Micah 6:15

KJV

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt sow {H2232}, but thou shalt not reap {H7114}; thou shalt tread {H1869} the olives {H2132}, but thou shalt not anoint {H5480} thee with oil {H8081}; and sweet wine {H8492}, but shalt not drink {H8354} wine {H3196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will sow but will not reap, you will press olives but not rub yourself with oil, likewise you will press grapes but not drink the wine.

Berean Standard Bible

You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt sow, but shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but shalt not anoint thee with oil; and the vintage, but shalt not drink the wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 6:15 delivers a poignant prophecy of divine judgment against unfaithful Israel, declaring that their diligent agricultural labor—sowing, treading olives, and preparing wine—will yield no personal benefit or enjoyment. This verse vividly illustrates the futility of human effort when God withholds His blessing due to the people's pervasive injustice and disobedience, serving as a stark reminder of the direct consequences of breaking covenant with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 6:15 is situated within the powerful "Yahweh's Lawsuit" section of the book, specifically [Micah 6:1-16](/micah/6-1-16 "Micah 6:1-16 - Yahweh's Lawsuit Against Israel"). In this dramatic courtroom scene, God presents His case against Israel, reminding them of His steadfast faithfulness and mighty acts of deliverance, such as bringing them out of Egypt and thwarting Balaam's curse (e.g., [Micah 6:3-5](/micah/6-3-5 "Micah 6:3-5 - God's Faithfulness to Israel")). Following this, the prophet confronts the people with their profound moral and spiritual failures, particularly their widespread injustice, economic exploitation, and idolatry. Verses [Micah 6:10-16](/micah/6-10-16 "Micah 6:10-16 - Israel's Sins and Consequences") detail specific transgressions—dishonest weights, violence, and deceit—and outline the severe judgments that will follow. Verse 15, therefore, functions as a concrete example of these promised economic curses, directly contrasting with the righteous living and divine blessing that God desires, as articulated in the famous call to justice, mercy, and humility in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society, where the cycles of sowing and reaping, olive cultivation, and winemaking formed the bedrock of their economy and daily life. Oil from olives was essential not only for food but also for light, anointing, and medicinal purposes, while wine was a staple beverage and a symbol of joy and prosperity, often associated with festivals and celebrations. The prosperity of the nation was directly tied to the fruitfulness of their land, which in turn was understood as a direct reflection of God's blessing or curse, as outlined in the Mosaic Covenant. The curses for disobedience detailed in the Law, such as those found in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"), frequently describe scenarios where agricultural labor becomes futile, crops fail, or the produce is consumed by enemies. Micah's prophecy, therefore, draws upon these deeply ingrained covenantal understandings, warning that Israel's moral corruption would lead to the withdrawal of divine favor and the collapse of their agricultural abundance.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 6:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is the **Futility of Labor** under divine judgment, where human effort, no matter how strenuous, is rendered unproductive and joyless because God has withdrawn His blessing. This directly underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the natural world and the prosperity of His people. The verse also highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating the direct and tangible link between a nation's ethical and spiritual decline and its material hardship, serving as a solemn warning against neglecting God's commands for justice and righteousness. Finally, it speaks to the **Loss of Enjoyment and Blessing**, as the inability to partake in the fruits of one's labor—oil for anointing, wine for drinking—symbolizes a deeper spiritual emptiness and the absence of the joy and celebration that characterize a people living in right relationship with God. This theme resonates with other prophetic warnings, such as the lament in [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Sowing Much, Bringing in Little"), where the people are similarly afflicted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** (H2232) A primitive root meaning to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, or fructify. In Micah 6:15, this word emphasizes the initial, hopeful act of planting seeds, representing the diligent effort and investment made by the people in their agricultural pursuits. The futility of this action is highlighted by the immediate negation of its expected outcome.
* **tread (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** (H1869) A primitive root meaning to tread; by implication, to walk. Here, it specifically refers to the laborious process of treading grapes or olives in a press to extract juice or oil. This word conveys the intense physical effort involved in processing the harvest, making the subsequent lack of benefit even more poignant.
* **anoint (Hebrew, _çûwk'_):):** (H5480) A primitive root meaning to smear over (with oil), i.e., anoint. This refers to the act of applying oil, which in ancient Israel was not only for practical purposes (e.g., skin care, lamp fuel) but also for ceremonial anointing, hospitality, and personal adornment associated with well-being and celebration. The inability to anoint oneself with oil signifies a profound lack of basic provision, comfort, and joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core theme of frustrated labor. "Sowing" represents the initial, hopeful investment of effort and resources into the land. "Reaping" is the expected, vital outcome—the harvest that sustains life and provides livelihood. The stark "but thou shalt not reap" declares a divine intervention that breaks the natural cycle, rendering all human effort futile and denying the people the sustenance and reward of their toil. This is a direct economic curse, striking at the very foundation of their agrarian society.
* **"thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil":** This clause provides a specific example of the general principle. "Treading the olives" refers to the laborious process of pressing olives to extract oil, a crucial commodity for food, light, and personal care. The inability to "anoint thee with oil" signifies a lack of the most basic necessities and comforts. Anointing with oil was also a sign of well-being and celebration; its absence points to a state of deprivation, mourning, and the removal of God's blessing that brings joy and abundance.
* **"and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine":** The final clause continues the pattern, focusing on the product of the vineyard. "Sweet wine" (Hebrew: _tîyrôwsh_) refers to the fresh, unfermented grape juice, often associated with newness, abundance, and joy. The phrase "shalt not drink wine" implies that despite the labor of cultivating the grapes and producing the wine, the people will be deprived of its consumption and the joy it represents. This speaks to a profound loss of celebration, prosperity, and the simple pleasures of life, all withheld as a consequence of their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 6:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a triple **antithetical parallelism**, where each line presents an action followed by its negated, contrasting outcome ("sow, but not reap"; "tread olives, but not anoint"; "sweet wine, but not drink"). This repetitive structure emphasizes the certainty and totality of the judgment, creating a sense of inescapable futility. **Irony** is also at play, as the very acts that should lead to prosperity and joy—diligent labor in agriculture—are precisely those that will yield no benefit. This highlights the paradoxical nature of a people working hard only to be denied the fruits of their labor by divine decree. Furthermore, the specific items mentioned—sowing, reaping, olives, oil, sweet wine, drinking—function as **Metonymy** for the broader agricultural economy and the associated blessings of sustenance, comfort, and celebration. Their absence or denial, therefore, symbolizes the comprehensive withdrawal of God's favor and the imposition of economic hardship and spiritual emptiness. The verse's vivid imagery and direct address ("Thou shalt...") make the prophecy immediate and impactful, underscoring the personal and national consequences of their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 6:15 powerfully articulates the theological principle that human prosperity and the fruitfulness of labor are ultimately dependent on God's blessing. It underscores the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience results in curses. The futility described is not merely a natural disaster but a direct act of divine judgment, demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation and human endeavors. This passage serves as a stark reminder that when a people, or even an individual, persists in injustice, exploitation, and spiritual unfaithfulness, God may withdraw His hand of blessing, rendering even the most diligent efforts unproductive. It highlights the profound truth that true security and satisfaction come not from accumulated wealth or strenuous labor alone, but from a right relationship with God, characterized by justice, mercy, and humility. The inability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor symbolizes a deeper spiritual emptiness and the loss of joy that accompanies a broken covenant.

This theme of working hard but not benefiting from one's labor due to divine judgment is echoed throughout the Old Testament:
* [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [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 - Sowing Much, Bringing in Little")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 6:15 serves as a profound and enduring challenge for believers today, urging us to examine the ultimate source of our prosperity and satisfaction. In a world that often equates success with relentless effort and material accumulation, this verse reminds us that true fruitfulness and joy are ultimately dependent on God's blessing and our alignment with His will. It prompts us to consider whether our pursuits, whether in work, finances, or relationships, are being undertaken in a manner that honors God, upholds justice, and demonstrates mercy. When we prioritize personal gain, engage in dishonest practices, or neglect our spiritual walk, we risk experiencing a form of "futility"—a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction even amidst outward success, or a complete lack of desired outcomes despite our best efforts. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that our labor is truly blessed only when it is consecrated to Him and conducted in accordance with His righteous standards. It encourages us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be striving for fruitfulness through my own efforts, without seeking God's blessing or aligning with His will?**
* **How does my pursuit of material gain or professional success reflect my dependence on God versus my reliance on self?**
* **What injustices or unrighteous practices in my life or community might be hindering God's blessing and leading to a sense of futility?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy and contentment in God, even if external circumstances or the "fruit" of my labor do not meet my expectations?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary message of Micah 6:15?**

Answer: The primary message of Micah 6:15 is that God will bring judgment upon His unfaithful people by rendering their agricultural labor futile. Despite their efforts in sowing, treading olives, and preparing wine, they will not enjoy the fruits of their toil. This signifies a withdrawal of divine blessing and a direct consequence for their widespread injustice, economic exploitation, and spiritual disobedience, as outlined in [Micah 6:10-16](/micah/6-10-16 "Micah 6:10-16 - Israel's Sins and Consequences"). It underscores the principle that true prosperity and satisfaction are ultimately dependent on God's favor, not merely human effort.

**Is this verse relevant to modern believers, even though we don't live in an agrarian society?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific examples of sowing, reaping, and treading olives are rooted in an ancient agrarian context, the underlying principles are timeless and universally applicable. The verse speaks to the futility of human effort when God's blessing is withheld due to sin or disobedience. In a modern context, this can manifest as a lack of true satisfaction or lasting success in one's career, finances, relationships, or even personal endeavors, despite significant effort. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives, and genuine fruitfulness—whether material, spiritual, or relational—ultimately flows from a right relationship with Him and adherence to His righteous commands, such as those found in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure our pursuits align with God's will.

**What is "sweet wine" (KJV) or "new wine" in this context?**

Answer: "Sweet wine" in the King James Version (KJV) translates the Hebrew word _tîyrôwsh_ (H8492), which refers to must or fresh grape-juice, often called "new wine." It is the unfermented or freshly pressed juice from grapes, distinct from fermented wine (_yayin_). In ancient Israel, _tîyrôwsh_ was often associated with the abundance of the harvest and was a symbol of prosperity and blessing from God, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:10](/proverbs/3-10 "Proverbs 3:10 - Storehouses Full of New Wine"). The prophecy in Micah 6:15, stating that they would not drink this "sweet wine," emphasizes the complete loss of the joy and celebration that accompanied the harvest, signifying a profound deprivation of God's promised abundance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 6:15, with its stark portrayal of futile labor and withheld blessing due to sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in Jesus Christ. The curse of unproductive toil and the inability to enjoy the fruits of one's labor are direct consequences of humanity's fall and rebellion against God, as first pronounced in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground"). Jesus, the perfect Son, entered into this cursed existence, not to experience its futility for Himself, but to bear its full weight on the cross. By becoming a curse for us, He redeems us from the curse of the law (as proclaimed in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). In Christ, the cycle of sowing without reaping is broken. He is the true vine, and those who abide in Him bear much fruit (as taught in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")), not through their own striving, but through His life flowing through them. The "sweet wine" that Israel could not drink, symbolizing joy and blessing, is fully realized in the new covenant established by Christ's blood, where believers are invited to partake in the true feast of His presence and the overflowing joy of the Holy Spirit (as described in [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). Through Him, our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")), and we are promised an eternal harvest of righteousness and peace, transcending any earthly futility.

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

Zephaniah 1:13

Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Jeremiah 12:13

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, [but] shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Isaiah 62:9

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.

Deuteronomy 28:38

Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather [but] little in; for the locust shall consume it.

Deuteronomy 28:40

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint [thyself] with the oil; for thine olive shall cast [his fruit].