Micah 6:15

Micah 6:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Thou shalt sow, but shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but shalt not anoint thee with oil; and the vintage, but shalt not drink the wine.

Bible in Basic English BBE

You will put in seed, but you will not get in the grain; you will be crushing olives, but your bodies will not be rubbed with the oil; and you will get in the grapes, but you will have no wine.

Free Bible Version FBV

You will sow, but you won't reap; you will press your olives, but not use the oil; you will make your wine, but drink none of it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thou shalt sowe, but not reape: thou shalt treade the oliues, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oyle, and make sweete wine, but shalt not drinke wine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thou — thou sowest, and thou dost not reap, Thou — thou treadest the olive, And thou pourest not out oil, And new wine — and thou drinkest not wine.

World English Bible WEB

You will sow, but won’t reap. You will tread the olives, but won’t anoint yourself with oil; and crush grapes, but won’t drink the wine.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou shalt sow, but shalt not reap: thou shalt tread the olives, but shalt not be anointed with the oil: and the new wine, but shalt not drink the wine.

Translation for Translators T4T

You will plant seeds, but you will not harvest anything. You will press olives, but others, not you, will use the olive oil. You will trample on grapes and make wine from the juice, but others, not you, will drink the wine.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 6:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Micah 6:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אַתָּ֥ה תִזְרַ֖ע וְ/לֹ֣א תִקְצ֑וֹר אַתָּ֤ה תִדְרֹֽךְ זַ֨יִת֙ וְ/לֹא תָס֣וּךְ שֶׁ֔מֶן וְ/תִיר֖וֹשׁ וְ/לֹ֥א תִשְׁתֶּה יָּֽיִן

אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

תִזְרַ֖ע zâraʻ H2232 to sow V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִקְצ֑וֹר qâtsar H7114 be short V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

אַתָּ֤ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

תִדְרֹֽךְ dârak H1869 to tread V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

זַ֨יִת֙ zayith H2132 olive N-ms

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תָס֣וּךְ çûwk H5480 to anoint V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

שֶׁ֔מֶן shemen H8081 oil N-ms

וְ/תִיר֖וֹשׁ tîyrôwsh H8492 new wine Conj | N-ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִשְׁתֶּה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

יָּֽיִן yayin H3196 wine N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 6:15

אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִזְרַ֖ע zâraʻ H2232 "to sow" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To sow or plant seed is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also has figurative uses like spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. It appears in various forms, such as conceiving or yielding seed, and is used in biblical passages like Genesis and Psalm 107.

Definition: 1) to sow, scatter seed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sow 1a2) producing, yielding seed 1b)(Niphal) 1b1) to be sown 1b2) to become pregnant, be made pregnant 1c) (Pual) to be sown 1d) (Hiphil) to produce seed, yield seed

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִקְצ֑וֹר qâtsar H7114 "be short" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.

Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.

אַתָּ֤ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִדְרֹֽךְ dârak H1869 "to tread" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.

Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.

זַ֨יִת֙ zayith H2132 "olive" N-ms

The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.

Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תָס֣וּךְ çûwk H5480 "to anoint" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To anoint means to smear oil over someone or something, often for special purposes. In the Bible, people anointed themselves or others with oil for religious or ceremonial reasons.

Definition: 1) to anoint, pour in anointing 1a) (Qal) to anoint 1a1) to anoint oneself 1a2) to anoint (another) 1a3) to be poured 1b) (Hiphil) to anoint

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: anoint (self), [idiom] at all. See also: Deuteronomy 28:40; 2 Chronicles 28:15; Micah 6:15.

שֶׁ֔מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" N-ms

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

וְ/תִיר֖וֹשׁ tîyrôwsh H8492 "new wine" Conj | N-ms

New wine, freshly squeezed from grapes, is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also refer to fermented wine, but that is less common. The KJV translates it as new or sweet wine.

Definition: wine, fresh or new wine, must, freshly pressed wine

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (new, sweet) wine. See also: Genesis 27:28; Psalms 4:8; Proverbs 3:10.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִשְׁתֶּה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

יָּֽיִן yayin H3196 "wine" N-ms

The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.

Definition: wine

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.

Study Notes — Micah 6:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Micah 6:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Micah 6:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 6:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 6:15
Trapp's Commentary on Micah 6:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 6:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 6:15
Cambridge Bible on Micah 6:15
Barnes' Notes on Micah 6:15
Whedon's Commentary on Micah 6:15
Sermons on Micah 6:15

Context — The Punishment of Israel

13Therefore I am striking you severely, to ruin you because of your sins. 14You will eat but not be satisfied, and your hunger will remain with you. What you acquire, you will not preserve; and what you save, I will give to the sword.

15You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.

16You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations. ”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Zephaniah 1:13	Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.
2	Amos 5:11	Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted.
3	Jeremiah 12:13	They have sown wheat but harvested thorns. They have exhausted themselves to no avail. Bear the shame of your harvest because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”
4	Haggai 1:6	You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.”
5	Isaiah 62:8–9	The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies for food, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled. For those who harvest grain will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather grapes will drink the wine in My holy courts.”
6	Deuteronomy 28:38–40	You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it. You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them. You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.
7	Leviticus 26:20	and your strength will be spent in vain. For your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit.
8	Isaiah 65:21–22	They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands.
9	Joel 1:10–12	The field is ruined; the land mourns. For the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, and the oil fails. Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. The grapevine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple— all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up.

