Micah
Micah front
Introduction to Micah
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Micah
- God promises to punish the northern and southern kingdoms (1:1–16)
- Those who take advantage of others are guilty (2:1-3:12)
- Rich people who oppress poor people (2:1–11)
- Promise to be delivered and restored (2:12–13)
- Rulers, priests, and prophets condemned (3:1–12)
- Yahweh’s victory for all Israel (4:1-5:15)
- Yahweh will rule over all the nations (4:1–10)
- Israel will be destroyed, then will be victorious over its enemies (4:11–13)
- Messiah will shepherd his flock and devastate the nations who fought against him (5:1–6)
- Messiah will destroy everything that harmed his people (5:7–15)
- Yahweh’s case against Israel (6:1-16)
- Yahweh reminds Israel when he led them out of slavery in Egypt (6:1–5)
- Israel punished; true repentance (6:6–16)
- Israel miserable and Israel restored (7:1-20)
- Israel broken and miserable (7:1–7)
- Israel will rise again (7:8–13)
- Yahweh restores and gives grace (7:14–20)
What is the Book of Micah about?
This book contains many of Micah’s prophecies. Micah repeated many similar prophecies as found in Isaiah. Micah warned the kingdoms of Israel and Judah that the Assyrians would soon attack them. Micah condemned those who acted unjustly and immorally. He spoke against those who did not work for a living. He also spoke against the false prophets in Israel and Judah. These false prophets were telling the people that Yahweh would never let a foreign kingdom harm or conquer them.
Micah called the people to please Yahweh by living righteous and holy lives. However, the sinful way they lived and the unjust way they treated their fellow countrymen proved that they no longer wanted to obey and honor Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification, righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and faith)
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may decide to translate the traditional title “The Book of Micah” or just “Micah” in a way that is clearer to the readers. They may decide to call it “The Sayings of Micah.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote Micah?
The prophet Micah probably wrote this book. Micah lived at the same time as Isaiah and Hosea. This was sometime between 750 and 700 B.C., during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. He began prophesying when he lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. Then he moved to the kingdom of Judah.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Who is the deliverer Micah mentions?
Micah frequently mentioned a king who would deliver the people. It is clear that Micah meant the Messiah, the descendant of David who would rule forever, though he never referred to him as the Messiah. (See: deliver, hand over, turn over, release, rescue and Christ, Messiah)
Were the Israelites required to offer sacrifices or live holy lives to please Yahweh?
Many of the Old Testament writers were concerned with offering sacrifices according to the law of Moses. However, Micah explained to the people that Yahweh was pleased only when they offered these sacrifices in faith. Without faith, the sacrifices had no meaning. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Why does Micah 1:10-16 sound unusual?
This passage sounds unusual because of how it is constructed in Hebrew. It includes what is called a play on words. The names of the cities were used to describe how they would be destroyed. For example, in Hebrew “Lachish” sounds like “to the chariots.” This is a poetic form that might not be the actual way they would be punished.
What does a translator need to know before translating Micah?
Micah did not often explain how his prophecies were historically situated. This may result in the translator failing to understand implicit information unless they understand Micah’s time. It is therefore suggested that translators understand well the history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)
How do I translate passages where the speaker or addressee is not mentioned explicitly?
Micah did not usually say who was speaking or who was being addressed. Reading the verses before and after the quote will often help the reader to understand who is speaking or being addressed. It is acceptable to make this information explicit so the reader can more easily understand it. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
How should the text of Micah be formatted?
The ULT uses a poetic language style like the Hebrew text. Many languages can do this but some languages will not be able to do this. The ULT also sets apart the poetic portions of the text by setting the poetic lines farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. With the exception of the first verse, the entire book is indented because the prophecies were written as a series of poems.
Micah 1
Micah 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Micah is written mainly in a poetic form. Most of the prophets wrote to either the Northern Kingdom or the Southern Kingdom. Micah wrote to both of them at times without clear distinction, as he did in this chapter.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
City Names
This passage sounds unusual in English because of its construction in Hebrew. It contains several “puns” or “plays on words.” The names of the cities are used to describe their destruction. “Lachish will be lashed” is an example of this type of construction. This poetic element might metaphors describing the actual way they will be punished. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 1:1
God speaks through Micah to the people of Israel using poetry. (See: Parallelism)
This idiom is used to explain that a God gave a message to someone. Alternate translation: “the message that Yahweh spoke” (See: Idiom)
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
This means he is from Moresheth which is a town in Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)
Alternate translation: “when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah”
Alternate translation: “which he heard in a vision”
Micah 1:2
Micah 1:2-7 is about God’s judgment on Samaria.
This begins Micah’s prophecy. Micah speaks to the people of Samaria as if all the people of the earth and even the earth itself were able to hear him. (See: Apostrophe)
Micah 1:3
Micah speaks as if Yahweh were a mighty soldier coming down from heaven and beginning to march on top of the mountains. (See: Metaphor)
Alternate translation: “he will … march”
Alternate translation: “the high mountains”
Micah 1:4
Micah speaks as if Yahweh were a hot, solid object that melted the earth as it moved. Alternate translation: “He will crush the mountains and the valleys as he marches over them; he will destroy them, and they will completely disappear” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 1:5
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, in this case the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “because the people of Israel have sinned against me” (See: Metonymy)
Alternate translation: “The Lord will come and judge”
The name “Jacob” is a metonym for those of his descendants who live in the northern kingdom of Israel. (See: Metonymy)
Here “Samaria” is a metonym for the evil activities that take place there. Micah uses a question to emphasize that the people know what the truth is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that it is Samaria.” (See: Metonymy and Rhetorical Question)
Here “high place” is a synecdoche for the entire system of idol worship. “Judah” is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “Where do the people of Judah go to worship idols?” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)
Here “Jerusalem” is a metonym for the evil activities that take place there. Micah uses a question to emphasize that the people know what the truth is. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that it is Jerusalem.” (See: Metonymy and Rhetorical Question)
Micah 1:6
Here “I” refers to Yahweh.
Yahweh speaks of Samaria as if the city were a woman. Alternate translation: “Samaria … its stones … the foundations of the buildings in the city” (See: Metaphor)
Here “her” refers to the city of Samaria.
Micah 1:7
Yahweh speaks of Samaria as if the city were a woman. Alternate translation: “the carved figures in the city … the gifts that people gave to the temple in the city … the idols in the city” (See: Metaphor)
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will break all her carved figures to pieces” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will burn with fire all the gifts that she received” (See: Active or Passive)
Alternate translation: “people gave her”
Yahweh speaks of the people giving gifts to idols as if the people were hiring prostitutes. When the Assyrians destroy Samaria, they will take to Assyria the gifts the people of Samaria gave to their idols and give them as gifts to their own idols. (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Micah 1:8
Micah 1:8-16 is about God’s judgment on Judah.
Here “I” refers to Micah.
“Lament” refers to the inner feeling of sadness, and “wail” refers to the activity of making a loud, sad sound.
This is a sign of extreme mourning and distress. Another possible meaning is “I will look like someone has taken off my clothes; I will be naked”
probably wearing only a loincloth
Jackals and owls live in wastelands, and their loud cries sound like people wailing or weeping. (See: Simile)
Micah 1:9
Here “her” refers to the city of Samaria. This means nothing can stop the enemy army from destroying the people who live there. (See: Metaphor)
Micah uses contagious disease as a metaphor for the army that Yahweh has sent to judge Samaria. Here “it” refers to the “wound,” that is, to the army that God will use to punish Samaria. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 1:10
You may want to make a footnote saying, “The name of this city means ‘house of dust.’” (See: How to Translate Names)
People under God’s judgment are expressing their grief in a strong way. Alternate translation: “I roll myself on the ground” or “I roll myself in the mud” (See: Symbolic Action)
Micah 1:11
The meanings of the names of the villages is important to Micah here. You may want to include the meanings of the names of the places in a footnote.
The name of this city sounds like one meaning “beautiful.” It contrasts with “nakedness and shame.” (See: How to Translate Names)
This idiom makes explicit that the people will be totally naked. Alternate translation: “totally naked and ashamed” (See: Idiom)
The name of this city means “go out.” They are too afraid to go out and help.
The name of this city means “house of taking away.”
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “for I have taken away everything that might protect them” (See: Active or Passive)
Micah 1:12
The name of this city means “bitterness.”
The abstract noun disaster is spoken of here as a solid object rolling down a hill. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word disaster, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has caused bad things to happen” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)
Micah 1:13
The name “Lachish” sounds like “to the chariots” in Hebrew. The people are hitching their chariots to flee, not fight. Lachish was the most important city after Jerusalem in Judah. (See: How to Translate Names and Irony)
The word “daughter” is a metonym for the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion” or “the people who live in Zion” (See: Metonymy)
This idiom can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “for you disobeyed like the people of Israel did” (See: Active or Passive and Idiom)
Micah 1:14
You may want to add a footnote saying “The name ‘Moresheth’ means ‘to depart.’ It is also similar in sound to the word for ‘fiancée.’” In this metaphor, Moresheth is the bride that Assyria takes, and the “parting gift” is the dowry, the gift her family gives for her to take into the marriage. (See: How to Translate Names and Metaphor)
You may want to add a footnote saying “The name of this town sounds almost the same as the Hebrew expression for ‘deceitful thing.’”
Micah 1:15
Here “I” refers to Yahweh.
You may want to make a footnote saying, “The name of this village sounds like the Hebrew word for ‘conqueror.’” (See: How to Translate Names)
This is the name of a royal city in Philistia. (See: How to Translate Names)
Micah 1:16
Israelites who were mourning would shave bald spots on their heads. This could mean: (1) “Shave larger spots than usual on your heads” or (2) “Cut off all your hair and shave your heads,” stating the events in the order in which they were to occur. (See: Symbolic Action)
This word can also be translated “vultures.”
Micah 2
Micah 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter continues using poetic forms in communicating that people who take advantage of others are guilty of sin and injustice. (See: guilt, guilty and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)
Special concepts in this chapter
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Context
Micah does not frequently explain the historical context of his prophecies. This may result in the translator failing to understand implicit information. Additional research may be needed regarding the time period of Micah’s ministry. Therefore, translators have a good understanding of the history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Micah 2:1
Micah speaks against the leaders in Israel who are taking advantage of the poor and not following God’s commands.
Micah 2:2
“They oppress any man they choose to oppress.” This is a generalization. Micah is not speaking of one individual man here.
Micah 2:3
Alternate translation: “Listen carefully” or “Pay attention”
See how you translated this in Micah 1:12.
This “clan” refers to the entire community of Israel, whose rich people are oppressing the poor. The sins of the leaders are coming back on the whole nation.
Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were putting a yoke around their necks. Alternate translation: “from which you will not be able to escape” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 2:4
Alternate translation: “sing a song to make fun of you”
“they will cry loudly.” They are pretending to mourn, as if those they love have died. (See: Irony)
This is the song that the enemies will sing to make fun of the Israelites and laugh as the Israelites suffer. (See: Irony)
The enemy mocks the surprise the rich leaders of Israel feel because God has taken their land and given it to someone else just as they had taken the land from the poor. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “How wrong he is to take it from me!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Irony)
Micah 2:5
This could mean: (1) Micah looks forward to a time after the exile when those who return will divide up the land or (2) he is speaking of a custom of his time when the tribe or clan would divide up their land and give it to individuals.
Micah 2:6
Micah speaks to false prophets, as well as to the rich who have abused their power.
The speakers are speaking to Micah and to others, so this is plural. (See: Forms of You)
Alternate translation: “the people of Israel say”
Alternate translation: “The prophets must not prophesy”
Reproach is spoken of as if it were a robber chasing a person. It can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “we will not allow you to reproach us” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)
Micah 2:7
Micah is scolding the Israelites by using this question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you do not need to ask…‘Is the Spirit … his deeds?’” (See: Rhetorical Question)
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jacob’s descendants. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)
This could mean: (1) the people really do not know if they are seeing Yahweh act. Alternate translation: “asked…‘Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry? Are these really his deeds?’” or (2) the people do not believe that Yahweh is really punishing them. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “said…‘The Spirit of Yahweh is not really angry. These are not really his deeds.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Micah uses a question to teach the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “My message does good to those who walk uprightly.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Micah 2:8
Here, my people could mean: (1) Micah’s people or (2) Yahweh’s people.
This could mean: (1) the wicked rich people are literally stealing robes from the poor or (2) creditors are keeping the outer garments of the poor who come to borrow money and give the garment as assurance they will repay. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 2:9
This refers, in general, to blessings God has given to his people. It could refer to (1) being landowners in Israel, (2) a promising future or (3) to the children’s fathers, farmers who worked hard to establish the nation.
Micah speaks as if he were Yahweh.
Micah 2:10
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy it” (See: Active or Passive)
Micah 2:11
Micah is speaking to the people of Judah, so both instances of “you” are plural. (See: Forms of You)
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people would consider him” or “you would consider him” (See: Forms of You)
Micah 2:12
Micah is speaking to some of the descendants of Jacob, so the word “you” is plural. (See: Forms of You)
Micah 2:13
This is a picture of a king leading his people out of an enclosed city.
Micah 3
Micah 3 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Justice
An unjust society was considered sinful. It was considered to be against the law of Moses. If these kingdoms did not have justice, they were not obedient to Yahweh. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
There are vivid pictures used in this chapter which show how the leaders of the people were treating the Israelites. These situations are absurd unless taken as a metaphor. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 3:1
Chapter 3 focuses on the corrupt leaders in Israel.
Here “I” refers to Micah.
Micah is scolding the leaders. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You act as though you think it is wrong for you to understand justice.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Micah 3:2
Micah begins to compare the leaders of Israel to butchers.
These nominal adjectives can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “hate everything that is good and love everything that is evil” (See: Nominal Adjectives)
A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 3:3
Micah finishes comparing the leaders of Israel to butchers.
A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 3:4
Alternate translation: “shout to Yahweh for help”
Alternate translation: “he will not do what you ask him to do”
Hiding the face is a metaphor for refusing to listen. Alternate translation: “He will turn his face away from you and cover it” or “You will see that he has no desire to help you” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 3:5
Walking on a good path is a metaphor for obeying God. Going astray from the path is a metaphor for disobeying God, in this case perhaps without knowing it. Alternate translation: “who lead my people to disobey me” (See: Metaphor)
Micah is using a metaphor to describe a situation that actually happens. The phrase “something to eat” is an ironic way of speaking of a small payment. Alternate translation: “they tell people who pay them even a small amount that things will go well for those people.” (See: Metaphor and Irony)
Micah is using a metaphor to describe a situation that actually happens. The phrase “puts nothing in their mouths” is an ironic exaggeration for not giving what they want. Alternate translation: “they do all they can to destroy people who pay them too little” (See: Metaphor and Irony)
Micah 3:6
Darkness is a metaphor for Yahweh not speaking to the prophets. (See: Metaphor)
Alternate translation: “you will no longer see visions”
Micah 3:7
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will cause the seers to be ashamed, and I will confuse the diviners” (See: Active or Passive)
Here “lips” represents speaking. Alternate translation: “They shall no longer speak” (See: Metonymy)
Alternate translation: “I will be silent”
Micah 3:8
Here “me” refers to Micah, a true prophet, setting himself apart from the false prophets.
Micah speaks of himself as if he were a container into which Yahweh were pouring a liquid. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh has given me power, justice, and might” or “the Spirit of Yahweh has enabled me to be strong, to declare what justice is, and to be mighty” (See: Metaphor)
Here “Jacob” and “Israel” are metonyms for Jacob’s descendants. Micah uses both names to emphasize that all of his descendants are guilty of sin. The abstract nouns “transgression” and “sin” can be translated using verbs. Alternate translation: “to declare to Jacob’s descendants that they have broken Yahweh’s law; I am telling the people of Israel that they have all sinned” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)
Micah 3:9
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Jacob’s descendants. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to Israel’s descendants, who had become the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “descendants of Israel” or “you Israelites” (See: Metonymy)
strongly dislike
Micah 3:10
“Blood” here is a metonym for murder, and “Zion” and “Jerusalem” are spoken of as if they were buildings. Micah speaks of the rich murdering people and sinning in other ways as if those activities were the bricks and wood with which people use to build houses. Alternate translation: “You commit murder and other horrible sins as you work to make Zion and Jerusalem great” or “You commit murder as you worship in Zion, and you commit other sins as you get rich in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)
Micah 3:11
The leaders strongly believe that Yahweh is with them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We know that Yahweh is with us!” or “We know that Yahweh will help us do what we want to do!” (See: Rhetorical Question)
See how you translated “disaster” in Micah 1:12.
Micah 3:12
Here “you” refers to the priests, prophets, and leaders (Micah 3:11).
“Zion” and “the hill of the temple” refer to the same place. When a farmer plows a field, he turns over all the dirt and uproots all the plants that are growing there. A thicket is so full of bushes that no one can use it for anything. These two metaphors cannot be literally true at the same time, but they emphasize that Yahweh will allow the invaders to completely destroy the temple area. (See: Metaphor)
Alternate translation: “a field that a farmer has plowed”
a place where many small woody plants grow
Micah 4
Micah 4 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter continues the poetic form to communicate that God will one day restore Israel. (See: restore, restoration)
Special concepts in this chapter
Remanant
Micah speaks about a future hope and a remnant who will return to their homeland. Verses 1-8 are a vision of the future when God will restore Israel to its former glory. These verses will give hope to those about to be removed from their homeland. (See: remnant)
Micah 4:1
Yahweh making the temple mount higher than all other mountains and hills is a metaphor for making his temple the most important place on earth. (See: Metaphor)
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will establish the mountain on which his temple is built” or “Yahweh will make the mountain on which his temple is built great” (See: Active or Passive)
Mount Zion will be the most important of all the mountains. It might also mean that this mountain will become the highest in the world, and not only in the region where it is located.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will exalt it above the hills” or “Yahweh will make it higher than the hills” (See: Active or Passive)
A stream flows continually to one place from many directions. Many people come to the temple mount from different directions. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will flow like a stream to it” or “the people of the nations will go to it” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 4:2
The word “nations” is a metonym for the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “The people from many nations” (See: Metonymy)
This is plural. (See: Forms of You)
Here “his ways” and “his paths” refer to what God wants the people to do. “Walk” means they will obey what he says. (See: Metaphor)
The law and the word going out is a metaphor for people hearing it and then being messengers to tell other people about it in other places. Alternate translation: “people will listen to the law in Zion and go out and tell others; they will listen to the word of Yahweh in Jerusalem and go out and tell others” (See: Metaphor)
The words “will go out” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “and the word of Yahweh will go out from Jerusalem” (See: Ellipsis)
Micah 4:3
a blade that people use to dig into soil so they can plant seeds
a metal tool that people use to cut off branches or stems from plants
will not threaten to start a war
Micah 4:4
Both the “vine” and the “fig tree” are symbols of prosperity. This phrase describes actions in which people live prosperously and in peace. If grapevines or fig trees are unknown you can translate this more generally. Alternate translation: “they will sit peacefully in their own gardens and fields” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
The mouth is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh of hosts has spoken” (See: Synecdoche)
Micah 4:5
Walking on a path is a metaphor for living one’s life. Walking in the name of someone is a metaphor for worshiping and obeying. Alternate translation: “the peoples … worship and obey their god … we will worship and obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 4:6
This refers to those who cannot walk well. Being lame is a synecdoche for having any form of disability. (See: Synecdoche)
Alternate translation: “gather those whom I drove out of Jerusalem”
Micah 4:7
The words “I will turn” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated. The phrase “the ones driven away” can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “I will turn the ones I drove away into a strong nation” or “I will make the ones I forcefully sent away into a strong nation” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)
Micah 4:8
Micah speaks to the people of Jerusalem by speaking to the temple mount as if it could hear him. You may need to make explicit that Micah is giving his message to the people. Alternate translation: “As for the temple mount, the place from which Yahweh watches over you, his sheep, the place that Jerusalem’s people are most proud of—its former dominion will return” (See: Apostrophe)
The people of Jerusalem protecting the other people in surrounding areas is spoken of as if they were a shepherd in a watchtower watching over his flock. (See: Metaphor)
The people who live in a place are spoken of as if the place is a mother and they are the daughter. Alternate translation: “people who live in Zion … people who live in Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor)
Some modern versions understand this Hebrew word to mean “fortress” or “stronghold” here.
