the day will be black."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them.

American Standard Version

Therefore it shall be night unto you, that ye shall have no vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down upon the prophets, and the day shall be black over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 3:6 pronounces a severe divine judgment upon the false prophets of Judah and Israel, declaring a complete cessation of their purported prophetic abilities and divine communication. Through vivid imagery of "night" and "darkness," the verse foretells a spiritual blackout, signifying that those who have corrupted the prophetic office for personal gain will no longer receive genuine visions or be able to divine God's will. This judgment underscores God's intolerance for spiritual deception and the dire consequences for leaders who mislead His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 3:6 stands as a climactic pronouncement of judgment within a broader indictment against the corrupt leaders of Judah, specifically targeting its princes, priests, and prophets (Micah 3:1-12). Immediately preceding this verse, [Micah 3:5](/micah/3-5 "Micah 3:5 - Condemnation of False Prophets") condemns the false prophets who manipulate their messages based on payment, declaring "peace" for those who feed them but "war" against those who do not. This verse, therefore, serves as the divine consequence for such egregious spiritual malpractice, detailing the specific punishment: the withdrawal of the very spiritual insight and revelation they claimed to possess. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the shame and disgrace that will befall these false seers, highlighting the stark contrast with Micah's own Spirit-empowered, truthful prophecy ([Micah 3:8](/micah/3-8 "Micah 3:8 - Micah's True Prophecy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740-687 BC). This era was marked by significant social injustice, idolatry, and political instability, with the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. In ancient Israel, prophets served as vital intermediaries between God and His people, expected to deliver divine messages, offer guidance, and call the nation to repentance. However, as seen throughout the Old Testament, the office was often corrupted by individuals who sought personal gain, spoke flattering words, or mimicked pagan divination practices. The people, including the leadership, often relied on these prophets for direction, making the corruption of the prophetic office particularly devastating. Micah's prophecy reflects the societal breakdown where justice was perverted, and spiritual guidance was commodified, leading to a profound spiritual crisis that necessitated God's direct intervention and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** against unrighteousness, particularly the perversion of spiritual authority. God's response to the abuse of the prophetic office is not merely punitive but restorative, aiming to purify His people. Second, it emphasizes **Spiritual Blindness and Darkness** as a consequence of rejecting or corrupting divine truth. The imagery of "night" and the "sun going down" vividly portrays a complete cessation of true spiritual insight, a direct antithesis to the light of God's revelation. Third, the verse underscores the **Cessation of True Prophecy** for those who have defiled it, serving as a stark warning about the sanctity of God's word. This echoes similar warnings found elsewhere, such as the period when "the word of the LORD was rare" in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare") or the "famine of hearing the words of the LORD" prophesied in [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11-12 "Amos 8:11-12 - A Famine of Hearing the Word"). Finally, it implicitly champions the theme of **Authentic Prophecy** as distinct from its corrupt counterfeit, setting the stage for Micah's own declaration of being filled with the Spirit to declare God's justice ([Micah 3:8](/micah/3-8 "Micah 3:8 - Micah's Spirit-Filled Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** From H3915, this term primarily denotes the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. However, as the Strong's definition notes, it can figuratively represent "adversity." In Micah 3:6, "night" is not merely a temporal state but a profound metaphor for spiritual deprivation, a lack of divine light, guidance, and truth. It signifies a period of spiritual confusion and an inability to perceive God's will, directly contrasting with the clarity and insight expected from true prophetic revelation.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From H2377, this word refers to a prophetic revelation, often received through dreams, trances, or direct divine communication. It is the means by which God conveys His will, plans, and messages to His chosen messengers. The declaration that the false prophets "shall not have a vision" signifies the complete withdrawal of God's authentic communication from them, rendering their claims to spiritual insight utterly baseless and their prophetic office void.
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, this term designates an inspired person, one who speaks for God. In the biblical context, a true prophet is God's mouthpiece, delivering His word faithfully and without personal agenda. Here, the term refers specifically to the false prophets condemned in the preceding verse, highlighting their abuse of this sacred office. The judgment that "the sun shall go down over the prophets" underscores the end of their influence and the extinguishing of any perceived spiritual light they once claimed to possess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision;":** This opening clause establishes the divine judgment as a direct consequence ("Therefore") of the false prophets' actions. The metaphor of "night" immediately conveys a sense of spiritual darkness, confusion, and the absence of divine light. The specific outcome, "that ye shall not have a vision," directly targets their primary claim to authority—the reception of prophetic revelation. God is withdrawing His communication, leaving them devoid of authentic insight.
* **"and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine;":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the preceding one through synonymous parallelism. "Dark" (H2821, _châshak_) reinforces the imagery of obscurity and spiritual blindness. The consequence, "that ye shall not divine" (H7080, _qâçam_), refers to the act of interpreting or discerning divine will. While _qâçam_ can sometimes denote pagan divination, in this context, it refers to the legitimate (though here, corrupted) function of a prophet to interpret God's messages. The judgment means they will lose the ability to discern or interpret God's will, even falsely.
* **"and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.":** This final clause provides a powerful, climactic image of the judgment. The "sun" (H8121, _shemesh_) symbolizes light, clarity, and the source of their (false) prophetic illumination and influence. Its "going down" signifies a complete end to their 'day' of activity and perceived authority. The repetition of "day shall be dark" (H6937, _qâdar_) over them emphasizes the totality and permanence of this spiritual blackout, marking the end of their era of deception and the profound disgrace that will cover them.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 3:6 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, primarily using the imagery of light and darkness to convey its message of divine judgment. "Night" and "darkness" are potent metaphors for spiritual ignorance, confusion, and the absence of divine truth, directly contrasting with the expected clarity of prophetic revelation. The "sun" **symbolizes** the source of light, knowledge, and the very foundation of the false prophets' perceived authority; its "going down" powerfully **symbolizes** the complete cessation of their influence and the extinguishing of their false light. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision"), reinforcing the totality of the spiritual blackout. The final clause, "and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them," serves as a climactic **hyperbole** and a vivid **personification** of judgment, emphasizing the utter disgrace and loss of standing for those who abused their spiritual office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 3:6 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to truth and the sanctity of His divine communication. It reveals that God will not tolerate the manipulation or commodification of His word, and He will actively withdraw His presence and revelation from those who corrupt it for selfish gain. This judgment underscores the principle that spiritual authority is a sacred trust, not a means to personal enrichment or power. The resulting spiritual darkness is not merely a punishment but a natural consequence of choosing falsehood over truth, leading to a profound famine of genuine divine guidance for both the deceivers and those who relied upon them.

