SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:4

1:4

This verse describes what will happen when the LORD figuratively appears as the conqueror and judge of the earth and walks on the mountains. The results are described as a combination of earthquakes, thunderstorms, and/or volcanic eruptions. The mountains will melt (1:4a), and the valleys will split apart (1:4b).

This verse has four poetic lines:

4a
The mountains will melt beneath Him,

4b and the valleys will split apart,

4c
like wax before the fire,

4d
like water rushing down a slope.

The first two lines (1:4a–b) mention events that will happen. The last two lines (1:4c–d) are two similes that refer to these events. There are two main interpretations of these similes:

(1) The simile in 1:4c describes the event in 1:4a (“the mountains will melt”). The simile in 1:4d describes the event in 1:4b (“the valleys will split apart”). For example:

4a Mountains will melt under him 4c like wax near a fire. 4b Valleys will split apart 4d like water pouring down a steep hill. (God’s Word)

(2) The two similes in 1:4c–d both describe the event in 1:4a (the mountains will melt). For example:

4a The mountains will disintegrate beneath him, 4b and the valleys will be split in two. 4c The mountains will melt like wax in a fire, 4d the rocks will slide down like water flows down a steep slope. (NET Bible)

(NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most commentaries. With this interpretation, the poetic lines are balanced. Each event has a simile that corresponds to it.

Most English versions are ambiguous. They do not clearly express that 4a is connected with 4c, and 4b with 4d. These versions include: Berean Standard Bible, King James Version, New American Bible, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, and New Revised Standard Version.

1:4a,c; 1:4b,d

The Notes will discuss lines 1:4a and 1:4c together here to make it easier to see the connection between the event (1:4a) and the simile (1:4c). The Notes will follow the same pattern for 1:4b and 1:4d.

1:4a

This verse starts with the Hebrew waw, which introduces what will happen after the LORD walks on the high places of the earth (1:3b). Some languages may express this relationship without a conjunction. For example:

Beneath him, the mountains melt (New Jerusalem Bible)

Introduce what will happen in a natural way in your language.

The mountains will melt beneath Him: The figurative heat or intensity of the LORD’s anger will cause the mountains to melt. They will become soft and liquid. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Mountains will melt beneath his feet… (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The mountains will become soft where he walks.
-or-
The places where his feet touch the mountains will become like liquid/mud

1:4b

and the valleys will split apart: This is the second thing that will happen after the LORD walks on the high places (1:3b). The valleys will “split open” (English Standard Version), “crack open” (New Century Version), or “are torn open” (New Jerusalem Bible).

This description of the valleys probably refers to the results of an earthquake and/or soft or watery material that flows down from the mountains to the land below, eroding the ground into deep gullies. See the preceding note on 1:4 regarding the combination of events.

Try to translate in a way that can refer to one or more of these events. For example:

Valleys will split apart (God’s Word)
-or-
valleys are torn open (Revised English Bible)
-or-
there will be cracks and deep gullies in the lowlands/plains

valleys: In Hebrew, this word refers to land that is between mountains or to land where there are no mountains. English versions translate it here as valleys. You may use any word or phrase in your language that normally contrasts with mountains. For example:

valleys
-or-
open lands
-or-
prairies/plains
-or-
lowlands

1:4c

like wax before the fire: When wax is put close to a fire, it quickly becomes soft and liquid.

wax: Bees use the substance called wax to make honeycomb. Beeswax or a similar wax are used to make candles. If there is no word for wax in your language, here are some other ways to translate it:

• Borrow the word from another language, such as the national language.

• Replace this simile with a different one. Use the name of something that melts easily when heated near a fire, such as ice, butter, or resin.

• Translate without a simile. For example:

The mountains will quickly become soft and melt

If possible, use a simile to help the readers picture the event more vividly.

1:4d

like water rushing down a slope: This simile describes how the melted or crumbled rocks of the mountains flow rapidly down a steep hill.

water: In Hebrew, this word is the ordinary word for water. In this context, it refers to the water, mud, or lava that flows down from the mountains.

rushing down a slope: In Hebrew, the phrase rushing down is a single word. It means “to flow downhill.” Here are some other ways to translate this simile:

like water cascading down a slope (NET Bible)
-or-
as when torrents pour down a hillside (Revised English Bible)

The point of this simile is the destructive result of the rapid downhill flow. You may use any word or phrase in your language that can refer to rushing water, mud in a landslide, or lava. Use an expression that will help your readers understand the violence of this event.

