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.
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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,
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
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: