For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

MICAH 7:6KJV
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Micah 7:6 (KJV)

What does Micah 7:6 mean?

Micah 7:6 describes a time of deep social breakdown, where even close family members turn against each other and a person’s own household becomes a source of conflict and betrayal. The verse paints a picture of division and mistrust within families, showing how far society has fallen from peace and unity.

The prophet Micah is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of their unfaithfulness to God and each other. In this verse, Micah uses examples from everyday family life—sons dishonoring fathers, daughters rising against mothers, and in-laws at odds—to show that the moral fabric of society is unraveling. The situation is so dire that even those who should be closest, like members of one’s own house, become enemies.

The Hebrew behind Micah 7:6

  • The word for "dishonoureth" is נָבַל (naval), which means to act shamefully or disgracefully. This word emphasizes not just disrespect, but a deep moral failing in the relationship between son and father.
  • The word for "enemies" is אֹיֵב (oyev), meaning an adversary or someone who is actively hostile. Here, it highlights the intensity of conflict, showing that these are not minor disagreements but real hostility within families.
  • The word for "house" is בַּיִת (bayit), which refers to the household or family unit. The use of this word underlines that the breakdown is happening at the most basic and intimate level of society.

Why Micah 7:6 matters

  • Micah 7:6 clears up the idea that moral and spiritual decline affects not just public life but also the most personal relationships, even within families.
  • This verse emphasizes that the prophet is not only concerned with political or religious leaders, but with how everyday people treat each other in their homes.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Micah laments the lack of trust and faithfulness in society, setting the stage for his hope in God’s eventual restoration.

Where else these words appear

“law” Hebrew H2545 · used in 10 verses

  • Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.

“dishonoureth” Hebrew H5034 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
  • Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
  • Isaiah 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

“law” Hebrew H3618 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
  • Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.