General Comment on 1:4a–d

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder of the parts of this verse so that each simile directly follows the event that it describes. For example:

4a Then the mountains will melt under his feet

4c like wax that is held close to a fire.

4b The valleys will split apart

4d like when rushing water flows downhill.

See 1:4a–d (combined/reordered) in the Display for another example.

© 2023 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:5

7:5a–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning (these lines are from the Revised Standard Version):

5a
Put no trust in a neighbor,

5b
have no confidence in a friend;

5c
guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom;

In these lines, Micah warns the people to trust no one. He gives this warning in three parallel clauses. The degree of closeness to the other person increases in each clause.

The Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 7:5a–c, because it better follows the word choices in most versions.

7:5a

(Revised Standard Version) Put no trust in a neighbor: In Hebrew, the word trust can also mean “believe,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. In Hebrew, the word neighbor can also mean “associate,” “companion,” or “friend.” It indicates a low level relationship with another person. They know each other to some extent, but they are not close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t trust anyone (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Don’t believe your neighbor (Good News Translation)

7:5b

(Revised Standard Version) have no confidence in a friend: In Hebrew, the word confidence can also mean “trust,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. This word is very similar in meaning to the Hebrew word for “trust” in 5a. In Hebrew, the word friend means “close friend,” “partner,” “ally,” or “companion.” It indicates a stronger relationship with another person than the word “neighbor.” They know each other fairly well and are close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

not even your best friend (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
or trust your friend (Good News Translation)

7:5c

(Revised Standard Version) guard the doors of your
mouth from her who lies in your bosom: In Hebrew, the phrase guard the doors of your mouth is a figure of speech that means to be careful not to say something that will put you in danger.

In Hebrew, the word bosom refers to the part of the body between the arms. The phrase her who lies in your bosom is a way to say “your wife.” This warning indicates the most intimate kind of relationship.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t even share secrets with the one who lies in your arms! (NET Bible)
-or-
Be careful what you say even to your husband or wife. (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:15

1:15a

In this verse part, Micah talked about Mareshah, another town in Judah. The LORD will send an enemy to conquer that city also.

I will again bring a conqueror against you: In Hebrew, there are three ways to interpret the word again :

(1) It means “furthermore” or “also.” In 1:10–14, Micah said that an enemy army would attack several Jewish cities. Here in 1:15a, the LORD said that in addition to those other cities, he would also send an enemy army to conquer Mareshah. For example:

People of Mareshah: I will send someone to conquer you also.
-or-

And you too, people of Mareshah, I shall send others to take your place… (Revised English Bible)
-or-
And besides that, I will send an army to conquer you too, people of Mareshah!

(2) Some scholars think this word means “again,” or “one more time.” God will send a conqueror to Mareshah again. This implies that this is not the first time that God had sent a conqueror to Mareshah.

I will again bring a conqueror to you, inhabitants of Mareshah. (English Standard Version)

(3) Some scholars think that this word mean “yet” or “still.” God had not yet sent an army to conquer them, but he would still do it. For example:

Yet must I bring to you the conqueror (New American Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most commentaries.

Many English versions (the New International Version and Good News Translation are two examples) leave this word untranslated. If the recommended interpretation is clear in your language, you may do the same thing.

I: This pronoun refers to the LORD. Micah spoke the LORD’s words here, like he did in 1:6.

In all of the rest of 1:10–16 Micah is the speaker. Only here at 1:15a is the LORD the speaker. A literal translation of 1:15a may confuse your readers. They may think that I refers to Micah. There are several ways you can translate this:

• Translate the pronoun I literally. Your readers may need to study and think about the verse to understand that the LORD is the speaker, not Micah. Many English versions do this.

• Translate the pronoun as I and also add a footnote to indicate who the speaker is. For example:

1:15a: The Lord is the one who is speaking here.

• Translate the pronoun as I and also include a phrase such as “The LORD says,” or “This is what the LORD says” at the beginning or end of the sentence, wherever it is natural in your language. For example,

The LORD says, “You people of Mareshah, I will send enemies to conquer your town also…”

• Translate 1:15a as an indirect quote. For example:

The LORD says that he will send a conqueror against you people in Mareshah.

• Translate 1:15a as Micah’s words. For example:

People of Mareshah, the Lord will hand you over to an enemy, who is going to capture your town. (Good News Translation)
-or-
People of Mareshah, the Lord will send someone to capture your town. (Contemporary English Version)

Choose an option that is clear, natural, and appropriate in your language.

bring a conqueror against you: There are two ways to interpret the word conqueror here:

(1) It refers to an enemy army that will fight against Mareshah and conquer it. For example:

an enemy, who is going to capture your town (Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to an enemy army that will take possession of Mareshah like an heir takes possession of an inheritance. For example:

the one who takes possession (New American Standard Bible)

Most commentaries prefer interpretation (2). But it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. It is not known whether enemy soldiers or people from other countries dispossessed the people of the town. A more general translation such as conqueror allows for both interpretations.

conqueror: This word is singular. It probably refers to an enemy army. If it is clearer in your language, you can translate this word as plural. For example:

I will bring against you people who will take your land, you who live in Mareshah. (New Century Version)

you: In Hebrew, this pronoun is singular. It refers by personification to the town of Mareshah. In some languages, it may be clearer to use a plural pronoun here. Translate this pronoun in a natural way in your language.

O dweller of Mareshah: If it is more natural in your language, you can translate it as plural, as in the New Revised Standard Version (“inhabitants of Mareshah”).

In Hebrew, the phrase dweller of Mareshah is at the end of 1:15b. In some languages, it may be better to have this phrase at the beginning of the sentence. For example:

O people of Mareshah, I will bring a conqueror to capture your town. (New Living Translation (2004))

Do whatever is natural in your language.

Mareshah: Mareshah was a town in Judah. It was about seven kilometers southwest of Achzib and five kilometers south of Moresheth.

Micah used a pun here. The Hebrew word for “conqueror” (yoresh) has a similar sound to the name Mareshah. If you use footnotes in your translation, here are some suggested footnotes:

The place name Mareshah sounds like the Hebrew word for “conqueror.” (NET Bible footnote)
-or-
[Mareshah] This name sounds like the Hebrew word for a person who captures other cities and lands. (New Century Version footnote)

If you do not use footnotes and you feel it is important for your readers to understand that this is a pun, here is a way to translate this verse part so that the pun is explicit:

You people in Mareshah! ⌊The name of your town sounds like the word “conqueror.” So⌋ to you the LORD says, “I will send enemies to conquer your town also!”

1:15b

The glory of Israel will come to Adullam: During the time of Micah, Adullam was an important fortified town. It was part of Rehoboam’s defense system along with Lachish (2 Chr. 11:6–10) and was located not far from Achzib between Lachish and Moresheth-gath.

Micah is probably the speaker here. Even if the speaker is the LORD instead of Micah, it does not affect the meaning. There are two ways to interpret the meaning of the phrase The glory of Israel :

(1) It refers to the leaders of the nation. For example:

The leaders of Israel (Good News Translation)

(2) It refers to a single king. For example:

Israel’s glorious king (Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with a majority of versions and commentaries. The Hebrew word for glory is also used to mean leaders in Isaiah 5:13; 17:3–4.

glory: Micah called these leaders Israel’s glory because they were important people. The other people in the nation were proud of them. Here is another way to translate this phrase:

Israel’s respected/famous leaders

will come to Adullam: The historical context of this phase is that over 200 years earlier, when King Saul and his army were searching for David to kill him, David and his men hid in a cave near the town of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1).

Here in Micah 1:15b, Adullam is a symbol for running away and hiding from danger. Micah’s words mean that Israel’s leaders will be in danger. They will run away and hide, just like David had done long ago.

Here are some ways that you can translate the phrase will come to Adullam :

• Translate the verb will come literally. For example:

the leaders of Israel shall flee to Adullam (NET Bible)

If you do this, you may want to add a footnote to explain the meaning. For example:

Adullam is the place where David hid in a cave when he was in danger. See 1 Samuel 22:1. Micah’s words in 1:15b indicate that Israel’s leaders will hide from danger just like David did.
-or-
…This probably means that the nation’s leadership will run for their lives and, like David of old, hide from their enemy in the caves of Adullam… (NET Bible footnote)

• Translate the verb will come in a way that will help your readers understand the symbolic meaning. For example:

The leaders of Israel will go and hide in the cave at Adullam. (Good News Translation)

Here are some other ways to translate the name Adullam :

the town of Adullam
-or-
the cave at Adullam (Good News Translation)
-or-
Adullam Cave (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:16

7:16–17

In these verses, Micah was again the speaker. He prayed that the LORD would show these marvelous things both to the people of Israel and to the people of other nations. He also prayed that the people in those nations would respond by acknowledging the greatness of the LORD.

