


Micah 3:9
Bible Versions
Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.
Hear this, please, leaders of the house of Ya'akov, rulers of the house of Isra'el, you who abhor what is just and pervert anything that is right,
Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right,
Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel, that abhor justice, and pervert all equity.
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Isaiah 1:23
Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. -
Psalms 58:1
¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? -
Psalms 58:2
Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. -
Proverbs 17:15
¶ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD. -
Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. -
Leviticus 26:15
And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, [but] that ye break my covenant: -
Micah 3:1
¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?
Micah 3:9 serves as a powerful and direct indictment from the prophet Micah against the corrupt leaders of Israel and Judah during his time. This verse opens a scathing critique of those in authority who were charged with upholding justice but instead actively undermined it.
Context
The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BC, a period marked by social decay, injustice, and spiritual apostasy in both the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). Chapter 3 of Micah is particularly focused on denouncing the ruling class, including the political leaders, false prophets, and priests, who were exploiting the common people. This verse is a direct address, an urgent call for the "heads of the house of Jacob" and "princes of the house of Israel" – referring to the civil and religious authorities – to hear their divine condemnation. They are accused of a fundamental failure in their God-given duty to administer justice and righteousness.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV uses strong terms to convey the severity of the leaders' actions:
Practical Application
Micah 3:9 offers timeless lessons relevant to any society: