King James Version

What Does Micah 6:11 Mean?

Micah 6:11 in the King James Version says “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? count: or, be pure with, etc” — study this verse from Micah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? count: or, be pure with, etc”

Micah 6:11 · KJV

Context

9

The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. the man: or, thy name shall see that which is

10

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Are: or, Is there yet unto every man an house of the, etc scant: Heb. measure of leanness

11

Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? count: or, be pure with, etc

12

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

13

Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.

Read Micah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? God's rhetorical question demands answer: Can I consider people righteous when they use "wicked balances" (מֹאזְנֵי רֶשַׁע, oznei resha)? Obviously not. "Wicked balances" are fraudulent scales rigged to cheat customers. "The bag of deceitful weights" (וּבְכִיס אַבְנֵי מִרְמָה, u-ve-khis avnei mirmah) refers to carrying two sets of weights: heavy ones for buying (receiving more), light ones for selling (giving less). Mirmah (deceit, treachery) reveals moral character—not honest mistakes but calculated fraud.

Proverbs 20:23 states: "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good." Notice the progression: first, divers weights are abomination; second, false balances aren't "good"—understatement intensifying the condemnation. God doesn't grade on a curve. He demands absolute honesty. The question "Shall I count them pure?" (הַאֶזְכֶּה, ha-ezkeh) asks: Will I declare them righteous/innocent? Answer: Never. Religious activity cannot compensate for economic injustice. Jesus similarly condemned Pharisees who "devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer" (Mark 12:40).

This exposes a persistent heresy: compartmentalizing life into sacred and secular. People assume they can worship God on Sunday while exploiting others Monday-Saturday. Impossible. James 2:14-17 insists genuine faith produces works: "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" Faith without integrity is dead.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prophets consistently linked economic justice with covenant faithfulness. Amos declared God hated Israel's feasts and assemblies because justice didn't "run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream" (Amos 5:21-24). Isaiah commanded: "Cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow" (Isaiah 1:16-17). Hosea quoted God: "I desired mercy, and not sacrifice" (Hosea 6:6). Micah synthesized these themes in 6:6-8: God rejects elaborate offerings while demanding justice, mercy, and humility. Yet Israel persisted in religious performance without ethical transformation. The pattern repeats: every generation must guard against divorcing worship from obedience, piety from justice, belief from behavior.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life might you be guilty of using "wicked balances"—treating others unfairly while maintaining religious respectability?
  2. How does God's refusal to "count you pure" while using deceitful practices challenge the temptation to compartmentalize faith and ethics?
  3. What steps can you take to ensure absolute integrity in your business, professional, and financial dealings, reflecting God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַאֶזְכֶּ֖ה1 of 6

“Shall I count them pure”

H2135

to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent

בְּמֹ֣אזְנֵי2 of 6

“balances”

H3976

(only in the dual) a pair of scales

רֶ֑שַׁע3 of 6

“with the wicked”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

וּבְכִ֖יס4 of 6

“and with the bag”

H3599

a cup; also a bag for money or weights

אַבְנֵ֥י5 of 6

“weights”

H68

a stone

מִרְמָֽה׃6 of 6

“of deceitful”

H4820

fraud

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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 12:7Leviticus 19:36Proverbs 16:11

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