Micah 6:8
What does Micah 6:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Micah 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Micah 6:8 means
God definitively answers the people's questions by declaring what truly pleases Him: not elaborate sacrifices, but a life characterized by justice, kindness, and humble obedience. To "do justly" means to live righteously in all dealings; to "love kindness" is to actively show steadfast love and mercy; and to "walk humbly with thy God" signifies a life of continual, dependent communion with Him, acknowledging His sovereignty. This verse transcends mere ritual, emphasizing an internal disposition and practical, ethical living as the core of true worship and relationship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?
KJV
King James Version · 1611He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He has made clear to you, O man, what is good; and what is desired from you by the Lord; only doing what is right, and loving mercy, and walking without pride before your God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He hath declared to thee, O man, what <FI>is<Fi> good; Yea, what is Jehovah requiring of thee, Except--to do judgment, and love kindness, And lowly to walk with thy God?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will shew thee, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee: Verily to do judgment, and to love mercy, and to walk solicitous with thy God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He hath shewn thee, O man, what is good: and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with thyGod?
Context
This pivotal verse provides God's direct and profound answer to the people's desperate inquiries about what sacrifices please Him (verses 6-7). It shifts the focus entirely from external ritual to internal character and ethical living. This declaration reframes the entire purpose of their relationship with God, moving beyond mere ceremony to a practical outworking of faith in daily life, setting the standard against which their continued unrighteousness will be judged in the chapter's latter half.
v.7will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
v.8This passage
v.9The voice of Jehovah crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom will see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 30:11
Nevertheless certain men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
- Hosea 6:6
For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
- Romans 7:16
But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.
- Luke 10:42
but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
- 1 Corinthians 7:16
For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
This isthe end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Micah 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Micah 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Justice of God
God’s justice is a foundational aspect of His character, consistently revealed throughout scripture as a perfect balance of righteousness, fairness, and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Humility
Humility is a foundational Christian virtue, recognizing our true place before God and extending that attitude to others.
Topic
Bible Verses About Justice
God’s perfect character and righteous standards guide all justice, which we are called to pursue in our lives and communities.
What the Bible says about…