Micah 2:6 — Word Study
WLCאַל־ תַּטִּ֖פוּ יַטִּיפ֑וּן לֹֽא־ יַטִּ֣פוּ לָאֵ֔לֶּה לֹ֥א יִסַּ֖ג כְּלִמּֽוֹת׃
BSADo notʼal [refrain from, cease] preachnâṭaph▸ [prophesy, speak by inspiration] they preachnâṭaph▸ [prophesy, utter words] Do notlôʼ [by no means] preachnâṭaph▸ [speak, prophesy] ◂these thingsʼêl-leh [such messages, these warnings] disgracekᵉlimmâh [shame, reproach] will notlôʼ [certainly not] overtake usnâçag▸ [come upon, catch up to, the family of Jacob]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| תַּטִּ֖פוּ | you prophesy | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect second person masculine plural |
| יַטִּיפ֑וּן | they prophesy ! | Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| יַטִּ֣פוּ | they will prophesy | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| לָאֵ֔לֶּה | of these [things] | Preposition, particle |
| לֹ֥א | not | Particle |
| יִסַּ֖ג | it will be turned back | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כְּלִמּֽוֹת׃ | ignomini[es] | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” |
| KJV | Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. |
| ASV | Prophesy ye not, thus they prophesy. They shall not prophesy to these: reproaches shall not depart. |
| YLT | Ye do not prophesy — they do prophesy, They do not prophesy to these, It doth not remove shame. |
| WEB | “Don’t prophesy!”—they prophesy— “Don’t prophesy about these things. Disgrace won’t overtake us.” |
| BBE | Let not words like these be dropped, they say: Shame and the curse will not come to the family of Jacob! |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by a command and an assertion, emphasizing the people's defiance.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectכְּלִמָּה
verbנָטַף
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Micah 2:6
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Rejection of Prophetic Warningsgenerated
Micah 2:6 reveals a situation where the people of Jacob are dismissing prophetic messages, insisting that disgrace will not affect them. This reflects a broader theme in the prophetic literature where God’s people often ignore warnings and continue in their ways, as seen in other passages like Isaiah 30:10 and Jeremiah 26:8-9.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 26:8–9 | and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! |
| 3 | Ezekiel 20:46 | “Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 21:2 | “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel |
| 5 | Amos 2:12 | “But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 15 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַּטִּ֖פוּ, ta.Ti.fugenerated
The verb נָטַף (nataph) means to drip or prophesy, indicating a gradual and steady flow of words. In this context, it emphasizes how the people are urged to stop their prophetic utterances, which they continue despite being warned.
The parsing as a Hiphil imperfect second person masculine plural indicates that the command is directed towards a group, highlighting the collective nature of their actions and responses.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the meaning of the verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse features a series of clauses, with the main verb phrase being תַּטִּ֖פוּ (you prophesy), which is followed by a negative command and additional clauses that elaborate on the consequences of their actions.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the commands and the subsequent assertions made by the people, reflecting their defiance.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תַּטִּ֖פוּ as κλαίετε (you weep), which introduces a different nuance, suggesting an emotional response rather than a straightforward prophetic declaration. This choice may reflect an interpretation of the people's attitude towards the prophetic messages.
This translation choice indicates a potential widening of meaning, as the Septuagint captures the emotional state of the people rather than merely their actions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Micah 2:6 shows the people of Jacob refusing to heed the warnings of the prophets, insisting that disgrace will not come upon them. This reflects a common theme in the prophetic literature where God's people often ignore His messages.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The people are expressing their rejection of the prophetic warnings, believing that they are secure and that disgrace will not affect them.
Their confidence may stem from a false sense of security or a belief that they are favored by God despite their disobedience.
This verse is part of a broader pattern where God's people dismiss warnings from prophets, as seen in other books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
The use of 'prophesy' indicates that the people are not just speaking but are claiming to speak on behalf of God, which adds to their defiance when they ignore the true prophetic messages.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see myself ignoring warnings or advice in my life?
- How can I better listen to and respond to messages that challenge my current beliefs or behaviors?
- What does it mean for me to speak truthfully in a world that may not want to hear it?
- How can I support others who are struggling to accept difficult truths?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Jerome and Richard Challoner reference this verse to illustrate the people's refusal to heed prophetic warnings.
Do not speak, speaking ones, for the droppings will not fall upon them, confusion will not overtake them, says the house of Jacob.Early Church Fathers on Micah 2 →
It shall not drop: That is, the prophecy shall not come upon these. Such were the sentiments of the people that were unwilling to believe the threats of the prophets.Early Church Fathers on Micah 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Micah 2:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleProphesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy,.... Or "drop not" (h); such terrible words, such menacing things; let them not flow from your lips with such profusion and abundance; cease from
Read John Gill on Micah 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryProphesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. Prophesy ye not, say they - namely, the Israelites say to the true prophets, when announcing unwelcome truths.
