Definition: Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 3:9. It’s a pretty serious warning, and here's what it means in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that some leaders – specifically those who don’t care about fairness or justice – are setting a dangerous precedent. They’re encouraging a culture where people will ignore rules, be unfair to others, and basically disregard the rights of everyone. Let's unpack it word by word: “Hear this, I pray you…” : This is a call to attention, urging these leaders to listen carefully. “…ye heads of the house of Jacob…” : "Jacob" is a very important name in Jewish tradition and refers to the patriarch of the tribe of Israel. So, "the heads of the house" means the leaders of Israel – the kings, priests, and other officials. "...and princes of the house of Israel…” : This continues the same idea - referring to the leaders of Israel. “abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.” : This is the most important part. “abhor judgment” : This means they actively dislike or reject justice and fairness. It's like saying "they don’t care about right and wrong." “pervert all equity” : This is a fancy way of saying “they twist or abuse” what's fair. They are acting in a way that benefits themselves at the expense of others. Overall Meaning: Micah is warning these leaders to stop being dishonest and unfair. He’s suggesting they need to be honest with their people, treat everyone equally, and uphold justice. It suggests a potential for corruption or abuse of power if these leaders continue down this path. Context & Significance: This verse appears in the Book of Micah, which is part of the Old Testament. It's often seen as a prophecy about the rise of a corrupt and oppressive ruler who would lead Israel into disaster. It’s a warning about the dangers of selfishness and injustice. In short, it’s a strong condemnation of leaders who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of others. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its relevance to current events or issues?