7:16a–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

16a The nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might.

16b They will put their hands over their mouths,

16c and their ears will become deaf.

In these lines, Micah prayed that the marvelous things, which the LORD would show the nations, would have strong impact on them.

Some versions translate these lines in a way that more clearly indicates a prayer. For example:

Let nations behold and be ashamed despite all their might; let them put hand to mouth; let their ears be deafened! (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

7:16a

Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might: In this line, Micah prayed that the people of the nations would feel shame as a result of seeing the power of the LORD. The phrase be ashamed, deprived of all their might implies a comparison to the might of the LORD. The nations would feel shame because the power of the LORD showed how weak they really were.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

When the nations see those miracles, they will no longer brag about their power. (New Century Version)
-or-
Nations will see this and be ashamed because of their helpless armies. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The nations will see this and be frustrated in spite of all their strength. (Good News Translation)

Nations: This phrase refers to nations other than Israel. They were nations of people who did not follow the LORD. They included Israel’s enemies.

see: In Hebrew, this word means “see” or “realize.” In this context the word probably had both meanings. The word see had a literal meaning because they would see miracles of the LORD with their own eyes. The word also had a figurative meaning because they would realize how weak they were by comparison.

7:16b

They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf: In Hebrew, it is common to refer to attitudes and emotions by mentioning parts of the body (mouths, ears) that are associated with those attitudes and emotions.

The gesture of laying a hand over a mouth and the description of deaf ears are probably two ways of indicating the emotional effect that the power of the LORD had on the nations. This would include humiliation, shock, awe, and other emotions that the nations felt.

The gesture of a person covering their mouth probably describes a literal action with symbolic meaning. However, the description of their ears being deaf was probably not meant literally.

In some languages these references to parts of the body may not have the same meaning as they do in Hebrew. If that is true in your language, here are some other ways to translate 7:16b–c:

• Make the meaning of the references to body parts more explicit. For example:

They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

In dismay they will close their mouths and cover their ears. (Good News Translation)

• Substitute different body part expressions that have the same meaning in your language. Make the meaning explicit if helpful. Include a footnote that describes the Hebrew gesture. For example:

May their livers fail and their kidneys be in dismay because of their great shame

footnote: In Hebrew: “they will lay their hands on their mouths, their ears will be deaf.”

• Translate the meaning directly. For example:

Let them be struck with shock and awe.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 6:11

6:11a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

11a
Can I excuse dishonest scales

11b or bags of false weights?

There is an ellipsis (a deliberately omitted phrase) in 6:11b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 6:11a. For example:

11b or ⌊can I excuse⌋ bags of false weights?

This verse is another rhetorical question. Its function is to express the next accusation of the LORD against the people.

Here are some ways to translate this rhetorical question:

• As one or more rhetorical questions. You may use slightly different questions, if that is more natural in your language. For example:

Can I justify wicked scales and a bag of deceptive weights? (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
How can I ignore the use of fraudulent scales? How can I close my eyes to inaccurate weights used to deceive?

• As a statement. For example:

I do not condone the use of rigged scales, or a bag of deceptive weights. (NET Bible)

Can I excuse:
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Can I justify (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Shall I acquit (English Standard Version)

dishonest scales…bags of false weights: Each phrase describes a way that a merchant cheated a customer. The phrase dishonest scales refers to measuring balances that were made to be inaccurate in a way that benefitted the merchant. The phrase bags of false weights refers to bags or pouches of inaccurate weights. They may have been lighter or heavier than the true weight. Together these measuring devices were used to deceive others.

