King James Version

What Does Micah 2:6 Mean?

Micah 2:6 in the King James Version says “Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. Prophe...” — study this verse from Micah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. Prophesy ye: or, Prophesy not as they prophesy: Heb. Drop, etc”

Micah 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields. a doleful: Heb. a lamentation of lamentations turning: or, instead of restoring

5

Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.

6

Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. Prophesy ye: or, Prophesy not as they prophesy: Heb. Drop, etc

7

O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? straitened: or, shortened? uprightly: Heb. upright?

8

Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war. of late: Heb. yesterday with the: Heb. over against a

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them (אַל־תַּטִּפוּ יַטִּיפוּן לֹא־יַטִּפוּ לָאֵלֶּה, al-tattifu yatifun lo-yattifu la-eleh). תַּטִּפוּ (tattifu, from נָטַף, nataph, drip/preach) means prophesy, often with connotation of insistent, impassioned preaching. The repetition emphasizes insistence: "Don't preach! They preach! Don't let them preach to these!" The powerful demand silence from prophets who condemn their sins.

That they shall not take shame (לֹא־יִסַּג כְּלִמּוֹת, lo-yissag kelimmot). כְּלִמָּה (kelimmah, shame/disgrace/humiliation) is what they wish to avoid. The oppressors don't want prophetic condemnation exposing their guilt publicly. They prefer comfortable lies to uncomfortable truth. This censorship attempts to suppress divine word, silencing messengers rather than repenting of sin.

This verse exposes perennial temptation: silencing inconvenient truth. Ahab wanted only prophets who spoke favorably (1 Kings 22:8). Amaziah told Amos to stop prophesying at Bethel (Amos 7:10-13). Jeremiah faced constant opposition from false prophets and officials (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 26:7-11, 38:1-6). Jesus warned: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). Paul commanded Timothy: "Preach the word... reprove, rebuke, exhort" (2 Timothy 4:2)—regardless of opposition. Faithful preaching exposes sin; unfaithful audiences demand its silence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 8th century BC saw conflict between true prophets (Micah, Isaiah, Hosea, Amos) and false prophets who spoke smooth words to powerful patrons. Jeremiah later faced similar opposition—arrested, beaten, imprisoned for prophesying judgment (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 37:15, 38:6). False prophets promised peace when destruction loomed (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11, 23:16-17).

This pattern continues throughout church history. John the Baptist was beheaded for condemning Herod's adultery (Mark 6:17-29). Stephen was stoned for convicting the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:51-60). Reformers faced persecution for challenging ecclesiastical corruption. Modern contexts see similar dynamics—prophetic voices challenging systemic injustice, moral compromise, or doctrinal error often face demands for silence. Yet Scripture commands faithfulness regardless of reception: "Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear... thou shalt speak my words unto them" (Ezekiel 2:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the demand to stop prophesying expose the hardness of hearts that prefer comfortable lies to convicting truth?
  2. What does this verse teach about the cost of faithful ministry—that speaking God's word often provokes opposition and demands for silence?
  3. In what ways might modern Christians or churches attempt to silence prophetic voices that expose sin or challenge comfortable assumptions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַל1 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יַטִּ֣פוּ2 of 9

“Prophesy”

H5197

to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration

יַטִּ֣פוּ3 of 9

“Prophesy”

H5197

to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration

לֹֽא4 of 9
H3808

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

יַטִּ֣פוּ5 of 9

“Prophesy”

H5197

to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration

לָאֵ֔לֶּה6 of 9
H428

these or those

לֹ֥א7 of 9
H3808

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

יִסַּ֖ג8 of 9

“to them that they shall not take”

H5253

to retreat

כְּלִמּֽוֹת׃9 of 9

“shame”

H3639

disgrace

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 2:12Isaiah 30:10Acts 5:40Acts 7:51Jeremiah 26:20-23Micah 6:16

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