Micah 3:7

KJV

Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for [there is] no answer of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall the seers {H2374} be ashamed {H954}, and the diviners {H7080} confounded {H2659}: yea, they shall all cover {H5844} their lips {H8222}; for there is no answer {H4617} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The seers will be put to shame, the diviners will be disgraced. They will have to cover their mouths, because there will be no answer from God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”

American Standard Version

And the seers shall be put to shame, and the diviners confounded; yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 3:7 delivers a severe prophetic indictment against the false prophets and diviners of Judah, declaring their impending public shame and confusion. Their humiliation will be so profound that they will cover their lips in silence, a customary sign of disgrace, because the ultimate source of their supposed authority—God Himself—will offer them no answer, thereby exposing the emptiness and deceit of their claims. This verse serves as a stark warning against spiritual malpractice and highlights the divine judgment awaiting those who mislead God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 3:7 is situated within a broader, scathing denunciation by the prophet Micah against the corrupt leadership of Judah—encompassing civil rulers, priests, and prophets. The chapter opens with a direct address to the heads of Jacob and rulers of Israel, condemning their perversion of justice and oppression of the poor (cf. [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1-3 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders")). Micah then specifically targets the prophets who "make my people err" (cf. [Micah 3:5](/micah/3-5 "Micah 3:5 - False Prophets' Greed")), accusing them of prophesying peace for pay and declaring war against those who do not satisfy their greed. Verse 7, therefore, serves as the climactic pronouncement of judgment specifically upon these spiritual deceivers, detailing the public disgrace and divine silence that will be their just recompense for corrupting God's message and misleading His people. It underscores the consistent theme of divine accountability for those in positions of spiritual authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the late 8th century BC, a tumultuous period for Judah under the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was marked by significant social injustice, moral decay, and a syncretistic blend of Yahweh worship with pagan practices. The Assyrian Empire posed a constant geopolitical threat, leading to national anxiety and a desire for reassuring prophecies. In this environment, both legitimate prophets and fraudulent spiritual practitioners flourished. Culturally, "seers" (חֹזֶה, *chôzeh*) were traditionally respected figures who received divine visions, but the term could also be applied pejoratively to those who abused this role. "Diviners" (קֹסֵם, *qâçam*) engaged in practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, seeking answers through omens, magic, or necromancy rather than direct revelation from God (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). The act of "covering their lips" (cf. [Leviticus 13:45](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45 - Covering Lips for Mourning") and [Ezekiel 24:17](/ezekiel/24-17 "Ezekiel 24:17 - Mourning Practices")) was a well-understood cultural symbol of mourning, shame, or public disgrace, signifying a state of profound humiliation and inability to speak.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 3:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment on Corrupt Leadership**, particularly spiritual leaders. The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance for those who exploit their spiritual office for personal gain, as seen in the condemnation of rulers who "eat the flesh of my people" ([Micah 3:3](/micah/3-3 "Micah 3:3 - Leaders' Injustice")) and prophets who "make my people err" ([Micah 3:5](/micah/3-5 "Micah 3:5 - False Prophets' Greed")). Another crucial theme is the **Authenticity of Divine Revelation**. By declaring "no answer of God," the verse underscores that true prophecy originates solely from God, and when He withdraws His word, the emptiness of false claims is exposed. This emphasizes God's **Sovereignty over Communication**, demonstrating that He alone controls who speaks for Him and when. Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Exposure of Deception**, as the shame and silence of the false prophets publicly reveal their fraudulent claims, serving as a warning against spiritual charlatanism and a call for discernment among God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seers (Hebrew, _chôzeh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to behold in vision," this term traditionally referred to a legitimate prophet who received divine revelation through visions (e.g., Samuel in [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Samuel as a Seer")). However, in Micah 3:7, it is used pejoratively, alongside "diviners," to describe those who falsely claim spiritual insight or abuse their prophetic office for personal gain, thus aligning them with forbidden practices.
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _châphêr'_):** This primitive root signifies "to blush," "to be ashamed," or "to be disappointed." It implies a deep sense of disgrace and humiliation, often accompanied by a visible physical reaction like turning pale or blushing. The active voice here emphasizes that this shame is not merely internal but a public, undeniable consequence of their exposed deception.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _maʻăneh'_):** Originating from a root meaning "to answer" or "to respond," this noun denotes a reply, whether favorable or contradictory. In this context, "no answer of God" signifies a complete cessation of divine communication and revelation to these false prophets. It is the ultimate divine judgment, indicating that God has entirely withdrawn His presence and voice from them, leaving their claims utterly baseless and exposed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall the seers be ashamed":** This clause pronounces a future state of public disgrace upon those who claim to speak for God but do so falsely. Their supposed spiritual authority will be stripped away, leading to profound humiliation in the eyes of the people they once deceived.
* **"and the diviners confounded":** Parallel to the seers, the diviners—those who practice forbidden magical arts and divination—will also experience confusion and public disgrace. Their deceptive practices will be utterly exposed, leaving them bewildered and discredited.
* **"yea, they shall all cover their lips":** This phrase describes a customary act in the ancient Near East symbolizing deep shame, mourning, or public humiliation. It signifies their inability to speak, prophesy, or continue their deceitful practices. Their mouths, once used for lies, will be silenced in disgrace.
* **"for there is no answer of God":** This final clause provides the foundational reason for their shame and silence. The ultimate source of their undoing is God's deliberate withdrawal of His word and revelation from them. Their claims become empty because the true divine voice, which they mimicked or pretended to channel, is no longer available to them, exposing their fraudulent nature.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 3:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "seers" with "diviners" and "ashamed" with "confounded," creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of their shared fate. This structure reinforces the idea that both categories of false spiritual guides will face the same divine retribution. **Symbolism** is prominently featured in the phrase "they shall all cover their lips." This action, culturally understood as a sign of mourning, shame, or silence, vividly symbolizes the complete cessation of their deceptive speech and the depth of their public disgrace. It visually represents their utter humiliation and the end of their influence. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the verse. Those who claimed to be the very mouthpieces of God are ultimately silenced *by* God, not through external force, but through the withdrawal of His own "answer." Their source of power is revealed to be non-existent, turning their supposed spiritual authority into a source of profound shame.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 3:7 resonates deeply with core theological truths concerning God's character, the nature of divine revelation, and the sanctity of truth. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for spiritual deception, demonstrating that He will not be mocked or manipulated by those who claim to speak in His name for personal gain. The "no answer of God" highlights His sovereignty over all revelation, asserting that genuine spiritual insight and prophecy originate solely from Him. This divine silence is a severe form of judgment, exposing the emptiness of all human-contrived spiritual claims and reinforcing the principle that God's truth is self-authenticating and cannot be manufactured. The verse also serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual charlatanism, emphasizing the immense responsibility of those who claim to speak for God and the dire consequences of misleading His people.

* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecy Condemned")
* [Ezekiel 13:6](/ezekiel/13-6 "Ezekiel 13:6 - Lying Diviners")
* [Amos 8:11](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11 - Famine of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 3:7 offers a timeless and crucial lesson for believers in every generation: the imperative of spiritual discernment. In a world saturated with diverse voices and claims of spiritual authority, it is more vital than ever to "test the spirits whether they are of God" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). This verse calls us to critically evaluate all teachings and prophecies against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word. We are reminded that true spiritual guidance is never motivated by personal gain or popular acclaim, but by a faithful commitment to God's truth and the well-being of His people. The ultimate test of any spiritual claim lies in whether it aligns with the character of God and His established revelation, and whether it leads to genuine transformation and devotion rather than empty promises or self-serving agendas. We are encouraged to cultivate a vibrant, authentic relationship with God, seeking His voice through His Word and prayer, so that we may recognize and reject the empty echoes of those from whom God has withheld His answer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between genuine spiritual guidance and false teaching in our contemporary context?**
* **What are the potential dangers of seeking spiritual answers from sources other than God's revealed Word?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, contribute to or tolerate spiritual deception within our communities?**
* **How does the "no answer of God" in Micah 3:7 encourage a deeper reliance on His established revelation?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "seers" and "diviners" in this context, given that "seer" could sometimes refer to a legitimate prophet?**

Answer: While the term "seer" (Hebrew: *chôzeh*) in earlier Israelite history could indeed refer to a legitimate prophet who received visions from God (e.g., Samuel in [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Samuel as a Seer")), in Micah 3:7, it is used pejoratively. Here, "seers" are grouped with "diviners" (Hebrew: *qâçam*), who were practitioners of forbidden magical arts, omens, and necromancy, explicitly condemned in Mosaic Law (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). The context of Micah's indictment against corrupt religious leaders indicates that these "seers" were not true prophets of Yahweh but rather those who either falsely claimed divine inspiration or abused their prophetic office for personal gain, speaking their own words rather than God's. Thus, both "seers" and "diviners" in this verse represent those who traffic in spiritual deception, operating outside or in perversion of God's true revelation.

**Why is "no answer of God" so significant for these false prophets?**

Answer: The phrase "no answer of God" is profoundly significant because it signifies the ultimate divine judgment and the complete exposure of the false prophets' deception. Their entire livelihood and influence depended on their supposed ability to receive and convey divine messages. When God withdraws His "answer," it means He has ceased all communication with them, rendering their claims utterly baseless and their practices empty. This divine silence is not merely a lack of response but an active judgment, demonstrating that God has disowned them and their messages. It publicly reveals that their authority was never from God, leading to their profound shame and inability to continue their deceitful work. It underscores God's sovereignty over revelation and His refusal to validate falsehood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 3:7, with its stark portrayal of false prophets silenced by the absence of God's answer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in Jesus Christ. While the seers and diviners of Micah's day were exposed as empty vessels from whom God withheld His voice, Jesus is presented as the very embodiment of God's definitive and complete answer to humanity. He is the Word made flesh, the perfect revelation of the Father, through whom God has spoken most fully (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - God Revealed Through Jesus") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Unlike the false prophets who prophesied for personal gain and whose words proved empty, Jesus spoke with unparalleled authority and truth, often beginning His teachings with "Verily, verily, I say unto you" (cf. [Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus' Authority")). His coming exposed all spiritual falsehood and deception, revealing those who were "wolves in sheep's clothing" by their fruits (cf. [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits")). In Christ, there is never "no answer of God"; rather, He is the living, eternal "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), the ultimate and unfailing voice of God to a lost world, providing the true spiritual guidance and revelation that the false prophets could never offer.

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

Zechariah 13:4

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

Isaiah 44:25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Ezekiel 24:17

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men.

Leviticus 13:45

And the leper in whom the plague [is], his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Amos 8:11

¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

Isaiah 47:12

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.