Here are some other ways to translate these phrases:

misleading scales or a bag of fraudulent weights (Revised English Bible)
-or-
I do not condone the use of rigged scales, or a bag of deceptive weights. (NET Bible)

General Comment on 6:11a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these parallel lines. For example:

How can I tolerate your merchants who use dishonest scales and weights? (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:5

1:5a–f

This verse has six poetic lines. The first two lines give the reason for the coming judgment of the LORD that is described in 1:4a–d. In 1:5a–b, 1:5b restates the meaning of 1:5a. In 1:5c–d, the question in 1:5c repeats the person named in 1:5a, and the answer in 1:5d corresponds to the capital of the nation that bears his name. The question in 1:5e unexpectedly includes Judah as the southern part of the nation of Israel as a whole, and the answer in 1:5f corresponds to the capital of that southern part:

5a All this is for the transgression of Jacob

5b and the sins of the house of Israel.

5c What is the transgression of Jacob ?

5d Is it not Samaria ?

5e And what is the high place of Judah ?

5f Is it not Jerusalem ?

1:5a–b

There are two main ways to interpret the underlined parts, transgression and sins, and the parts in bold print, Jacob and the house of Israel :

(1) The parallel parts in these two lines refer to the same thing. The words “transgression” and “sins” refer to the same crime or offense. The names “Jacob” and “the house of Israel” refer to the same people. For example:

All this will happen because the people of Israel have sinned and rebelled against God. (Good News Translation)

(2) The parallel parts in these two lines refer to different things. The words “transgression” and “sins” seem to refer to different crimes or offenses. The name “Jacob” refers to the people of the northern kingdom, and “the house of Israel” refers to the people of the southern kingdom. For example:

All this is because of Jacob’s rebellion and the sins of the nation of Israel. (NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Many commentaries follow this interpretation. Here are some other ways to translate 1:5a–b:

5a All this is because of the crime of Jacob, 5b the sin of the House of Israel. (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-

5a And why is this happening? Because of the rebellion of Israel—5b yes, the sins of the whole nation. (New Living Translation (2004))

1:5a

transgression: In Hebrew, this word means “disobedience of a law” or “rebellion against a king or other leader.” In this verse, it refers to the fact that the Jews had transgressed (disobeyed) God’s laws. They had rebelled against the LORD. In some languages, it may be better to translate this with a verb. For example:

All this has happened because Jacob’s descendants have rebelled ⌊against the LORD⌋.

Jacob: Jacob is the name of Abraham’s grandson whom God later renamed Israel (see Genesis 35:10). The name Jacob here represents all of Jacob’s descendants, the people of Israel. It does not refer to the man Jacob himself.

Here are some ways to translate the name Jacob :

Jacob’s descendants
-or-
Israel (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people/nation of Israel

1:5b

and the sins of the house of Israel: See the note above on 1:5a–b. The word sins is a general word. It restates the more specific meaning of “rebellion” in 1:5a. In some languages, it may be better to translate 1:5b as a separate sentence. For example:

⌊Yes,⌋ the people of Israel have sinned.

the house of Israel: The word house here means “nation” or “people.” Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the Israelites
-or-
the people of Israel
-or-
the nation of Israel (New Century Version)

General Comment on 1:5a–b

The Good News Translation (quoted above) gives an example where “Jacob” and “Israel” have been combined into one term. Here is an example where “transgressions” and “sins” have been combined into one term:

This will happen because of the terrible sins of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. (Contemporary English Version)

1:5c–f

These four lines are rhetorical questions that made the audience think about the nature and cause of the rebellion of the Israelites. For Micah’s original hearers and readers, these rhetorical questions were vivid and emphatic. The four questions occur in two pairs. In each pair of questions, the second question answers the first question by asking another question that expects the answer “Yes.”

1:5c–d

What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria?: There are at least three ways to interpret the meaning of the first question:

(1) It means “What (or who) is the cause of Jacob’s transgression?” or “Who is to blame for his crime?” For example:

Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, the capital city itself! (Good News Translation)

(2) It means “What transgression did Jacob commit?” or “What did Jacob do to transgress God’s laws?” For example:

What is Jacob’s crime? Isn’t it Samaria? (God’s Word)

(3) It means “What (or where) is the place of Jacob’s transgression?” For example:

What is the place of Jacob’s sin? Isn’t it Samaria? (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It is the best way to understand the Hebrew text, and it is supported by a majority of commentaries.

Here are some other ways to translate interpretation (1):

Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, its capital city! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Samaria has led Israel to sin (Contemporary English Version)

If you decide to follow interpretation (2), here are two possible ways to translate it:

How have Jacob’s descendants rebelled? Look at the people in Samaria!
-or-
In what way have Jacob’s descendants rebelled? The people in Samaria are an example!

