Micah 6:14

KJV

Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down [shall be] in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and [that] which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt eat {H398}, but not be satisfied {H7646}; and thy casting down {H3445} shall be in the midst {H7130} of thee; and thou shalt take hold {H5253}, but shalt not deliver {H6403}; and that which thou deliverest {H6403} will I give up {H5414} to the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will eat but not be satisfied, with hunger gnawing inside you. You will conceive but not give birth; if you do give birth, I will give him to the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

You will eat but not be satisfied, and your hunger will remain with you. What you acquire, you will not preserve; and what you save, I will give to the sword.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy humiliation shall be in the midst of thee: and thou shalt put away, but shalt not save; and that which thou savest will I give up to the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 6:14 delivers a stark prophetic indictment against Judah, detailing the futility and devastation that will befall them as a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, injustice, and idolatry. This verse pronounces a series of curses where natural human efforts—eating, holding, and delivering—will be met with profound dissatisfaction, internal collapse, and ultimate failure, culminating in divine surrender to destruction by the sword. It underscores God's active role in their judgment, revealing that their suffering is not accidental but a deliberate act of divine discipline for their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 6:14 is embedded within a powerful "covenant lawsuit" (Hebrew: _riv_) brought by God against His people, primarily Judah and Israel. The preceding verses (Micah 6:1-8) set the stage with God presenting His case, reminding them of His faithfulness (e.g., deliverance from Egypt, [Micah 6:4](/micah/6-4 "Micah 6:4 - God's Faithfulness")) and their persistent ingratitude. Following this, Micah 6:9-16 details the specific charges of social injustice, deceitful business practices, violence, and idolatry that have provoked God's wrath. Verse 14, therefore, serves as a concrete manifestation of the divine judgment promised for these transgressions, illustrating the reversal of blessings and the onset of curses that culminate in national ruin, directly flowing from the people's ethical and spiritual failures outlined in [Micah 6:10-12](/micah/6-10-12 "Micah 6:10-12 - Charges of Injustice").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 750-700 BC), a period marked by significant political instability and moral decay in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was on the brink of Assyrian conquest (which occurred in 722 BC), and Judah faced similar threats and internal corruption. The covenant curses described in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience") formed the foundational legal and theological framework for Israelite society. Micah's prophecy, including the specific judgments in verse 14, directly echoes these ancient covenant stipulations, reminding the people that their prosperity and security were contingent upon their obedience to God's law. The "sword" (H2719, _chereb_) was a common instrument of warfare and divine judgment in the ancient Near East, symbolizing conquest and destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 6:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Micah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's active intervention in human history to punish sin. The futility described—eating without satisfaction, holding without delivering—is a direct consequence of their covenant breaking, emphasizing that God's justice is precise and comprehensive. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Futility of Self-Reliance and Materialism**, showing that even in abundance, true satisfaction and security cannot be found apart from God. The nation's reliance on their own strength and ill-gotten gains proves utterly useless against divine decree. Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty and Control**, as He explicitly states, "will I give up to the sword," asserting His ultimate authority over the fate of nations and the outcomes of human endeavors. This passage reinforces the idea that true flourishing comes from walking humbly with God, as articulated in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"), and that deviation from this path leads to inevitable ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** From H7646, meaning to sate, fill to satisfaction, or have enough. In Micah 6:14, its negation ("not be satisfied") indicates a profound and persistent lack of fulfillment, even in the presence of food or resources. This points to a spiritual and physical emptiness, a curse upon the very act of sustenance, where the desire remains unquenched, leading to perpetual hunger or discontent.
* **casting down (Hebrew, _yeshach'_):** From H3445, derived from an unused root meaning "to gape (as the empty stomach)," and defined as hunger or casting down. This word suggests an internal collapse, a deep-seated ruin, decay, or despair that originates from within the nation or individual. It implies a lack of inner peace, stability, and spiritual vitality, contributing to their overall downfall and a sense of internal emptiness or desolation.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _pâlaṭ'_):** From H6403, a primitive root meaning "to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver." The repeated use of this word ("shalt not deliver" and "that which thou deliverest") emphasizes a complete inability to preserve or rescue anything of value. Whether it be possessions, family, or even oneself, any attempt to escape or save will fail, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied;":** This clause pronounces a curse upon the very act of consumption. Despite having food or resources, the people will experience a deep, unquenchable hunger or dissatisfaction. This speaks to a spiritual emptiness that cannot be filled by material abundance, and a physical curse where sustenance brings no true nourishment or contentment, leading to perpetual want.
* **"and thy casting down [shall be] in the midst of thee;":** This phrase describes an internal collapse or decay. The "casting down" (or hunger/emptiness) will not come primarily from external forces but will originate from within the nation itself. It suggests a moral, spiritual, and social rot that leads to an internal state of despair, ruin, and weakness, making them vulnerable from within.
* **"and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver;":** This segment highlights the people's utter powerlessness to protect what they value. Any attempt to grasp, secure, or save their possessions, their families, or even their own lives from destruction will be futile. Their efforts to preserve will fail, leading to inevitable loss.
* **"and [that] which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.":** This final, climactic clause explicitly reveals the divine hand behind the judgment. Whatever small remnant or possession they might manage to "deliver" or save from immediate destruction, God Himself declares He will surrender to the "sword," symbolizing complete military defeat, violence, and eradication. This underscores God's active and sovereign role in executing the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 6:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Antithetical Parallelism**, where each phrase presents an action followed by its frustrated outcome ("eat, but not be satisfied"; "take hold, but shalt not deliver"). This repeated structure emphasizes the futility and reversal of expectations. **Irony** is also strongly present; what should bring satisfaction (eating) brings none, and what should bring security (taking hold) results in loss. The very efforts to preserve life and possessions are precisely what God will give over to destruction. The phrase "thy casting down [shall be] in the midst of thee" utilizes **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where "casting down" represents internal decay, despair, or ruin, suggesting that the nation's downfall is not merely external conquest but also a consequence of its own internal corruption and spiritual emptiness. Finally, the explicit declaration "will I give up to the sword" is a powerful statement of **Divine Agency**, emphasizing God's direct and active involvement in the unfolding judgment, leaving no doubt about the source of their calamity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 6:14 stands as a stark reminder of the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience"), where disobedience leads to a reversal of blessings, futility in labor, and ultimate destruction. It underscores the biblical principle that true satisfaction and security are not found in material accumulation or human effort apart from God, but rather in a right relationship with Him. The verse highlights God's unwavering justice and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through severe discipline. It serves as a prophetic warning that persistent sin, injustice, and idolatry inevitably lead to a state of spiritual emptiness and material ruin, demonstrating that God is sovereign over all outcomes, even the most devastating.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - The Curse of Scarcity")
* [Deuteronomy 28:38-40](/deuteronomy/28-38-40 "Deuteronomy 28:38-40 - Curses on Crops and Labor")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Futility of Labor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 6:14, though a pronouncement of ancient judgment, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the sources of our satisfaction and security. In a world that often equates abundance with contentment, this verse reminds us that material possessions or achievements, pursued apart from God, can leave us perpetually hungry and unfulfilled. It calls us to introspection, asking if our inner lives are marked by a "casting down" – a spiritual emptiness or moral decay – even amidst outward prosperity. The inability to "deliver" what we hold dear serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of human control and the ultimate sovereignty of God. This passage compels us to prioritize spiritual integrity, justice, and humility before God, recognizing that true flourishing and lasting peace are found not in self-reliance or worldly pursuits, but in a vibrant, obedient relationship with our Creator. It urges us to seek God's righteousness first, trusting Him as the ultimate source of all true satisfaction and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I seek satisfaction or security apart from God, and how might this lead to a sense of unfulfillment or futility?**
* **What "casting down" or internal decay might be present in my own heart or community, and how might it be addressed by returning to God's ways?**
* **How does this verse challenge my reliance on my own efforts or resources, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence and protection?**

### FAQ

**Does Micah 6:14 imply that God actively punishes people by making them dissatisfied or unsuccessful?**

Answer: Yes, the verse explicitly states God's active role in the judgment: "will I give up to the sword." The futility and dissatisfaction described are not random misfortunes but direct consequences of the people's unfaithfulness and injustice, ordained by God as a form of divine discipline. This aligns with the covenant curses outlined in the Old Testament, where blessings were contingent on obedience and curses followed disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). God, in His sovereignty, can withdraw His blessing, allowing human efforts to become fruitless as a means of calling His people back to Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 6:14, with its pronouncement of futility, internal decay, and ultimate destruction by the sword, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus. The curse of insatiable hunger and fruitless labor, a consequence of sin, is ultimately broken by Christ, who declared Himself the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") (John 6:35), offering true and lasting satisfaction to all who come to Him. Where humanity was powerless to "deliver" itself from the sword of divine judgment, Christ willingly surrendered Himself to the ultimate "sword" of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") (John 1:29). His sacrifice delivers us from the curse of futility and the internal "casting down" of sin, replacing it with the peace and abundant life promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life"). Through faith in Him, believers are no longer subject to the futility of their own efforts to earn salvation or satisfaction, but receive true spiritual nourishment and eternal security, because [there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ") (Romans 8:1).

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

Hosea 4:10

For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Ezekiel 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Ezekiel 4:17

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Haggai 2:16

Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.