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

MICAH 6:12KJV
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Micah 6:12 (KJV)

What does Micah 6:12 mean?

Micah 6:12 describes how the wealthy people in the city are filled with violence, and the rest of the people are dishonest and deceitful in their speech. The verse is pointing out the deep corruption and moral decay among all levels of society.

In this verse, the prophet Micah is speaking to the people of Israel, specifically addressing the city’s leaders and residents. God, through Micah, is confronting them about their unjust actions and false words, showing that both the powerful and ordinary citizens are guilty. This verse is part of a larger passage where God lists the people’s sins as He calls them to account.

The Hebrew behind Micah 6:12

  • The word for "violence" is חָמָס (ḥamas), which often means not just physical harm but also oppression and injustice. This highlights that the wrongdoing includes both direct harm and unfair treatment.
  • "Deceitful" comes from מִרְמָה (mirmah), which points to trickery or fraud, not just casual lying. The verse emphasizes that dishonesty is deeply rooted in how people speak.
  • The word for "full" is מָלֵא (male), which means completely filled up. This suggests that violence is not occasional but overflowing among the rich.

Why Micah 6:12 matters

  • Micah 6:12 makes clear that corruption is not limited to leaders but is widespread, involving both the wealthy and the general population.
  • The verse highlights how both actions (violence) and words (lies and deceit) are part of the problem, showing the full extent of the society’s moral failure.
  • This verse sets up the seriousness of the charges God is bringing against His people in the surrounding passage, helping the reader understand why judgment is coming.

Where else these words appear

“deceitful” Hebrew H7423 · used in 15 verses

  • Job 13:7 Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?
  • Psalms 78:57 But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
  • Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

“men” Hebrew H6223 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Psalms 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
  • Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

“violence” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 58:2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.
  • Jeremiah 51:35 The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

“lies” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;