For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?

MICAH 1:5KJV
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Micah 1:5 (KJV)

What does Micah 1:5 mean?

Micah 1:5 says that all the trouble and judgment coming on the people is because of their wrongdoing—specifically the wrongdoing of "Jacob" (meaning the people of Israel) and the sins of the "house of Israel." The verse points out that Samaria and Jerusalem, the main cities of the northern and southern kingdoms, are at the center of this wrongdoing.

Micah, a prophet, is speaking to the people of both Israel (the northern kingdom, with Samaria as its capital) and Judah (the southern kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital). He is explaining that the reason for the coming disaster is the unfaithfulness and sinful actions of the people, especially as seen in their leading cities. By naming Samaria and Jerusalem, Micah is highlighting that even the most important and supposedly holy places have become centers of wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Micah 1:5

  • "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, peshaʿ): This word means a willful rebellion or breaking away from what is right. Micah uses it to show that the people’s actions are not just mistakes, but deliberate disobedience.
  • "Sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This word refers to missing the mark or failing to live up to God’s standards. It adds to the sense that the people have repeatedly failed in their relationship with God.
  • "High places" (בָּמָה, bamah): These were locations, often on hills, used for worship—sometimes of God, but often for idols. By linking Jerusalem with "high places," Micah is saying that even the center of true worship has become corrupted.

Why Micah 1:5 matters

  • Micah 1:5 makes it clear that the problems facing Israel and Judah are not random or unfair; they are a direct result of the people’s own actions, especially those in positions of influence.
  • The verse shows that sin and corruption are not limited to outlying areas but are found at the very heart of the nation—in its capitals and centers of worship.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Micah’s message, showing that God’s concern is not just with individuals but with the whole community, especially its leaders and institutions.

Where else these words appear

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 10:36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.