1:5c

What is the transgression of Jacob?: The phrase transgression of Jacob is the same phrase that Micah used in 1:5a. If possible, translate this phrase in a similar way.

1:5d

Is it not Samaria?: There are at least two ways to answer this question. These ways may not follow the unrelated interpretation choices followed for 1:5c.

• Use another rhetorical question that expects a “yes” answer. For example:

It is the people in Samaria, isn’t it?

• Use a statement. For example:

Samaria epitomizes their rebellion! (NET Bible)
-or-
It is the people who live in the city of Samaria!

Samaria: Micah used the name of this city here to refer to the people (or rulers) who lived there. Samaria was the capital city of the northern kingdom. The northern kingdom was usually called Israel. Some English versions make this information explicit. For example:

Samaria, the capital city itself ! (Good News Translation)

1:5e–f

And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem?: Before we consider the textual issue, note that the Hebrew text here uses the plural “high places.” Most English versions use the singular high place, because the second question specifies Jerusalem.

There is a textual issue with the first question:

(1) The Masoretic Text (MT) uses the Hebrew word translated as “high places.” For example:

What is Judah’s high place? (New International Version)

(2) The LXX (Septuagint) uses the Greek word “sin.” For example:

And what is the sin of the house of Judah? (Revised Standard Version)

(New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow the first option along with most versions and commentaries.

1:5e

And what is the high place of Judah?: There are at least two ways to interpret this rhetorical question. They correspond to the first and third choices in 1:5c–d.

(1) It means “Who is responsible for the high places in Judah?” This question can be sub-divided into two related questions: “Who worships idols at the high places?” and “Who/What causes the people to worship idols at the high places?” For example:

Who is guilty of idolatry in Judah? (Good News Translation)
-or-
…pagan altars at Jerusalem have made Judah sin (Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means “Where…” or “In what place are the high places of Judah?”

What is Judah’s place of idol worship? (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation. It is the best way to understand the Hebrew text. It also corresponds better with the recommended interpretation for 1:5c.

If you decide to follow interpretation (2), here are two possible ways to translate it:

And what are the shrines of Judah but Jerusalem? (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
What is Judah’s worship place? Isn’t it Jerusalem? (God’s Word)

high place: In 1:3b, Micah used the phrase “high places of the earth” to refer to the tops of hills and mountains. But here in 1:5e, Micah used high place to refer to a place where people worshiped idols. Here are some other ways to translate the Hebrew word for high place :

center of idolatry (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
pagan worship centers (NET Bible)

Judah: The name Judah refers to the southern kingdom. Here are some other ways to translate this name here:

the nation/people of Judah

1:5f

Is it not Jerusalem?: Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah. Here are some ways to translate this rhetorical question:

• Use a rhetorical question, as in the Berean Standard Bible. Supply other details, including the expected answer. For example:

Is it not the people of Jerusalem? Yes, it is!

• Use an exclamation. For example:

Jerusalem itself! (Good News Translation)

• Use a complete statement, with or without an exclamation mark. For example:

It is the people of Jerusalem, the capital city!

General Comment on 1:5c–f

In 1:5c–f, Micah used four rhetorical questions to convey his message vividly and forcefully. Here are some ways to translate these questions in your language:

• Translate all four questions as questions. Most literal English versions do this.

• Translate the first and third questions as questions, and the second and fourth questions as statements. For example:

5c Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? 5d Samaria, its capital city! 5e Where is the center of idolatry in Judah? 5f In Jerusalem, its capital! (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

5c How have the people of Jacob rebelled against God, you ask? 5d Those in the city of Samaria are the worst rebels! 5e Where are Judah’s pagan worship centers, you ask? 5f Right in Jerusalem! (based on NET Bible)

• Translate all four questions as statements. For example:

5c–d Samaria has led Israel to sin, 5e–f and pagan altars at Jerusalem have made Judah sin. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-

5c–d The people in the city of Samaria led the people of Israel to rebel ⌊against God⌋. 5e–f And the people of Judah worship idols/gods at altars in Jerusalem itself.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:6

7:6a–d

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

6a
For a son dishonors his father,

6b
a daughter rises against her mother,

6c
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

6d
A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.

