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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Micah 7:6 presents a somber depiction of moral decay and societal breakdown in ancient Judah, illustrating how deeply sin had corrupted even the most fundamental relationships. This verse is a lament, highlighting a profound loss of trust and loyalty, particularly within the family unit.

Context

The prophet Micah delivered his message during a period of significant spiritual and moral decline in the southern kingdom of Judah, roughly in the late 8th century BC. His prophecies often intertwined warnings of divine judgment for widespread idolatry, social injustice, and corruption with promises of future restoration. Micah 7 specifically describes the dire state of the nation, where truth and righteousness were scarce, and people could not even trust their closest relatives. This verse underscores the complete disintegration of the social fabric, setting the stage for Micah's subsequent expression of hope and trust in God's unfailing mercy, as seen in Micah 7:7.

Key Themes

  • Profound Societal Decay: The verse vividly portrays a society where moral order has collapsed, leading to a complete breakdown of trust and respect, even within the most sacred bonds.
  • Betrayal Within the Family: The most intimate relationships—between parents and children, and in-laws—are depicted as sources of conflict and dishonor. This emphasizes that the corruption is not merely external but has permeated the very core of human connection.
  • Enemies from Within: The stark declaration that "a man's enemies are the men of his own house" highlights the internal nature of the problem. The greatest threats to an individual's well-being and a society's stability come from those who should be allies and protectors.
  • Consequences of Sin: This familial discord is presented as a direct consequence of the nation's rebellion against God's covenant and moral law, demonstrating how widespread sin leads to chaos and suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dishonoureth" (מְנַבֵּל - menabbel) carries a strong sense of treating with contempt, defiling, or disgracing. It goes beyond simple disobedience to suggest a complete lack of respect and a willingness to bring shame upon a parent. The term for "enemies" (אֹיְבִים - 'oyvim) is the standard Hebrew word for adversaries, but its application to one's own household underscores the shocking and tragic nature of the situation Micah describes.

Cross-References and Significance

This verse gained significant prophetic weight when Jesus himself quoted it in Matthew 10:35-36 and Luke 12:53. In these instances, Jesus used Micah's words to explain that the coming of the Gospel, though bringing peace to those who believe, would also inevitably bring division, even within families, as some would accept Him and others would reject Him. This highlights a timeless principle: spiritual commitments can transcend and sometimes challenge earthly loyalties. The verse also stands in stark contrast to the divine command to honor father and mother, underscoring the severity of Israel's moral decline.

Practical Application

Micah 7:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of trust and the far-reaching consequences of sin and moral decay. It cautions us that spiritual and societal health are often reflected in the strength of family bonds. In any era, when selfishness, disrespect, or a turning away from God's principles takes root, even the closest relationships can become sources of conflict and betrayal. This verse calls believers to:

  • Guard Family Relationships: To actively cultivate honor, respect, and love within our families, recognizing them as foundational to a healthy society.
  • Seek Discernment: To be aware that challenges and opposition can arise from unexpected sources, requiring spiritual wisdom to navigate.
  • Prioritize God's Kingdom: To understand that ultimate loyalty belongs to God, and sometimes following Christ may lead to misunderstandings or divisions, even with those we love.
  • Pray for Restoration: To recognize that only God's transforming power can truly heal broken relationships and restore trust in a world prone to division and discord.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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,

Install App

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back