Micah 6:12

Authorized King James Version

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
עֲשִׁירֶ֙יהָ֙
For the rich men
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
#3
מָלְא֣וּ
thereof are full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
חָמָ֔ס
of violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#5
וְיֹשְׁבֶ֖יהָ
and the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
דִּבְּרוּ
thereof have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#7
שָׁ֑קֶר
lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#8
וּלְשׁוֹנָ֖ם
and their tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#9
רְמִיָּ֥ה
is deceitful
remissness, treachery
#10
בְּפִיהֶֽם׃
in their mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Micah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection