Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

MICAH 3:5KJV
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Micah 3:5 (KJV)

What does Micah 3:5 mean?

Micah 3:5 warns about prophets who mislead the people, promising peace to those who support them but threatening hostility to those who do not. The verse shows that these prophets use their influence for personal gain, rewarding those who provide for them and turning against those who do not.

In this verse, Micah is speaking on behalf of the LORD (God) to address corrupt prophets among the people of Israel. These prophets are accused of causing the people to go astray by only giving favorable messages to those who "feed" them, while becoming hostile to anyone who refuses. The verse paints a picture of spiritual leaders who are driven by self-interest rather than truth.

The Hebrew behind Micah 3:5

  • "err" (תָּעָה, ta'ah): This word means to wander or go astray. Here, it highlights that the prophets are not just mistaken, but are actively leading people off the right path.
  • "bite" (נָשַׁךְ, nashakh): Often used for the action of an animal biting, this word is used here to describe the prophets' greed, as if they are taking a bite out of those who give them something.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it refers to well-being and wholeness. The prophets promise "shalom" only to those who satisfy their demands, making their message conditional and self-serving.
  • "prepare" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This word usually means to consecrate or set apart as holy, but here it is used ironically to describe how the prophets "prepare" or set themselves for war against those who do not support them, twisting a sacred word for selfish purposes.

Why Micah 3:5 matters

  • Micah 3:5 exposes the danger of spiritual leaders who use their position for personal benefit, rather than faithfully representing God's message.
  • The verse clarifies that not all who claim to speak for God are trustworthy; their motives and actions must be examined.
  • This warning fits into Micah's larger message against corruption among Israel's leaders, showing how such behavior leads the whole community away from God's ways.

Where else these words appear

“bite” Hebrew H5391 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
  • Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
  • Ecclesiastes 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

“err” Hebrew H8582 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
  • Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
  • Isaiah 30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

“teeth” Hebrew H8127 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
  • Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
  • Song of Solomon 4:2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.