Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Israel wondered what offerings would please God. Micah answers that God desires a just, merciful, humble life far more than ritual sacrifice.
What Does Micah 6:8 Mean?
In one sentence: God has already made plain what He wants -- not empty ritual, but lives marked by justice, mercy, and humble walking with Him. Micah strips religion down to its heart: how we treat others and how we walk with God.
To "do justly" is to act rightly and fairly; to "love mercy" is to delight in steadfast, loyal love; to "walk humbly" is to live in dependent fellowship with God. These are not three separate duties but one integrated life.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "mishpat" (justly) is justice and right judgment. "Chesed" (mercy) is steadfast, loyal love. "Tsana" (humbly) means to walk modestly, in dependence.
Cross References
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
- Hosea 6:6
“...ye have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith...”
- Matthew 23:23
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
- Matthew 22:37
Application
Measure your faith not by religious activity alone but by justice toward others, delight in mercy, and a humble daily walk with God.