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word dominion, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you will rule over the nations as you did before” or “I will make you rule over the nations as you did before” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Micah 4:9
Micah is mocking the people, trying to make them think about why God is dealing with them in this way. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Look at how you are shouting loudly.” or “Think carefully about why you are shouting loudly.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Micah continues to mock the people. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as statements. Alternate translation: “You have a king, but he is useless to you. All your wise people are still alive, but they have nothing wise to say to you. This is why you are weeping loudly like a woman who is giving birth to a baby.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Simile)
Micah 4:10
Micah compares the suffering the people will experience when enemies force them away from their cities to the pain a woman experiences when giving birth to a baby. (See: Simile)
Yahweh says the same thing in both active and passive forms to emphasize that he will do what he has said he will do. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “There Yahweh will rescue you. There he will rescue you” (See: Active or Passive)
Here, the word hand could mean: (1) it could be a metonym for the power that the hand exercises, Alternate translation: “the power of your enemies” or (2) it could be a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “your enemies” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)
Micah 4:11
Jerusalem will defeat her enemies.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let us defile her” (See: Active or Passive)
The eye is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “let us gloat over Zion” or “let us enjoy watching the invaders destroy Zion” (See: Synecdoche)
Micah 4:12
The writer speaks of Yahweh being ready to destroy the nations as if Yahweh were a farmer who has put his bundles of grain on his threshing floor and is now ready to thresh them. (See: Simile)
Micah 4:13
Yahweh presents the imagery of the threshing floor (Micah 4:12).
All instances of “your” and “you,” as well as the commands, refer to the “daughter of Zion” and so are singular and feminine. (See: Forms of You)
Yahweh speaks of the people of Zion as if they were strong oxen about to thresh wheat and their enemies were the wheat. (See: Metaphor and Translate Unknowns)
If your reader is not familiar with oxen or iron or bronze, you can remove the metaphor. Alternate translation: “for I will make you able to defeat and destroy every enemy” (See: Metaphor and Translate Unknowns)
Alternate translation: “the wealth they got by acting unjustly” or “the things they stole from other people”
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wealth, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the things that they own” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Micah 5
Micah 5 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Messiah
This chapter contains a prophecy explaining that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. This meaning is made clear in the New Testament. (See: Micah 5:2, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Change in Personal Pronouns
Extra care must be taken in translating pronouns in this chapter. Sometimes “I” is a reference to the author and other times it is a reference to Yahweh. There is also a noticable shift where the author stops speaking about the people as “you” and begins speaking about them as “we” or “us.”
Micah 5:1
The people of a city are spoken of as if they were a woman. The soldiers are attacking the city. Alternate translation: “people of the city, whom soldiers are attacking” (See: Metaphor)
The rod is a metonym for a greater man punishing a lesser man with a rod. To strike a man on the cheek was to insult him more than to harm him. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will punish the judge of Israel by having the invaders insult the judge of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)
This irony describes the king as having lost so much of his power and authority that he is really only a judge. (See: Irony)
Micah 5:2
Yahweh speaks to the people of Judah, and especially to the people of Bethlehem, as if he were speaking to the town of Bethlehem itself. (See: Apostrophe)
This is either the name of the area in which Bethlehem was situated or it is just another name for Bethlehem or it distinguishes this Bethlehem from another. Bethlehem is about six miles south of Jerusalem. It was the hometown of King David. Translators may add this footnote: “The name ‘Ephrathah’ means ‘to be fruitful.’” (See: How to Translate Names)
Alternate translation: “even though other clans in Judah have more people in them, it is one of your people who will come”
Here “me” refers to Yahweh.
This refers to the ruler descending from the ancient family of King David. The phrases “from ancient times” and “from everlasting” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how old this family line is. (See: Doublet)
Micah 5:3
Alternate translation: “Because what I have just said is true” or “Because this ruler will come later”
will abandon the people of Israel
This refers to the time when the ruler is born, a limited time.
“the rest of the ruler’s fellow Israelites,” who are in exile
Micah 5:4
These verses continue describing the ruler from Bethlehem.