In this verse Micah gave the reason for his warnings to the people in 7:5 not to trust even the people close to them. It was because members of their own households were their enemies.

Micah gives three examples. In each example he describes a relationship between a member of a family to another member. In each relationship the younger member behaves in a way that dishonors and opposes the authority of an older family member. Each was an example of a serious offense in that society.

The examples use singular forms: “son,” “daughter,” “daughter-in-law,” etc. However, each phrase represents a large group of people: “sons,” “daughters,” “daughters-in-law,” etc. In some languages it will be more natural to use plural forms. For example:

Sons refuse to respect their own fathers, daughters rebel against their own mothers, daughters-in-law despise their mothers-in-law. (Contemporary English Version)

7:6a

For: This word introduces a reason for Micah’s warnings in 7:5. See the previous note for more explanation.

Some versions indicate the connection of this verse to the previous ones in a different way. For example, the Good News Translation refers back to the time period that is described in 7:1–5:

In these times sons treat their fathers like fools (Good News Translation)

Some other versions do not have an explicit connecting word or phrase. Instead they leave the connection implied. For example:

A son treats his father with contempt (God’s Word)

a son dishonors his father: In Hebrew, the word dishonors is related to the word for “fool.” In this clause the word means that the son insults and/or dishonors his father by treating him like a fool.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

A son will not honor his father (New Century Version)
-or-
For son insults father (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
For a son thinks his father is a fool (NET Bible)

7:6b

a daughter rises against her mother: In Hebrew, the phrase rises against is an expression that means “to rebel and be defiant.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

A daughter will turn against her mother (New Century Version)
-or-
daughter rebels against mother (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
a daughter challenges her mother (NET Bible)
-or-
The daughter defies her mother (New Living Translation (2004))

7:6c

and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: There is an ellipsis (a deliberately omitted phrase) in this verse part. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 7:6b. For example:

6c and a daughter-in-law ⌊rises⌋ against her mother-in-law

The description of the expression “rises against” in 7:6b applies to this verse part also.

In that society a daughter-in-law normally joined her husband’s family. The daughter-in-law was expected to respect the authority of her mother-in-law. Here she did not show that respect.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

and a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law (New Century Version)
-or-
The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
a daughter-in-law rebels against her mother-in-law (God’s Word)

7:6d

A man’s enemies are the members of his own household: There are three main interpretations of the referent of the phrase members of his own household :

(1) The phrase refers to family members. For example:

People’s enemies are the members of their own families. (God’s Word)

(Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, God’s Word, New Century Version)

(2) The phrase refers to all the males in a household. For example:

A man’s enemies are the men of his own household (New American Standard Bible)

(King James Version, New American Standard Bible)

(3) The phrase refers to the servants in a household. For example:

a man’s enemies are his own servants (NET Bible)

(NET Bible)

Some versions are ambiguous. They translate the word household literally which leaves implied the referents of the word. However, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It best fits the context of the three relationships described in this verse.

This line is probably a summary statement that refers to the relationships described in 7:6a–c.

enemies: This word refers to people hostile towards others, “foe.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

a person’s enemies will be members of his own family (New Century Version)
-or-
Your family is now your enemy (Contemporary English Version)

General Comment on 7:5–6

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the verses. For example, in reverse order 7:6 describes the situation first and 7:5 then gives advice on how to respond to the situation.

7:6 Sons disrespect their fathers, daughters rebel against their mothers, and daughters-in-law defy their mothers-in-law. Your enemies are in your own house! 7:5 So don’t trust anyone, not your friends and not even your own wife!

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:16

1:16

In this verse, Micah addressed the people of Judah. The Good News Translation makes this explicit by starting the verse with the words “People of Judah…”

This verse has two pairs of parallel lines that are similar in meaning. The first line is parallel to the third line. The second line is parallel to the fourth line:

16a
Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair

16b
in mourning for your precious children,

16c
make yourselves as bald as an eagle,

16d
for they will go from you into exile.

In some languages, this kind of parallelism may cause confusion. If that is true in your language, it may be possible to combine the similar verse parts. For example:

16a,c People of Judah, shave your head as bald as a buzzard and start mourning. 16b,d Your children whom you love will be dragged off to a foreign country. (similar to Contemporary English Version)

1:16a-c

Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning…make yourselves as bald as an eagle: Here Micah talked about a symbolic action. One way that the Jews mourned when they were very sad was to cut off some of the hair on their heads.

