King James Version

What Does Micah 1:5 Mean?

Micah 1:5 in the King James Version says “For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob?... — study this verse from Micah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 1:5 · KJV


Context

3

For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.

4

And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place. a steep: Heb. a descent

5

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?

6

Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.

7

And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies the problem's source: '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 not they Jerusalem?' The rhetorical questions pinpoint systemic sin: Samaria (Israel's capital) embodies Jacob's transgression—idolatry centered in the royal shrine at Bethel. Jerusalem, though housing the true temple, had corrupt 'high places' (bamot)—illicit worship sites. Leadership centers, meant to model faithfulness, became sin epicenters. Micah emphasizes corporate guilt: national capitals concentrate and spread corruption. When leadership is compromised, the entire society follows. This anticipates Jesus's indictment of Jerusalem's religious establishment (Matthew 23). Institutional corruption from the top poisons the whole body.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Micah prophesied during the late 8th century BC, addressing both northern (Israel/Samaria) and southern (Judah/Jerusalem) kingdoms. Samaria's royal sanctuary system (established by Jeroboam I, 1 Kings 12:26-33) institutionalized idolatry for over 200 years, leading to Assyria's conquest (722 BC). Jerusalem, despite having the legitimate temple, tolerated 'high places' where syncretistic worship occurred. Even godly kings like Hezekiah and Josiah struggled to eliminate these (2 Kings 18:4, 23:5-20). That the capitals—seats of religious and political power—led in sin aggravated judgment. Leadership failure multiplies damage exponentially. The principle applies to church leadership: when pastors, elders, or prominent Christians compromise, they don't sin in isolation but corrupt many (James 3:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. What leadership positions do I hold where my sin could multiply damage by leading others astray?
  2. How do I respond when institutional religious structures, though legitimate, become vehicles for compromise and corruption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
פֶ֣שַׁע1 of 17

For the transgression

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

יַעֲקֹ֗ב2 of 17

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כָּל3 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זֹ֔את4 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּבְחַטֹּ֖אות5 of 17

is all this and for the sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

בֵּ֣ית6 of 17

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִֽי8 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

פֶ֣שַׁע9 of 17

For the transgression

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

יַעֲקֹ֗ב10 of 17

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

הֲלוֹא֙11 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן12 of 17

is it not Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וּמִי֙13 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בָּמ֣וֹת14 of 17

and what are the high places

H1116

an elevation

יְהוּדָ֔ה15 of 17

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הֲל֖וֹא16 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃17 of 17

are they not Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Micah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Micah 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Micah 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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