What does Micah 6:13 mean?

"Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins." - Micah 6:13

Micah 6:13 (KJV) states, "Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins."

This verse is found within the Old Testament book of Micah, which is one of the twelve minor prophets. The book of Micah is attributed to the prophet Micah who lived during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, around the eighth century BC. Micah was a contemporary with Isaiah, and his prophetic ministry was primarily focused on the southern kingdom of Judah. The book of Micah addresses the moral and social injustices prevalent in his time, and calls for repentance and a return to the worship of the one true God.

In the immediate context of Micah 6, the prophet delivers a message from God to the people of Israel, recounting God's faithfulness to them and challenging them to acknowledge their sin and unfaithfulness. The first twelve verses of this chapter contain a dialogue between God and Israel, where God questions his people about their unfaithfulness and disobedience, and emphasizes His righteousness and justice.

In verse 13, God pronounces judgment upon Israel for their sins. The Lord warns that He will make them "sick in smiting" and "desolate" as a consequence of their rebellion and disobedience. This pronouncement is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, and the justice of God in responding to disobedience. The phrase "sick in smiting" suggests that the judgment will be severe and debilitating, causing the people to suffer as a result of their sins. The use of the term "desolate" conveys a sense of devastation and destruction, indicating the severity of the consequences that are to come.

The broader theme of judgment and consequences for sin is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. The idea that disobedience and unfaithfulness will result in God's judgment and punishment is a foundational principle in the biblical narrative. This verse serves as a reminder of the righteousness of God and His commitment to upholding justice, even when it requires discipline and correction.

The symbolism within this verse is significant in conveying the severity of God's judgment. The imagery of sickness and desolation communicates the depth of the consequences that will befall the people as a result of their sins. This serves as a vivid depiction of the spiritual and moral decay that occurs when individuals and communities turn away from God and embrace sin. The idea of sickness and desolation also evokes a sense of hopelessness and despair, emphasizing the severity of the judgment that the people will face.

Ultimately, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of God's justice and the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the importance of acknowledging sin, repenting, and seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. The message of Micah 6:13 is one of warning, but it also points to the redemptive nature of God, who offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn to Him in humility and contrition. This verse stands as a call to consider the weight of our actions and the potential consequences of sin, while also pointing to the hope of reconciliation and renewal through the mercy and grace of God.

Have questions about Micah 6:13?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Try Bible Chat Free Download iOS App

Get Our Apps

Bible Art

Scripture illustrations

Bible Chat

Scripture study companion

Bible Widget

Daily verses

Micah 6:13 Artwork

Micah 6:13 - "Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins."

"Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins." - Micah 6:13

Micah 6:6

Micah 6:8

Judges 18:13 - "And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah."

Micah 6:10 - "¶ Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?"

Micah 7:13 - "Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings."

Micah 6:11 - "Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?"

Micah 2:6 - "Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame."

Judges 17:13 - "Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest."

Micah 6:6 - "¶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?"

Micah 6:12 - "For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth."

Micah 4:6 - "In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;"

Micah 1:13 - "O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee."

Micah 6:1 - "Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice."

Micah 6:9 - "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."

Micah 6:3 - "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me."

Micah 6:2 - "Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel."

"And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah." - Judges 18:13

Micah 1:6 - "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."

"¶ Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?" - Micah 6:10

Micah 5:13 - "Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands."

Micah 6:4 - "For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."

Micah 2:13 NIV [13] The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.”

"Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings." - Micah 7:13

Micah 6:15 - "Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine."

Micah 2:13 - "The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them."

Micah 7:6 - "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."