Micah 3:5

This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Yahweh addresses the nation through the prophet Micah, pronouncing judgment on active spiritual deceivers. This declaration follows the warning that God will hide His face from those who cry out to Him after persisting in evil.

The words — הַ/מַּתְעִ֣ים (ha./mat.'Im) translates literally as "who mislead," and עַמִּ֑/י ('a.M/i) means "my people." These terms anchor the verse’s core accusation that designated leaders are actively corrupting the covenant community.

The thread — The condemnation of prophets who declare peace while practicing corruption runs through Jeremiah 6:14 and Jeremiah 14:14, where God denies sending them. Isaiah 9:15 further categorizes such teachers as the "tail" that leads the nation into error.

Why it lands — The text demands a reader to distinguish between spiritual authority that aligns with God's word and leadership that operates on transactional or self-serving motives. It requires evaluating prophets by their fidelity to divine instruction rather than their ability to soothe or profit.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

Cross-references

Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.
Jeremiah 6:14 They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
Isaiah 9:15 The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies.
Jeremiah 23:32 “Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.
Ezekiel 13:10 Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,
Ezekiel 22:25 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.
Jeremiah 23:9 As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words.
Jeremiah 28:15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie.
Micah 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”
Malachi 2:8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.