* [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare"): This verse describes a time when "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision," highlighting a period of spiritual scarcity akin to the judgment pronounced in Micah.
* [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11-12 "Amos 8:11-12 - A Famine of Hearing the Word"): Amos prophesies a "famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD," directly paralleling the spiritual drought threatened in Micah 3:6.
* [Isaiah 29:10-12](/isaiah/29-10-12 "Isaiah 29:10-12 - Spiritual Blindness and Sealed Vision"): Isaiah speaks of God pouring out a "spirit of deep sleep" and closing the eyes of the prophets and seers, making all vision like a sealed book, a similar judgment of spiritual blindness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 3:6 serves as a timeless warning for all who claim to speak on behalf of God, whether in formal ministry or through personal influence. It reminds us that spiritual authority is a weighty responsibility, not a platform for self-promotion or financial gain. When truth is compromised for comfort, popularity, or profit, the consequence is not merely a loss of credibility but a profound spiritual darkness that impacts both the deceiver and those who follow. For believers today, this verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment, urging us to rigorously test all teachings against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). We are called to be vigilant against voices that promise peace without repentance, or prosperity without righteousness, for such messages often lead to spiritual barrenness rather than true life. Furthermore, it encourages us to pray for and support true, Spirit-led leaders who faithfully declare the whole counsel of God, even when it is unpopular, ensuring that the light of God's truth continues to shine brightly in a world often shrouded in spiritual confusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "night" and "darkness" in this verse speak to the state of spiritual discernment in our world today?**
* **In what ways might spiritual leaders or even ordinary believers be tempted to "divine" for personal gain or popularity rather than faithfully proclaiming God's truth?**
* **What are the practical steps we can take to cultivate spiritual discernment and ensure we are listening to and following true, God-given guidance?**
* **How does the judgment pronounced in this verse motivate us to hold spiritual leaders accountable to biblical truth and integrity?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "prophets" being addressed in Micah 3:6, and what was their primary offense?**

Answer: The "prophets" addressed in Micah 3:6 are the false prophets of Judah and Israel, specifically those condemned in [Micah 3:5](/micah/3-5 "Micah 3:5 - Condemnation of False Prophets"). Their primary offense was the corruption of the prophetic office for personal gain. They prophesied "peace" and prosperity to those who paid them or filled their mouths with food, but declared "war" against those who did not. This commodification of God's word and their willingness to twist divine messages for financial benefit or social approval constituted a grave betrayal of their sacred trust, leading to God's severe judgment upon them.

**What does the imagery of "night" and "darkness" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The imagery of "night" and "darkness" in Micah 3:6 symbolizes a profound spiritual blackout and the complete cessation of genuine divine revelation. It represents the withdrawal of God's light, truth, and guidance from the false prophets. This is not merely a physical darkness but a spiritual one, indicating a state of ignorance, confusion, and an inability to perceive or communicate God's will. The "sun going down" over them signifies the end of their influence, their perceived authority, and the extinguishing of any spiritual insight they falsely claimed to possess, leaving them in utter disgrace and spiritual barrenness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 3:6, with its pronouncement of spiritual darkness and the cessation of false prophecy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of divine revelation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets served as God's messengers, their words were often partial and preparatory ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")). The judgment on false prophets in Micah highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect, uncorrupted source of truth. This need is fully met in Christ, who is not merely a prophet but the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). He is the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), in whom there is no darkness at all ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")). Unlike the false prophets whose "sun" would set, Christ's light shines eternally, bringing perfect clarity and definitive revelation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled all true prophecy and established a new covenant where believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, have direct access to God's truth and guidance, no longer dependent on fallible or corrupt human intermediaries ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the spiritual famine threatened in Micah finds its ultimate reversal and abundance in the person and work of Jesus, the true and final Prophet.

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

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Isaiah 8:22

And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness.

Isaiah 29:10

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

Amos 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Amos 8:10

And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only [son], and the end thereof as a bitter day.

Isaiah 59:10

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if [we had] no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; [we are] in desolate places as dead [men].

Jeremiah 15:9

She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while [it was] yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.