Micah 6:8
Micah 6 :8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
— NIV
Context
The prophet Micah summarizes what God truly desires from humanity.
Micah 6:8
One of the most beloved summaries of prophetic ethics—what God truly requires of human beings.
The Three Requirements
- Act justly (mishpat) - Do what is right and fair
- Love mercy (chesed) - Practice loyal love and kindness
- Walk humbly with your God - Live in humble relationship with the divine
Context
This comes after Micah asks what offerings could satisfy God—thousands of rams? Rivers of oil? Child sacrifice? The answer: none of these. God desires ethical living, not elaborate ritual.
In Jewish Tradition
This verse is a touchstone of prophetic ethics:
- The prophets consistently prioritized justice over sacrifice
- It summarizes the 613 commandments into three principles
- Used as an ethical guide alongside “Love your neighbor as yourself”
In Christian Tradition
Jesus’ teaching echoes this prophetic emphasis:
- “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13, quoting Hosea)
- The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates mercy
- Humility is central to discipleship
In Islamic Tradition
Similar values are central to Islam: