King James Version

What Does Micah 3:4 Mean?

Micah 3:4 in the King James Version says “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they...” — study this verse from Micah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.”

Micah 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;

3

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

4

Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

5

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.

6

Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. that: vision: Heb. from a vision that: divine: Heb. from divining

Read Micah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic judgment pronounces devastating spiritual consequences. The phrase אָז יִזְעֲקוּ אֶל־יְהוָה (az yiz'aqu el-YHWH, 'Then they shall cry out to the LORD') uses זָעַק (za'aq), meaning desperate screaming in distress—the kind of cry uttered in mortal danger. But it will be too late. The stark declaration וְלֹא־יַעֲנֶה אוֹתָם (velo-ya'aneh otam, 'but He will not answer them') reverses normal covenant expectations where God promises to hear His people's cries (Exodus 22:23, Psalm 50:15). The phrase וְיַסְתֵּר פָּנָיו (veyaster panav, 'and He will hide His face') is terrifying—God's face represents His presence, blessing, and attention (Numbers 6:25-26). Hiding the face means withdrawal of protection and favor.

The causal connection כַּאֲשֶׁר הֵרֵעוּ מַעַלְלֵיהֶם (ka'asher here'u ma'alelehem, 'as they have made evil their doings') shows divine justice—their actions determine God's response. The word מַעַלָל (ma'alal) refers to habitual practices or deeds, suggesting persistent, willful sin rather than occasional failure. This is measure-for-measure justice: they ignored the poor's cries, so God ignores theirs. The temporal word אָז (az, 'then') points to a specific time of judgment when their religious activity will no longer mask their injustice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (around 735-700 BC), addressing both Israel and Judah. Chapter 3 specifically condemns corrupt leaders—rulers who 'hate good and love evil' (3:2), 'eat the flesh' of God's people (3:3), and prophets who prophesy for money (3:11). The historical context includes Israel's fall to Assyria (722 BC) and threats against Judah. These leaders perverted justice, took bribes, and oppressed the poor while maintaining religious rituals. Micah warns that religious activity without justice is worthless—God will not hear prayers from those who exploit others. This theme resonates through Scripture (Isaiah 1:15, Proverbs 21:13, James 2:13). God's hiding His face represents covenant curse (Deuteronomy 31:17-18), the opposite of His promised blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to 'not answer' prayers—how does this relate to persistent sin?
  2. How do we reconcile God's promise to hear prayers with His statement that He'll hide His face?
  3. What specific behaviors provoked this judgment according to Micah 3's context?
  4. How does the principle 'as they have done' demonstrate divine justice?
  5. What warning does this verse provide for religious people who neglect justice and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אָ֚ז1 of 15
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יִזְעֲק֣וּ2 of 15

“Then shall they cry”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלֹ֥א5 of 15
H3808

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

יַעֲנֶ֖ה6 of 15

“but he will not hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אוֹתָ֑ם7 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְיַסְתֵּ֨ר8 of 15

“them he will even hide”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָּנָ֤יו9 of 15

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֵהֶם֙10 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָּעֵ֣ת11 of 15

“from them at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔יא12 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵרֵ֖עוּ14 of 15

“as they have behaved themselves ill”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

מַעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃15 of 15

“in their doings”

H4611

an act (good or bad)

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:28Isaiah 1:15Psalms 18:41Ezekiel 8:18Deuteronomy 32:19-20Deuteronomy 31:17-18

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