Micah 6:15 Summary

[Micah 6:15 is a warning that when we disobey God, we can expect to experience emptiness and dissatisfaction, even if we have all the outward appearances of success. This is because true fulfillment and joy come from a right relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where David says that in God's presence is fullness of joy. The verse uses everyday images like sowing, pressing olives, and treading grapes to drive home the point that our efforts will be fruitless if we're not living in obedience to God. By trusting in God's goodness and provision, we can find true satisfaction and purpose, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'sow but not reap' in Micah 6:15?

This phrase means that despite putting in effort and resources, there will be no fruitful outcome or reward, much like what is described in Haggai 1:6, where the people sowed much but reaped little.

Is Micah 6:15 talking about a literal lack of food and drink?

While the verse uses agricultural imagery, it's also a metaphor for the spiritual and emotional barrenness that comes from disobedience to God, as seen in Isaiah 55:2, where the people are invited to buy food that truly satisfies.

How does this verse relate to the idea of God's judgment?

Micah 6:15 is a declaration of God's judgment on His people for their sins, as stated in Micah 6:13, where God says He is striking them severely to ruin them because of their sins, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 28:38-40, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.

What is the significance of the olive and grape imagery in this verse?

The olive and grape represent the blessings and provisions of God, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-10, where the people are promised a land with olive trees and vines, but in Micah 6:15, the people are unable to enjoy these blessings due to their disobedience, highlighting the severity of God's judgment.

Reflection Questions

How have I experienced spiritual barrenness in my own life, and what are the underlying reasons for it?
In what ways am I 'sowing' or putting in effort, but not 'reaping' the rewards I expect, and what does this reveal about my relationship with God?
What are some areas in my life where I am trying to find satisfaction and fulfillment in things other than God, and how can I redirect my focus to Him?
How can I apply the lesson of Micah 6:15 to my daily life, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision even when I don't see immediate results?

Gill's Exposition on Micah 6:15

Thou shall sow, but thou shalt not reap,.... Either that which is sown shall not spring up, but rot in the earth; or if it does spring up, and come to maturity, yet, before that, they should be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, be at great pains and cost in tilling and sowing, but thou shalt not reap; it shall either not thrive to a harvest, or, if it does, an enemy shall reap it. Thou shalt tread the olives, lay out thy labour and weary thyself in it, plant the tree, gather the fruit and tread it, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; when thus prepared to use it, an enemy shall rob thee of it. Oil in those countries was much in use, because of the great refreshment it gave to the whole body. And sweet wine: here is an ellipsis, and must be thus supplied, thou shalt tread the grapes which afford sweet wine. But shalt not drink wine; in this, as in the other two, thou shalt be disappointed, thou shalt not enjoy thy labour, nor shall thy heart be cheered with new wine, nay, thou shalt be sick with vexing, to see thine enemies’ hearts glad with the wine thou hadst prepared for other guests.

Trapp's Commentary on Micah 6:15

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.Ver. 15. Thou shall sow, but thou shalt not reap] This had been long since threatened by Moses, Deuteronomy 28:38-40, and was now over seven hundred years after to receive its accomplishment in this people. There is an infallibility in all the menaces of God’ s mouth. Men are apt to think that they were uttered in terrorem in fear only; and to put them off, as those in the Gospel did, with a God forbid: "Who knows if the Lord will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that is evil may pass from us?" Jeremiah 21:2. But what saith the prophet Zephaniah? "The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth be bring his judgment to light, he faileth not: but the unjust knoweth no shame," Zephaniah 3:5; sin hath wended such an impudence in his face, that he shuns no sin, dreads no danger.

Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 6:15

(15) Thou shalt tread the olives—i.e., as wheat upon the threshing-floor. Oil was regarded as indispensable for personal comfort. In Jotham’s parable of the trees in council about the choice of a king, the olive-tree was regarded first in estimation, before even the vine and fig-tree.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 6:15

Verse 15. Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap] Thou shalt labour to amass property, but thou shalt not have God's blessing; and whatever thou collectest, thy enemies shall carry away. And at last carry thyself into captivity.

Cambridge Bible on Micah 6:15

15. tread the olives] It is now the custom only to press the olives; in olden times, they must have been trodden as well (like grapes). Ancient oil-presses are still found in Palestine. The olives were ground to a pulp sometimes by treading, sometimes by a stone-wheel. (Thomson, The Land and the Book, p. 207.)

Barnes' Notes on Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap - Micah renews the threatenings of the law Leviticus 26:16; Deuteronomy 28:30, Deuteronomy 28:38-41, which they had been habitually breaking.

Whedon's Commentary on Micah 6:15

11. Shall I count them pure — This is an impossible rendering of the Hebrew, but it is supported by Vulgate; the Hebrew reads, “Shall I be pure?” If this is original, the people must be the speaker;

Sermons on Micah 6:15

	Sermon	Description
	It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h
	The Hope of Revival by Vernon Higham	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to God and obeying His voice. He talks about the power of the Bible and how it can transform lives. The preacher a
	Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights
	Russ-05 вопросы и ответ by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly possessions. He references Hebrews chapter 10, which encourages
	The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 5 by Dan Biser	This sermon delves into the biblical theme of God's response to the wickedness of men through various calamities and weather phenomena. It explores how the children of Israel faced
	The Solemn Assembly by E.A. Johnston	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a solemn assembly, which is a time of weeping, fasting, and humbling ourselves before God. It is a time of brokenness over
	Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer	James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract