King James Version

What Does Micah 7:6 Mean?

Micah 7:6 in the King James Version says “For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother i...” — study this verse from Micah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 7:6 · KJV

Context

4

The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

6

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.

7

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

Read Micah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Family structures collapse completely. כִּי־בֵן מְנַבֵּל אָב (ki-ven menabbel av, "for the son dishonors the father"). נָבַל (naval) means to treat with contempt, disgrace, or dishonor—violating the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12). בַּת קָמָה בְאִמָּהּ (bat qamah ve-immah, "daughter rises up against her mother"). קוּם (qum) means to rise up in rebellion or opposition. כַּלָּה בַּחֲמֹתָהּ (kallah ba-chamotah, "daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law"). Even extended family relationships fracture.

The devastating conclusion: אֹיְבֵי אִישׁ אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתוֹ (oyevei ish anshei veito, "a man's enemies are the men of his own household"). אֹיֵב (oyev) means enemy, adversary, or foe. Those who should be closest allies—household members—become hostile enemies. This represents total social disintegration. When family bonds dissolve, society's basic building block crumbles. No relationship remains trustworthy; no refuge provides safety.

Jesus quoted this verse when describing the cost of discipleship and opposition He would bring (Matthew 10:35-36; Luke 12:53). The gospel divides families when some believe and others reject Christ. But Micah describes a different scenario—comprehensive moral collapse where rebellion and betrayal characterize all relationships. In both contexts, the principle holds: ultimate loyalty must be to God, not human relationships (Matthew 10:37).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Micah describes family breakdown resulting from moral corruption and social collapse. When justice fails, economy falters, and trust evaporates, families fragment under pressure. Historical parallels include periods of persecution (families divided over faith), civil wars (relatives on opposing sides), totalitarian regimes (children informing on parents), and cultural revolutions (youth rejecting elders). The fifth commandment—honoring father and mother—is foundational to social stability (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3). When this breaks down, civilization crumbles. Jesus's quotation of this verse shows the gospel's divisive effect—not because Christianity promotes family breakdown, but because truth demands allegiance that transcends human relationships when they conflict with divine allegiance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does family breakdown serve as indicator of broader social and moral collapse?
  2. What does Jesus's quotation of this verse teach about the potential cost of following Him?
  3. How do believers navigate family conflict while honoring both the fifth commandment and supreme loyalty to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֵן֙2 of 13

“For the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְנַבֵּ֣ל3 of 13

“dishonoureth”

H5034

to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint

אָ֔ב4 of 13

“the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בַּ֚ת5 of 13

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

קָמָ֣ה6 of 13

“riseth up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בְאִמָּ֔הּ7 of 13

“against her mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

כַּלָּ֖ה8 of 13

“the daughter in law”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

בַּחֲמֹתָ֑הּ9 of 13

“against her mother in law”

H2545

a mother-in-law

אֹיְבֵ֥י10 of 13

“enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

אִ֖ישׁ11 of 13

“a man's”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י12 of 13

“are the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בֵיתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“of his own house”

H1004

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

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:35-36Luke 12:53Matthew 10:21Psalms 41:92 Timothy 3:2-3Ezekiel 22:7

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