Old Testament
Micah 6:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You have followed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of the house of Ahab, and you walk in their counsels. Therefore, I will make you a desolation, and the inhabitants a hissing. You shall bear the reproach of my people.
Compare translations
For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.
What Micah 6:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Micah 6:16, God criticizes the people of Israel for following the corrupt practices of their leaders, specifically referencing Omri and Ahab, who were known for their idolatry and wickedness. By adhering to these sinful ways, the people have strayed from God's commands. As a consequence, God declares that He will bring desolation upon them, making their land a place of scorn and shame. The term 'hissing' suggests that they will be mocked and ridiculed by others. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of following bad examples and the consequences of turning away from God's ways. It highlights the importance of choosing righteous leaders and adhering to God's statutes rather than human traditions that lead to destruction.
How to apply Micah 6:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to critically evaluate the influences we follow in our lives. We should seek to align ourselves with God's teachings rather than the corrupt practices of the world. Choosing righteous examples can lead to a more fulfilling and faithful life.
Curated for this public verse page. Micah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Micah 6:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Micah 6:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Micah
- Author
- Micah the prophet
- Written
- Around 735-700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Micah 6:16 mean?
Micah 6:16 means that God is condemning the people of Israel for following the corrupt practices of their leaders, Omri and Ahab. Their actions have led them away from God's commands, resulting in a warning of desolation and reproach.
What is the significance of Omri and Ahab in Micah 6:16?
Omri and Ahab are significant in Micah 6:16 as they represent corrupt leadership that led Israel into idolatry and wickedness. Their negative influence serves as a warning against following bad examples.
What does 'hissing' mean in Micah 6:16?
In Micah 6:16, 'hissing' refers to the mockery and scorn that the inhabitants will face as a result of their sinful actions. It indicates that they will be ridiculed by others due to their disobedience to God.
What are the consequences mentioned in Micah 6:16?
The consequences mentioned in Micah 6:16 include desolation of the land and the inhabitants becoming a subject of scorn. This reflects the serious repercussions of turning away from God's ways.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.