Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams(A)
or with ten thousand streams of oil?
Should I give my firstborn for my transgression,(B)
the offspring of my body for my own sin?

Mankind, he has told each of you what is good(C)
and what it is the Lord requires of you:(D)
to act justly,(E)
to love faithfulness,(F)
and to walk humbly with your God.(G)

Verdict of Judgment

The voice of the Lord calls out to the city[a]
(and it is wise to fear your name):
“Pay attention to the rod
and the one who ordained it.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 6:9 = Jerusalem
  2. 6:9 Or attention, you tribe. Who has ordained it?; Hb obscure

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,(A)
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?(B)
Shall I offer my firstborn(C) for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?(D)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly(E) and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly[a](F) with your God.(G)

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment

Listen! The Lord is calling to the city—
    and to fear your name is wisdom—
    “Heed the rod(H) and the One who appointed it.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Micah 6:8 Or prudently
  2. Micah 6:9 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.