A shepherd, who feeds and protects his sheep, is a metaphor for the ruler, who will provide for and protect the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give him the strength to lead his people” (See: Metaphor)
The person’s name is a metonym for person’s authority. Alternate translation: “and people will honor him because Yahweh his God has given him the authority to rule” (See: Metonymy)
the people of Israel will remain
Alternate translation: “live in safety”
All people from every nation will give honor to Israel’s ruler.
Micah 5:5
Here “shepherds” is a metonym for “rulers,” another way of saying “leaders over men.” The phrase “seven … and eight” is an idiom for “more than enough.” Alternate translation: “enough, even more than enough, rulers” or “more than enough shepherds and leaders over men” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)
Micah 5:6
The sword is a metonym for killing in war. Here the Israelites ruling over the Assyrians is spoken of ironically as if they were killing sheep instead of herding them. The land of Assyria is a metonym for the people who live there. The entrances to cities were where official business took place. Alternate translation: “They will make war against the people of Assyria, and they will rule the cities of the land of Nimrod” (See: Metaphor and Irony and Metonymy)
The words “they will shepherd” are understood from the beginning of the sentence. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: “and they will shepherd the land of Nimrod” (See: Ellipsis)
This is another name for the land of Assyria. Nimrod was a hunter and early ruler. Translators may add this footnote: “The name ‘Nimrod’ means ‘rebellion.’” (See: How to Translate Names)
The ruler will rescue
Micah 5:7
Dew and rain showers refresh the land and cause things to grow. The Israelites will cause the people among whom they live to live will. (See: Simile)
“grass. It is not for a man that they wait, nor is it for the children.” It is Yahweh alone who causes dew and rain showers.
Micah 5:8
Yahweh promises that the Israelites who are alive after Yahweh has punished his people with war will completely defeat and rule over their enemies.
descendants of Jacob who survive the war
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the “remnant of Jacob” will live in many different nations. (See: Doublet)
Lions are able to kill and eat any wild animal of the forest, and they easily kill sheep. Alternate translation: “like the fiercest of wild animals, like a wild animal that kills helpless livestock” (See: Simile)
when the young lion goes through the flocks of sheep
Alternate translation: “will jump on them so they fall down, and then he will tear”
Micah 5:9
The writer is speaking to Yahweh, so both instances of “your” are masculine singular. (See: Forms of You)
The hand is a metonym for the power that the hand exercises or a synecdoche for the whole person. To lift the hand is to exercise power. Alternate translation: “You will completely defeat your enemies” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)
The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “you will destroy them” (See: Synecdoche)
Micah 5:10
The people of Israel used horses and chariots only in battle, and they may have traded for them with the godless nations around them. God did not want the people to trust in their weapons of war to protect them more than they trusted in him. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: Forms of You)
Micah 5:11
Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: Forms of You)
Micah 5:12
Being in the “hand” represents the actions that the person does. Alternate translation: “the witchcraft that you do” (See: Metonymy)
Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: Forms of You)
Micah 5:13
Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: Forms of You)
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word workmanship, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “make.” Alternate translation: “what your hands have made” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Micah 5:14
Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: Forms of You)
Yahweh speaks of Asherah poles as if they were trees that he would pull out of the ground. Alternate translation: “will pull your Asherah poles out of the ground” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 6
Micah 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is written as a court case or lawsuit by Yahweh against His people. (See: people of God)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Names in Lawsuit
Moses, Aaron and Miriam are mentioned as witnesses for Yahweh and against Israel. Ahab and Omri are mentioned as kings who were evil and did not follow Yahweh. Obedience to the law of Moses is contrasted with disobedience to the law. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence and evil, wicked, unpleasant and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
Micah 6:1
Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to mountains that can hear him, so both instances of “listen” are plural. (See: Apostrophe)
Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so the commands and the word “your” are singular. (See: Forms of You)
Yahweh speaks as if he is in court and the mountains and hills are the judges. He commands the people of Israel to tell the judges why they have done what they did. (See: Personification)
Micah 6:2
Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to mountains that can hear him, so both instances of “listen” are plural. (See: Apostrophe)
Micah is speaking to these things as if they are humans. Micah is using the mountains, hills, and foundations of the earth as an eternal witness against his people’s idolatry. (See: Personification)
Micah 6:3
God uses questions to emphasize that he is a good God, and he has done nothing to cause the people to stop worshiping him. Alternate translation: “My people, I have been good to you. I have done nothing to make you tired of me. If you think I have, testify against me, now.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: Forms of You)
Micah 6:4
Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: Forms of You)
A house is a metaphor for a place in which one lives for a long time. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word bondage, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “to be slaves.” Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves for a long time” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 6:5
Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of “you” and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: Forms of You)
“the plans Balak … made to harm you
This could mean: (1) Balaam obeyed Balak by coming when Balak called him, Alternate translation: “how Balaam … did what Balak asked him to do” or (2) Balaam explained to Balak why Balaam had blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them as Balak had commanded. Alternate translation: “what Balaam told Balak” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
This is the name of Balaam’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)
This is the name of a place in Moab.