Read Robert Jamieson on Micah 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleProphesy ye not; it is manifest that our version here intends this as an interdict, or prohibition, laid upon the true prophets, whose hearers were so far from amending and turning unto God in compliance with his counsel, and obedience to his commands given out by his prophets, that rulers and people agree to silence the prophets, and expressly forbid them to distil or drop their severe predictions against the kingdom. That prophesy faithfully, as Isaiah, Hoses, Joel, and Micah now did. They, or my true prophets, saith God, shall not prophesy to them; shall cease from further troubling and terrifying these people, who fear not my judgments, and will not by repentance prevent their miserable…
Read Matthew Poole on Micah 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsMicah 2:6 Prophesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, [that] they shall not take shame.Ver. 6. Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy] Prodigious impudence thus to silence the prophets, or else to prescribe to them, according to the other reading of the text. Prophesy not, as they prophesy, for they are too tart; therefore drop not ye, who thus drop vinegar and nitre, who vex our galled consciences no less then the cruel Spaniards do the poor Indians’ naked bodies, which, for a sport, they do day by day drop with burning bacon. But let these drop that can smooth us up, that can utter toothless truths, that will drop oil into our ears, and…
Read John Trapp on Micah 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(6) Prophesy ye not.—The construction of this verse is very confused, but the intention of it is fairly clear. It contains the address of the oppressors to the true prophets, and their reply. The oppressors desire the prophets to cease prophesying; nevertheless, the prophecies shall be continued, but without benefit to those who will not put away their shame.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Micah 2 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. Prophesy ye not] Do not predict any more evils-we have as many as we can bear. We are utterly ruined-shame and confusion cover our faces. The original is singular, and expressive of sorrow and sobbing. Literally, "Do not cause it to rain; they will cause it to rain; they cannot make it rain sooner than this; confusion shall not depart from us." To rain, often means to preach, to prophesy; Ezekiel 20:46; Ezekiel 21:2; Amos 7:16; Deuteronomy 32:2; Job 29:22; Proverbs 5:3, c. The last line Bp. Newcome translates, "For he shall not remove from himself reproaches" and paraphrases, "The true prophet will subject himself to public disgrace by exercising his office."
Read AdamClarke on Micah 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges6, 7. Hostility of the two classes of Prophets 6. Prophesy ye not] Micah and the prophets like-minded with him (e. g. Isaiah) are angrily bidden by the flattering, popular prophets to hold their peace. Comp. Isaiah 30:9-10, ‘For it is a rebellious people … Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things; speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits (or, illusions); also Amos 2:12; Amos 5:10. Thus, in the times of Isaiah, Amos, and Micah, we can already detect the germs of the persecution which broke out with such severity under Manasseh. The faithful prophets of Jehovah were sometimes obliged to hide themselves (Isaiah 30:20), and it seemed as if ‘the…
Read Cambridge on Micah 2 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleProphesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy; they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame - The words are very emphatic in Hebrew, from their briefness, “Prophesy not; they
Read Albert Barnes on Micah 2 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
“Don’t prophesy!”—they prophesy— “Don’t prophesy about these things. Disgrace won’t overtake us.”
“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
‘Don’t preach with such impassioned rhetoric,’ they say excitedly. ‘These prophets should not preach of such things; we will not be overtaken by humiliation.’
Tyndale line
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.
Prophesy ye not, thus they prophesy. They shall not prophesy to these: reproaches shall not depart.
Prophesy ye not, thus they prophesy. They shall not prophesy to these: reproaches shall not depart.
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.
They that prophecied, Prophecie ye not. They shall not prophecie to them, neither shall they take shame.
Strictly literal
Prophesy ye not, they prophesy. If they do not prophesy to these, the ignominy will not depart.
Ye do not prophesy — they do prophesy, They do not prophesy to these, It doth not remove shame.
You do not prophesy—they prophesy, || They do not prophesy to these, || It does not remove shame.
“Preach not;” [but] they shall preach: they shall not preach [indeed] to these, that reproach may not overtake them.
“Do not prophesy,” they say. “They must not prophesy these things; reproaches must not come.”
From the Latin
Speak ye not, saying: It shall not drop upon these, confusion shall not take them.
Simplified
But you preach at me, saying, “Don't preach such things. Don't prophesy like this. Such a humiliation won't happen to us!”
Let not words like these be dropped, they say: Shame and the curse will not come to the family of Jacob!
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint align closely, with nine of the nine words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls show similar wording, although some words are partly restored, indicating a high degree of consistency across these ancient witnesses.
