Old Testament
Micah 7:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their hands are skilled at doing evil. The ruler demands bribes, the judge sells his verdict, and the powerful dictate whatever wickedness they want — and together they scheme to make it happen.
Compare translations
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
What Micah 7:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Micah 7:3, the prophet highlights the corruption and moral decay among leaders and judges in society. He describes how those in power are not only willing to do evil but are also skilled at it. Rulers demand bribes, judges sell their decisions, and influential people pursue their wicked desires without remorse. This verse paints a grim picture of a society where justice is perverted, and the powerful exploit the vulnerable for their gain. The imagery of doing evil with both hands suggests a deliberate and enthusiastic commitment to wrongdoing. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked power and the erosion of ethical standards in leadership, emphasizing the need for integrity and justice in governance.
How to apply Micah 7:3 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on the integrity of our leaders and the systems in place. It encourages us to advocate for justice and hold those in power accountable. As individuals, we should strive to act with honesty and integrity in our own lives, resisting the temptation to compromise our values for personal gain.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 7:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Three powerful people are described working together to do wrong. The prince and the judge both ask for a bribe before they will act. The great man — someone with wealth or influence — openly says what he wants done. Then all three close ranks around each other to make it happen. The phrase "wrap it up" pictures them weaving their corrupt dealings together so tightly that nothing can be challenged.
Read It in Context
The speaker has just said in verse 2 that good people have vanished and everyone hunts his neighbor. Verse 3 explains how the corruption works at the top: the very people meant to keep order — rulers and judges — are the ones driving the wrongdoing.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Micah 7:3 and any verse in the Bible.
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 7:3
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 7:3 mean?
Micah 7:3 describes the corruption among leaders and judges, highlighting how they are skilled at doing evil. It illustrates a society where justice is compromised, with rulers demanding bribes and powerful individuals pursuing their wicked desires.
What is the meaning of corruption in Micah 7:3?
In Micah 7:3, corruption refers to the unethical behavior of leaders who prioritize personal gain over justice. The verse shows how those in power manipulate the system for their benefit, undermining moral standards.
How does Micah 7:3 relate to justice?
Micah 7:3 highlights the perversion of justice, where judges sell their verdicts and rulers demand bribes. This reflects a broader theme of injustice, emphasizing the need for accountability among those in power.
What themes are present in Micah 7:3?
Key themes in Micah 7:3 include corruption, injustice, bribery, and the abuse of power. The verse illustrates the moral decay of society and the failure of leadership to uphold ethical standards.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.