Yahweh refers to himself by his own name. Alternate translation: “so that you may remember the righteous things that I, Yahweh, have done for you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Micah 6:6
Micah speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. This could mean: (1) he asks questions and then in verse 8 answers the questions he has asked or (2) he is using questions to teach the people. Alternate translation: “I know that I do no need to bring to Yahweh … God, or come … old” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Micah 6:7
Micah continues to speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. This could mean: (1) he asks questions and then in verse 8 answers the questions he has asked or (2) he is using questions to teach the people. Alternate translation: “I know that Yahweh will not be pleased … oil or if I give … sin.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
“rams in groups of 1,000…10,000 rivers of oil” (See: Rhetorical Question and Numbers)
Micah 6:8
Alternate translation: “Yahweh has told you”
Many versions read, “good. And what does Yahweh require from you? He wants you to act … God.” or “good. And what does Yahweh require from you but to act … God?”
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word kindness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “kind.” Alternate translation: “love being kind to people” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Micah 6:9
Wisdom is spoken of as a person and is a metonym for the wise person. The word “name” here is a metonym for the person himself, what people think of him, and his authority. Alternate translation: “and the wise person will fear you” or “and the wise person will acknowledge that you are good and will obey you” (See: Metonymy and Personification)
Here “rod” refers to the enemy army with which Yahweh, who “has put it in place,” will discipline his people. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 6:10
Dishonest wealth is a metonym for wealth that people have gained by acting dishonestly. The words “the wicked” refer to wicked people. Houses are a synecdoche for everything a person possesses. Alternate translation: “Wicked people have acted dishonestly to gain wealth” (See: Metonymy and Nominal Adjectives and Synecdoche)
incorrect weights that people use with scales to increase their wealth by deceiving those with whom they trade
Micah 6:11
If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I certainly will not consider a person innocent … weights.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
weights with which sellers deceive buyers
Micah 6:12
Rich men are spoken of as if they were containers, and people treating each other violently is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could be put into a container. Alternate translation: “The rich men act violently toward everyone” or “The rich men act violently all the time” (See: Metaphor)
The tongue is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “Everything they say is a lie” (See: Synecdoche)
Micah 6:13
Yahweh striking his people with blows is a metaphor for him punishing them. Alternate translation: “I have punished you severely” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 6:14
A person or thing being hungry is spoken of as if it were something that could be put in a container, and the people are spoken of as if they were containers. Alternate translation: “You will be hungry, and you will not be able to eat enough to satisfy yourself” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 6:16
This can be translated in active form, and you may need to supply the words that the ellipsis omitted. Alternate translation: “You have done what Omri commanded, and you have done the same things the house of Ahab did” (See: Active or Passive)
Both of these men were kings over the northern kingdom of Israel. God considered both of them to be very wicked. (See: How to Translate Names)
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ahab”
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: “You do what Omri and Ahab told the people to do” (See: Metaphor)
Micah speaks to the people of the city, who can hear him, as if he were speaking to the city itself, which cannot hear him. You may need to make explicit the words that the ellipsis omits. Alternate translation: “I will make your city a ruin, and I will make you inhabitants an object of hissing” or “I will make you, city, a ruin, and I will cause everyone who sees you, inhabitants of the city, to hiss at you” or “I will make the city a ruin, and I will make people hiss at the inhabitants” (See: Apostrophe)
Alternate translation: “you will suffer because my people will reproach you”
Micah 7
Micah 7 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Last days
This chapter looks forward to the hope of the coming savior for the faithful remnant. This is the future restoration of Israel when true peace will come. (See: Savior, savior, faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy and remnant and restore, restoration)
Prophet
The prophet was able to speak to God on behalf of the people. Often in this chapter, the prophet speaks in Israel’s place and offers repentance to Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and repent, repentance)
Micah 7:1
Micah speaks of looking for faithful people but being unable to find any as if he were a person looking for food after the harvesters have taken it all. The idea of a person wanting to gather fruit can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I have become like someone looking for fruit after the gathering of summer fruit, like a gleaner after the grapes have been gleaned” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Micah speaks of faithful, upright people as if they were fruit that is good to eat. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:2
These are exaggerations. Alternate translation: “I feel as though faithful people have disappeared … land and there is no upright person … I feel as though they all lie in wait … blood, and each one hunts” (See: Hyperbole)
Blood is a metaphor for the death of innocent people. Alternate translation: “to kill innocent people” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:3
The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “The people are very good” (See: Synecdoche)
Micah 7:4
Briers and thorns are good for nothing and harm those who touch them. The Israelite rulers and judges did nothing good and harmed people. (See: Simile)
Alternate translation: “those of them who try hardest to do what is good”
Micah speaks to the people of Israel, so both instances of “your” are plural. The word “watchmen” is a metaphor for prophets. Alternate translation: “Their prophets have told them that Yahweh would punish them” (See: Active or Passive and Forms of You and Metaphor)
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word confusion, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Now is when they do not understand what is happening” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Micah 7:5
Micah continues to show that there is no longer anyone good, honest, and loyal to God among God’s people. Here he emphasizes that they cannot even trust friends or family.
Micah 7:6
Micah continues to show that there is no longer anyone good, honest, and loyal to God among God’s people. Here he emphasizes that they cannot even trust friends or family.
The words “rises up” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “a daughter-in-law rises up against her mother-in-law” (See: Ellipsis)
The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: “his own family” (See: Metonymy)
Micah 7:7
In verse 8 Micah begins speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion (Micah 1:13), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the “daughter of soldiers” (Micah 5:1), who represents the nations which attacked Israel. All commands and instances of “you” are feminine singular. (See: Metaphor and Forms of You)
Here “me” refers to Micah.
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will wait for the God who saves me” or “I will wait for God, who saves me” (See: Abstract Nouns)
The word “hear” represents hearing and acting. Alternate translation: “will act to help me” (See: Metonymy)
Micah 7:8
These words are metaphors for suffering from disaster and then recovering. (See: Metaphor)
These words are a metaphor for suffering from disaster. (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:9
Rage is spoken of as if it were a solid object that Yahweh was forcing Micah to carry. Alternate translation: “I will suffer because he is angry with me” (See: Metaphor)
Yahweh will punish the people of the other nations who harmed the people of Israel.
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were defending Micah in court. Alternate translation: “he defends me against those who harm me” (See: Metaphor)
Alternate translation: “brings about justice for me”
Bringing Micah from darkness (Micah 7:8) to light is a metaphor for ending the suffering from disaster and enabling him to live well. (See: Metaphor)
Alternate translation: “bring justice to me and rescue me”
Micah 7:10
The words “enemy,” “one,” “your,” and “my” here refer to the women in the poem and so are feminine singular.
The enemy uses a question to mock the people of Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God cannot help you” (See: Rhetorical Question)
This phrase here refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “I” or “We” (See: Synecdoche)
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “her enemies will trample her down” (See: Active or Passive)
People who walk on mud without thinking they are doing anything bad are compared with those who will destroy Israel’s enemies without thinking they are doing anything evil. (See: Simile)
Micah 7:11
Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man. (See: Forms of You)
Here “walls” refers to the walls around their cities, which provided safety and security from their enemies.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will greatly extend the boundaries of your land” or “Yahweh will greatly increase the size of your kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)
Micah 7:12
You may need to make explicit the name of river. Alternate translation: “the Euphrates River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
You may need to make explicit the names of the seas. “from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Dead Sea in the east” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
“from one mountain to another.” Micah does not speak of any particular mountain. (See: Idiom)
Micah 7:13
Alternate translation: “the land will be empty” or “no one will live in the land”
Fruit is a metaphor for the results of an earlier action. Alternate translation: “because of the results of what they have done” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:14
Micah is praying to Yahweh, asking him to protect his people of Israel again. Here “rod” refers to God’s leadership and guidance, as a shepherd uses a stick to guide and protect his sheep. (See: Metaphor)
Micah speaks of his people as if they were wild animals hiding in bushes instead of livestock grazing in fields with much grass to eat. (See: Metaphor)
a place where many small woody plants grow
These regions are known as rich land for growing food.
Bashan and Gilead had been part of Israel long ago, when David was king. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Micah 7:15
Yahweh speaks to the people.
Micah 7:16
The word “nations” is a metonym for the people who live in many nations. Alternate translation: “The people of the nations nearby” (See: Metaphor)
They do this to show that they are ashamed of what they have done. (See: Symbolic Action)
This is an idiom. Nothing anyone says will have any effect on them. (See: Idiom)
Micah 7:17
Snakes slither on the ground where dust gets on them, and here the people are being compared to snakes, though it is probably an exaggeration that they will lick the dust. This could mean: (1) will literally lie on the ground in shame or (2) will be so ashamed and humbled that it will be as if they were lying on the ground. (See: Hyperbole and Simile and Symbolic Action)
The people are spoken of as if they were animals, because animals live in “dens.” Alternate translation: “their homes” or “their hiding places” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:18
Micah is emphasizing that there is no God like Yahweh. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know that there is no God like you, who takes … inheritance.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Alternate translation: “those of his chosen people who have survived his punishment”
Here the words “his” and “he” can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “you … of the remnant of your inheritance, who do not keep your anger forever, because you delight in your covenant faithfulness?” or “you … of the remnant of your inheritance? You do not keep your anger forever, because you delights in your covenant faithfulness.” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” Alternate translation: “he delights in being faithful to his covenant” or “he delights in being faithful to his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ignores
Alternate translation: “does not stay angry”
Micah 7:19
Here “you” refers to Yahweh. (See: Forms of You)
Here “us” refers to Micah and the people, but not to Yahweh. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
Iniquity and sin are spoken of as if they were solid objects. Alternate translation: “You will treat our iniquities and sins as if they were not important” (See: Metaphor)
Micah 7:20
Here the names of Jacob and Abraham are metonyms for their descendants, the people of Israel to whom Micah was speaking. The abstract nouns “truth” and “faithfulness” can be stated as “trustworthy” and “faithful.” Alternate translation: “You will show the descendants of Jacob and Abraham that your are trustworthy and faithful to your covenant” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)