אַל־ תַּטִּ֖פוּ יַטִּיפ֑וּן לֹֽא־ יַטִּ֣פוּ לָאֵ֔לֶּה לֹ֥א יִסַּ֖ג כְּלִמּֽוֹת׃
9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
אל תטפו יטיפו׳ן לא יטפו לאלה לא יסג כלמות
4 words on the leather — 5 partly restored.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Micah 2:6
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
נָטַף (nataph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to drip or drop, and it can also refer to prophesying or speaking by inspiration. The word is built from a primitive root and covers actions related to dripping or distilling gradually, as well as the act of delivering prophetic discourse. It appears in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of the action.
[נָטַף] vb. drop, drip
Qal drop, drip
Hiph.
drip
of speech, esp. prophecy
base
H5197 נָטַף
5197 nataph naw-taf'
a primitive root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by
implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by
inspiration:--drop(-ping), prophesy(-et).
נָטַף (na.taph) — to drip/prophesy.
1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse
1a) (Qal) to drop, drip
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to drip
1b2) to drop (prophecy)
V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person masculine pluralHVhi2mp
נָטַף (nataph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to drip or drop, and it can also refer to prophesying or speaking by inspiration. The word is built from a primitive root and covers actions related to dripping or distilling gradually, as well as the act of delivering prophetic discourse. It appears in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of the action.
[נָטַף] vb. drop, drip
Qal drop, drip
Hiph.
drip
of speech, esp. prophecy
base
H5197 נָטַף
5197 nataph naw-taf'
a primitive root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by
implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by
inspiration:--drop(-ping), prophesy(-et).
נָטַף (na.taph) — to drip/prophesy.
1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse
1a) (Qal) to drop, drip
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to drip
1b2) to drop (prophecy)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHVhi3mp/Sn
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
נָטַף (nataph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to drip or drop, and it can also refer to prophesying or speaking by inspiration. The word is built from a primitive root and covers actions related to dripping or distilling gradually, as well as the act of delivering prophetic discourse. It appears in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of the action.
[נָטַף] vb. drop, drip
Qal drop, drip
Hiph.
drip
of speech, esp. prophecy
base
H5197 נָטַף
5197 nataph naw-taf'
a primitive root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by
implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by
inspiration:--drop(-ping), prophesy(-et).
נָטַף (na.taph) — to drip/prophesy.
1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse
1a) (Qal) to drop, drip
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to drip
1b2) to drop (prophecy)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVhi3mp
אֵ֫לֶּה (el-leh) means 'these' and is used in various grammatical contexts, often in apposition to a noun with a pronoun suffix. It can appear with or without the definite article and is sometimes paired with other terms like וְאֵלֶּה (and these). The word conveys a sense of proximity or specification, referring to particular items or people.
אֵ֫לֶּה pr.pl.m. & f. these
in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)
repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those
with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)
with preps.
base
H428 אֵ֫לֶּה these . in appos. to a subst. with a pron. suff. (always without the article)
. repeated, אלה … ואלה, these … those
. with the art. (but only after a subst. determined likewise by the art.)
. with preps.
428 'el-leh ale'-leh
prolonged from 411; these or those:--an- (the) other; one
sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those,
thus, which, who(-m).
see HEBREW for 0411
אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh) — these.
1) these
1a) used before antecedent
1b) used following antecedent
Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Prep | Pron — Preposition · particleHR/Tm
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word סוּג (*sug*) primarily means to move away or backslide. It can refer to actions like retreating, turning back, or being displaced. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including Qal, Niph, Hiphil, and Hophal, covering meanings from personal backsliding to the removal of boundaries.
[סוּג, seldom שׂוּג] vb. move away, backslide
Qal backslide, prove recreant to י׳
Niph.
refl. turn oneself away, turn back
be turned or driven back, be repulsed
Hiph.
usu. of displacing, moving back a boundary mark
remove, carry away
Hoph. and justice is driven back
base
H5253 סוּג, seldom שׂוּג move away, backslide
5253 nacag naw-sag'
a primitive root; to retreat:--departing away, remove, take
(hold), turn away.
נָסַג (na.sag) — to remove.
1) to move away, backslide, move, go, turn back
1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to displace, move back
1b2) to remove, carry away
1d) (Hophal) to be driven back, be moved back
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
כְּלִמָּה (klimmah) refers to concepts of disgrace, reproach, and shame. It encompasses meanings such as insult, dishonor, and ignominy. The word is derived from a root that suggests confusion or dishonor, reflecting a range of negative social perceptions.
כְּלִמָּה n.f. insult, reproach, ignominy
base
H3639 כְּלִמָּה insult, reproach, ignominy
3639 klimmah kel-im-maw'
from 3637; disgrace:--confusion, dishonour, reproach, shame.
see HEBREW for 03637
כְּלִמָּה (ke.lim.mah) — shame.
1) disgrace, reproach, shame, confusion, dishonour, insult, ignominy
1a) insult, reproach
1b) reproach, ignominy
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa