Micah 7:6

KJV

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the son {H1121} dishonoureth {H5034} the father {H1}, the daughter {H1323} riseth up {H6965} against her mother {H517}, the daughter in law {H3618} against her mother in law {H2545}; a man's {H376} enemies {H341} are the men {H582} of his own house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For a son insults his father, a daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a person's enemies are the members of his own household.

Berean Standard Bible

For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.

American Standard Version

For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 7:6 delivers a chilling prophecy of profound societal and moral decay within Judah, painting a stark picture of a nation so corrupted by sin that even the most fundamental and sacred bonds of family are shattered. The verse laments the complete breakdown of trust and loyalty, where children dishonor parents, and in-laws turn against each other, culminating in the tragic declaration that a person's most dangerous adversaries are found within their own household. This vivid imagery serves as a powerful indictment of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and a precursor to the divine judgment it would face.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 7:6 is situated within the latter part of the prophet Micah's book, specifically within a section (Micah 6:1-7:7) that functions as a legal dispute or "covenant lawsuit" between God and His people. Following a powerful call for justice and righteousness in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"), the prophet shifts to a lament over the pervasive sin and corruption that has engulfed Judah. Micah 7:1-6 describes the utter moral depravity of the nation, where honesty and integrity are absent, and wickedness abounds. The prophet expresses deep personal anguish over this spiritual desolation, lamenting the absence of any righteous person (Micah 7:2). Verse 6 serves as the climactic example of this pervasive corruption, illustrating how sin has infiltrated the very core of society—the family unit—before the prophet pivots to an expression of hope and trust in God's mercy in [Micah 7:7](/micah/7-7 "Micah 7:7 - Trusting in the Lord's Salvation").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah (late 8th century BC), a period marked by significant political instability, social injustice, and widespread idolatry. While Hezekiah brought some reforms, the preceding reigns, particularly Ahaz's, saw a deep spiritual decline. The rich oppressed the poor, judges were bribed, and false prophets proliferated (see [Micah 3:9-11](/micah/3-9-11 "Micah 3:9-11 - Corrupt Leaders")). In ancient Israelite society, the family was the foundational unit, crucial for transmitting faith, values, and cultural identity. The Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")), underscored the sacredness of parental authority and familial respect. Therefore, the breakdown of familial relationships described in Micah 7:6 was not merely a social problem but a profound spiritual crisis, indicating a complete unraveling of the covenant relationship with God and the societal order He had established. It reflected a deep-seated rebellion against divine law and a descent into chaos.

* **Key Themes:** Micah 7:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Micah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Profound Societal Decay and Moral Corruption**, demonstrating how sin had permeated every level of society, including the most intimate family relationships. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of unrighteousness, where trust and loyalty have vanished. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness**, showing how a departure from God's laws leads to internal strife and social disintegration, a direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Judgment and Desolation**, as the internal fracturing of the family unit is a severe form of divine judgment, leaving individuals vulnerable and isolated. Finally, by depicting such an extreme state of brokenness, Micah 7:6 sets the stage for the subsequent theme of **Hope in God's Ultimate Restoration**, as only divine intervention can remedy such deep-seated spiritual and social wounds, a hope expressed in [Micah 7:7-20](/micah/7-7-20 "Micah 7:7-20 - Micah's Prayer and Prophecy of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dishonoureth (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** From H5034, this word means "to wilt," "to fall away," "to fail," "to faint," and figuratively, "to be foolish or (morally) wicked." It also carries the sense of "to despise," "disgrace," or "make vile." In Micah 7:6, it signifies more than simple disobedience; it conveys a deliberate act of contempt, a shaming and defiling of the parent, suggesting a complete collapse of the natural order of respect and honor within the family. This moral decay is so profound that it leads to the "wilting" or "fading" of filial duty.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, this is an active participle meaning "hating" and refers to an "adversary" or "foe." The use of this term for those within one's own household is profoundly shocking. It highlights the unnatural and tragic state of affairs where those who should be sources of love, protection, and support have become sources of hostility and danger. The word emphasizes active opposition and malice, not just disagreement.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word primarily means "a house" but carries a wide range of applications, including "family," "household," "palace," or "temple." In this context, "men of his own house" refers to the immediate family and household members. The term underscores that the source of conflict is not external but internal, emanating from the very core of one's domestic sphere, which was traditionally a place of refuge and security. Its use here emphasizes the complete inversion of societal norms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the son dishonoureth the father":** This clause immediately sets the tone for the profound moral inversion. The natural order of respect and obedience, deeply ingrained in Israelite covenant law (e.g., the Fifth Commandment), is utterly violated. The son, who should honor and perpetuate the family name, actively treats his father with contempt and disgrace, signifying a breakdown of authority and filial piety.
* **"the daughter riseth up against her mother":** Parallel to the first clause, this further illustrates the widespread familial rebellion. "Riseth up" (from H6965, _qûwm_) implies an active, defiant stance, a challenge to maternal authority. The bond between mother and daughter, often one of close intimacy and instruction, is replaced by antagonism and opposition.
* **"the daughter in law against her mother in law":** This extends the breakdown of relationships beyond the immediate parent-child dynamic to the in-laws, signifying that even extended family ties, which were crucial for social cohesion in ancient society, are fractured. The relationship between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law could often be complex, but here it is explicitly adversarial, highlighting pervasive discord.
* **"a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house":** This culminating statement serves as the devastating summary of the preceding examples. It is a stark, shocking declaration that the most dangerous adversaries are not external invaders or strangers, but those within one's own domestic circle. This emphasizes the internal rot of society, where the very place meant for security and love has become a source of betrayal and hostility.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 7:6 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its somber message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism** with a climactic intensification. The first three clauses ("the son dishonoureth the father," "the daughter riseth up against her mother," "the daughter in law against her mother in law") repeat the theme of familial rebellion, each echoing and reinforcing the others. This repetition emphasizes the widespread and pervasive nature of the moral decay. The final clause, "a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house," serves as a powerful **summary statement** and a **climax**, encapsulating the essence of the preceding examples and delivering a shocking, almost proverbial truth. This statement also functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration** to underscore the extremity of the situation, though it reflects a grim reality. The use of "house" (H1004, _bayith_) can be seen as a form of **metonymy**, where the physical dwelling represents the family or household itself, highlighting that the conflict is deeply embedded within the domestic sphere. The overall tone of the verse is one of **lament** and **despair**, contributing to the prophetic genre of the "covenant lawsuit" where the prophet mourns the spiritual state of his people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 7:6 serves as a stark theological commentary on the devastating consequences of sin and covenant unfaithfulness. It illustrates how the rejection of God's moral order inevitably leads to the disintegration of human relationships, starting with the most fundamental unit—the family. The breakdown of filial respect and familial loyalty is a direct manifestation of a society that has lost its moral compass and its fear of the Lord. This verse underscores the principle that true societal health is intrinsically linked to spiritual integrity; when people turn away from God, they turn against each other, leading to chaos and internal strife. It stands as a powerful reminder that genuine peace and security are not found in external circumstances but in righteous living and adherence to divine commands.

