Micah 6:9
What does Micah 6:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Micah 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Micah 6:9 means
The prophecy shifts from God's personal lawsuit to a direct indictment against the city, emphasizing God's authoritative voice. The "man of wisdom" is urged to recognize God's name, meaning His character and authority, in the impending judgment. The "rod" refers to the instrument of divine discipline, which is both a symbol of punishment and a reminder of God's sovereign control. This verse warns that judgment is imminent and that discerning individuals should understand its divine origin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The voice of the Lord is crying out to the town: Give ear, you tribes and the meeting of the town.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A voice of Jehovah to the city calleth, And wisdom doth fear Thy name, Hear ye the rod, and Him who appointed it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The voice of the Lord crieth to the city, and salvation shall be to them that fear thy name: hear O ye tribes, and who shall approve it?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah's voice crieth unto the city, and wisdom looketh on thy name. Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
Context
Having clarified God's true requirements in verse 8, the chapter now transitions to a stern indictment of the city's pervasive sin. This verse acts as a bridge, introducing the pronouncement of judgment by emphasizing God's voice and calling for discernment. It shifts from a dialogue about general principles to a specific condemnation of the societal evils that stand in stark contrast to the justice and kindness God desires, setting up the subsequent detailed accusations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 14:9
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.
- Job 10:2
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me.
- Psalms 48:10
As is thy name, O God, So is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
- Jeremiah 14:18
If I go forth into the field, then, behold, the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then, behold, they that are sick with famine! for both the prophet and the priest go about in the land, and have no knowledge.
- 2 Kings 22:11
And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
- Jonah 3:4
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
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