Micah 6:10

KJV

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?

KJV (with Strong's)

Are there {H786} yet the treasures {H214} of wickedness {H7562}{H376} in the house {H1004} of the wicked {H7563}, and the scant {H7332} measure {H374} that is abominable {H2194}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Are there still ill-gotten gains in the house of the wicked? still the detestable short eifah-measure?

Berean Standard Bible

Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed?

American Standard Version

Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a scant measure that is abominable?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 6:10 presents a piercing rhetorical question from God, confronting the people of Judah with their pervasive social and economic injustices. It exposes the divine awareness and profound abhorrence for ill-gotten gains and fraudulent practices, particularly the use of dishonest weights and measures, which were rampant even among those who claimed to follow Him. This verse underscores that systemic economic exploitation is not merely a social wrong but a spiritual abomination that deeply offends God's righteous character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 6:10 is situated within a powerful divine lawsuit, or "rib" (Hebrew for a legal dispute), that God brings against His covenant people. Following the profound summary of what God truly requires from humanity in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"), where He calls for justice, mercy, and humble walking with Him, the prophet Micah shifts to detailing the specific sins that have provoked God’s righteous anger. Verses [Micah 6:9-16](/micah/6-9-16 "Micah 6:9-16 - God's Indictment of Israel's Sins") describe a society riddled with corruption, violence, and deceit, highlighting their systemic moral decay rather than just individual transgressions. [Micah 6:10](/micah/6-10 "Micah 6:10 - The Abominable Scant Measure") specifically targets economic fraud, a widespread issue that undermined the very fabric of communal trust, fairness, and the covenant relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah (late 8th century BCE), a period marked by significant social and economic upheaval. While some enjoyed prosperity, it often came at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. There was a stark divide between the wealthy elite, who often used their power to oppress, and the struggling masses. The use of "scant measure" and "treasures of wickedness" points to common fraudulent practices in ancient Near Eastern markets, where merchants would manipulate scales and measuring devices to shortchange customers. This was not only a violation of common decency but a direct transgression of Mosaic Law, which explicitly commanded honest weights and measures as a reflection of God's justice (e.g., [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13-16 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Honest Weights and Measures")). Such practices were particularly egregious in a covenant community where justice and care for the vulnerable were foundational principles.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major themes found throughout Micah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Indignation Against Injustice**, revealing God's full awareness and profound disapproval of ill-gotten gains and dishonest practices. It emphasizes that God, as the righteous judge, detests all forms of exploitation, as echoed in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the Lord"). Secondly, it highlights **Economic Dishonesty** as a grave spiritual offense. The "scant measure" was a direct violation of God's law concerning fair dealings, as outlined in passages like [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35-36 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Fair Measures in Trade") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13-16 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Just Weights and Measures"). Such practices were not just societal wrongs but spiritual abominations. Lastly, the mention of "treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked" points to **Systemic Corruption**, indicating that dishonesty was ingrained in the economic life of many, leading to prosperity for the wicked at the expense of the poor and vulnerable, thus corrupting the entire societal fabric.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to store up," this term refers to a depository, a storehouse, or accumulated wealth. In [Micah 6:10](/micah/6-10 "Micah 6:10 - The Abominable Scant Measure"), it signifies wealth or possessions that have been amassed, but the context of "wickedness" immediately qualifies these as ill-gotten gains, accumulated through unjust means.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _reshaʻ'_):** This word denotes a wrong, specifically a moral wrong or iniquity. It speaks to the inherent perversion of justice and righteousness. When combined with "treasures," it powerfully describes wealth obtained through immoral, unjust, or ungodly actions, highlighting the corrupt source of the accumulation.
* **abominable (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_):** A primitive root meaning "to foam at the mouth" or "to be enraged," this term expresses intense divine anger, abhorrence, or indignation. Its use here signifies God's profound disgust and detestation for the "scant measure," elevating economic fraud from a mere social misdeed to something utterly offensive and detestable in God's sight, akin to idolatry or other grievous sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Are there yet the treasures of wickedness":** This opening rhetorical question serves as a direct, accusatory challenge from God. It implies His full awareness of the illicit wealth accumulated through unjust means within the community. The use of "yet" suggests a continued, persistent problem despite previous warnings or expectations of righteousness. It's a divine indictment of ill-gotten gains.
* **"in the house of the wicked":** This phrase specifies the location and ownership of these "treasures." "House" (Hebrew, _bayith'_) here refers not just to a physical dwelling but can encompass the household, family, or even the established practices within a wicked person's domain. It suggests that the ill-gotten wealth is not merely an isolated incident but is entrenched within the very fabric of the wicked individual's life and perhaps even their lineage or business operations, indicating systemic corruption.
* **"and the scant measure [that is] abominable?":** This second part of the rhetorical question identifies a specific, egregious economic injustice: the "scant measure." This refers to the fraudulent practice of using an undersized or manipulated measuring device (like an ephah, a common grain measure) to shortchange customers. The addition of "abominable" (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_) intensifies the divine condemnation, declaring this practice to be utterly detestable and enraging to God, placing it on par with the most serious offenses against His holiness and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 6:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Are there yet the treasures of wickedness... and the scant measure [that is] abominable?" This is not a request for information but a forceful accusation, designed to highlight the undeniable presence of these sins and to elicit a sense of conviction and shame in the audience. It underscores God's omniscience and His deep displeasure. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "treasures of wickedness," where "wickedness" stands for the wicked means by which the treasures were acquired. The phrase "scant measure" is a specific **Epithet** for fraudulent trade practices, vividly illustrating the concrete nature of the injustice. Finally, the use of the word "**abominable**" (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_) functions as a powerful **Intensifier**, elevating economic dishonesty from a mere social infraction to an act that provokes God's profound anger and disgust, emphasizing its severe spiritual gravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 6:10 profoundly connects to the core theological truth of God's unwavering character as just and righteous. It reveals that true worship and covenant faithfulness are inextricably linked to ethical conduct, particularly in economic dealings. God's abhorrence for "treasures of wickedness" and "scant measures" demonstrates that He is not merely concerned with ritualistic obedience but with the practical outworking of justice and love in daily life, especially towards the vulnerable. This verse highlights that economic exploitation is a direct affront to God's holiness and His covenant demands for a society built on equity and integrity, disrupting the very shalom (peace, wholeness) He desires for His people.

* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Amos 8:5-6](/amos/8-5-6 "Amos 8:5-6 - Oppression of the Poor")
* [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13-16 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Just Weights and Measures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 6:10 serves as a timeless and convicting reminder of God's unchanging character concerning justice and fairness, challenging us to examine our own lives and the systems we participate in. For believers today, this verse calls for radical integrity in all our dealings, whether in business, personal finance, or everyday transactions. It compels us to ensure that our pursuit of prosperity never comes at the expense of others, especially the vulnerable. We are called to be vigilant against any form of exploitation, deceit, or unfair advantage, recognizing that such practices are not merely ethical lapses but spiritual abominations in God's eyes. This prophetic word also challenges us to look beyond individual actions to systemic injustices, prompting us to advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, transparency, and fairness in our communities and the broader world, reflecting God's heart for justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "treasures of wickedness" manifest in our modern society, and how might we unknowingly participate in or benefit from them?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as the Church, actively promote integrity and challenge economic injustice in our workplaces, communities, and global markets?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure that my personal financial dealings and consumption habits align with God's demand for justice and fairness?**

### FAQ

**What does "scant measure" specifically refer to in ancient Israelite context?**
Answer: In the ancient Israelite context, a "scant measure" (often referring to an "ephah," a common dry measure for grain) was a fraudulent practice where merchants would use a measuring container that was intentionally smaller than the standard, or they would manipulate the measurement process to give less product than what was paid for. This was a direct violation of God's law, which commanded honest weights and measures to ensure fair dealings and protect the vulnerable, as seen in [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35-36 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Fair Measures") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13-16 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Just Weights and Measures"). It was a form of economic exploitation that undermined trust and caused hardship, particularly for the poor who depended on fair prices for their basic necessities.

**Why is economic injustice considered "abominable" by God?**
Answer: Economic injustice, such as using a "scant measure," is considered "abominable" (Hebrew, _zâʻam'_, signifying God's intense rage and disgust) by God for several profound reasons. Firstly, it directly violates His character of justice and righteousness. God is inherently just, and He commands His people to reflect His character in their dealings ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")). Secondly, it exploits and oppresses the vulnerable, a group God consistently champions and protects throughout Scripture ([Psalm 82:3-4](/psalm/82-3-4 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor")). Thirdly, such practices demonstrate a lack of love for one's neighbor and a disregard for the covenant community's well-being, prioritizing selfish gain over communal shalom. Finally, it implies a rejection of God's authority and His laws, placing human greed above divine commands, making it a spiritual offense akin to idolatry in its severity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah's indictment of "treasures of wickedness" and "scant measures" finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical redefinition in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed the sinfulness of economic exploitation, Jesus not only condemned such practices but embodied perfect justice and righteousness. He directly confronted those who profited from religious exploitation, cleansing the temple and declaring it a "den of robbers" ([Luke 19:45-46](/luke/19-45-46 "Luke 19:45-46 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). More profoundly, Jesus' teachings, particularly in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), elevated the standard of righteousness beyond mere external compliance to the law, demanding a transformation of the heart that naturally produces integrity, generosity, and a disregard for ill-gotten gain. He identified with the poor and marginalized, declaring that what is done to "the least of these" is done to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The King's Judgment")). Ultimately, Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled to a just God, offering forgiveness for our own "wicked treasures" and empowering us through the Holy Spirit to live lives of true integrity and justice. His kingdom, which He inaugurated and will fully establish, is one where "righteousness dwells" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth")), and there will be no place for "scant measures" or any form of exploitation in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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

Amos 3:10

For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

Amos 8:5

Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

Amos 8:6

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

Proverbs 20:10

¶ Divers weights, [and] divers measures, both of them [are] alike abomination to the LORD.

Jeremiah 5:26

For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Leviticus 19:35

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.