* [Matthew 10:35-36](/matthew/10-35-36 "Jesus' Prophecy of Division")
* [Luke 12:53](/luke/12-53 "Jesus' Words on Family Division")
* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment: Honor Parents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 7:6, though ancient, resonates powerfully with the human experience across all ages. It serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust and the profound, far-reaching consequences of sin and moral decay. When selfishness, disrespect, and a turning away from God's principles take root, even the closest and most sacred relationships can become sources of conflict and betrayal. This verse challenges us to examine the health of our own relationships, particularly within our families, and to recognize that the spiritual condition of individuals and societies is often reflected in the strength and integrity of these bonds. It calls us to cultivate honor, respect, and unconditional love, actively working against the divisive forces that threaten to tear apart our most cherished connections. Furthermore, it prepares us for the reality that prioritizing our commitment to Christ may, at times, lead to misunderstandings or even opposition from those closest to us, reminding us that our ultimate loyalty belongs to God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the breakdown of family relationships in Micah 7:6 reflect a deeper spiritual problem in society today?**
* **In what ways might we inadvertently contribute to disunity or dishonor within our own family or community?**
* **How can we actively cultivate honor, respect, and love in our closest relationships, even when faced with challenges?**
* **What does it mean to prioritize Christ when our spiritual commitments might lead to tension with loved ones?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Micah 7:6?**

Answer: The primary message of Micah 7:6 is a lament over the extreme moral and social decay in Judah, specifically highlighting the tragic breakdown of familial relationships. It illustrates that sin had so corrupted society that even the most fundamental bonds—between parents and children, and in-laws—were shattered, leading to betrayal and conflict within one's own household. It underscores that internal corruption is as devastating, if not more so, than external threats.

**How does Jesus' quoting of Micah 7:6 in the New Testament relate to its original meaning?**

Answer: Jesus quotes Micah 7:6 in [Matthew 10:35-36](/matthew/10-35-36 "Jesus' Prophecy of Division") and [Luke 12:53](/luke/12-53 "Luke 12:53 - Division Caused by the Gospel") to explain a profound consequence of the Gospel's arrival. While the original context in Micah describes the moral decay of a sinful nation, Jesus applies the imagery of familial division to the spiritual separation that would occur as some accept Him and others reject Him. He reveals that His coming would bring a "sword" of division, even within families, as ultimate loyalty to Him would supersede earthly ties. Thus, Jesus expands the verse's meaning from a description of national sin to a prophetic insight into the challenging, yet necessary, divisions that spiritual truth can create.

**Does this verse imply that all family relationships are inherently problematic?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all family relationships are inherently problematic. Instead, it describes a specific, dire situation of moral collapse in ancient Judah, where the natural and divinely ordained order of family respect had been inverted due to widespread sin and unfaithfulness to God. The family is meant to be a foundational unit of love, support, and spiritual formation. Micah 7:6 serves as a warning about what happens when a society, or even an individual, strays so far from God's principles that even these sacred bonds are corrupted and become sources of enmity. It highlights the severity of sin's impact on human connection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 7:6 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy of Jesus, but in His own poignant application of its truth and in the radical nature of the Kingdom He inaugurated. Jesus Himself quoted this verse in [Matthew 10:35-36](/matthew/10-35-36 "Matthew 10:35-36 - Jesus Brings Division") and [Luke 12:53](/luke/12-53 "Luke 12:53 - The Sword of Division"), not to endorse family breakdown, but to reveal a painful reality: the coming of the Gospel, while bringing ultimate peace, would also inevitably bring division. For those who choose to follow Christ, their supreme loyalty to Him might indeed cause friction, even opposition, from those within their own "house" who reject Him. This highlights that spiritual allegiance to the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") transcends all earthly bonds. Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced this betrayal, not least from Judas, one of His "own house" of disciples ([John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Fulfillment of Scripture")), and was abandoned by many of His followers during His passion. Yet, in contrast to the brokenness described in Micah, Jesus offers a new spiritual family to those who do the will of His Father ([Mark 3:35](/mark/3-35 "Mark 3:35 - Jesus' True Family")). Ultimately, while Micah laments the disintegration caused by sin, Christ is the one who, through His atoning work, reconciles alienated individuals to God and to one another, offering the only true and lasting peace that can heal the deepest wounds of familial and societal division ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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

Matthew 10:35

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Matthew 10:36

And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.

Luke 12:53

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Matthew 10:21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

2 Timothy 3:2

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2 Timothy 3:3

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,