The Berean Standard Bible and many other English versions make explicit the meaning of the action by using the words “in mourning” or “ in sorrow” or something similar, usually in 1:16a. For example:

Division 6:1–7:20

Third Message: The LORD accuses and comforts Israel

See Overall structure of the book in the Introduction for more details about the three divisions.

Section 6:1–8

The LORD brought a lawsuit against his people

In this section, the LORD (speaking through Micah) conducted a lawsuit or a court trial against the people of Israel. The LORD accused the people of Israel of failing to keep his requirements. Some scholars refer to this accusation as a “covenant lawsuit” because his requirements were based on his covenant with Israel. Scholars point out, however, that this lawsuit was not conventional in some ways. For example, there was no judge, the witnesses were silent, and there was no pronouncement of punishment.

Here are some other examples of section headings:

The Lord ’s case against Israel (New International Version)
-or-
God Challenges Israel (New Revised Standard Version)

Paragraph 6:1–2

The lawsuit/trial began with these verses. Micah called on the people to hear the LORD’s case against them and called on the mountains/hills to be witnesses.

6:1a

Hear now what the LORD says: This command to hear/listen starts a new prophecy/oracle in which Micah introduced the LORD’s lawsuit.

Hear: The word Hear is plural. Micah was speaking to the people of Israel. In some languages, it may be more natural to make the addressee explicit. For example:

Listen to what the LORD says to his people

In Hebrew, the word Hear is followed by a particle that indicates emphasis or insistence. Many versions leave this particle implied. Some English versions translate it as “now.” For example:

Now listen to what Yahweh says: (New Jerusalem Bible)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

what the LORD says: This phrase refers to the charge/case that the LORD will present. Some versions make this meaning explicit. For example:

Listen to the Lord ’s case against Israel. (Good News Translation)

6:1b–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The New International Version (2011) has been used as the source line for 6:1b, because it follows the recommended interpretation:

1b (New International Version (2011)) “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains ;

1c and let the hills hear your voice.

These lines are more literally “Arise conduct a case with the mountains and let hear the hills your voice.” The literal Hebrew commands in 6:1b do not have an explicit pronoun such as “my” or “your.” Most versions supply one of these pronouns in 6:1b to make their interpretation clearer.

There are three main interpretations of the identity of the participants in these parallel commands:

(1) The LORD commanded Micah to rise and conduct the LORD’s case against the people of Israel. The mountains and hills were to hear Micah’s voice. For example:

Come, present [My] case before the mountains, and let the hills hear you pleading (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

(New International Version (2011), Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

(2) The LORD commanded Israel to rise and conduct Israel’s case against him. The mountains and hills were to hear Israel’s voice. For example:

Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. (New Living Translation (2004))

(3) Micah told the LORD to rise and conduct the LORD’s case against the people of Israel. The mountains and hills were to hear the LORD’s voice. For example:

Arise, O Lord, and present your case; let the mountains and the hills hear what you say. (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation)

Some versions that translate 6:1b with “your case” are ambiguous. In these versions, the referent of “your” could be either Israel or the LORD.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with the majority of commentaries.

the mountains…the hills: In 6:1–8, the mountains and the hills are parallel figures of speech (personification). Here they represented witnesses at a trial in a court of law. They were fitting witnesses because they were present throughout all of Israel’s history. Thus, they had figuratively seen everything good that the LORD has done for Israel as well as the people’s acts of disloyalty.

Here are some ways to translate this figure of speech:

• Keep the personification. This is the best option if the figure is natural in your language and people will understand the meaning correctly. For example:

Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. (New International Version)

• Change the personification to a simile. Consider making the similarity of the mountains and hills to witnesses explicit. For example:

Arise and state my case. Speak as if the mountains and hills can hear you like witnesses in the trial.

6:1b

(New International Version (2011)) Stand up: This command often functions as a call to action. In the context of a legal case the gesture signifies the start of the court session.

(New International Version (2011)) plead my case: This phrase means “to fight with words,” as in a quarrel or a legal case. Here it refers to a legal case or lawsuit.

6:1c

and let the hills hear your voice: In this clause, the phrase let the hills hear does not mean to allow or give permission to hear. It means that the LORD wanted the hills to hear his case against Israel. The words your voice refer to the voice of Micah as he presented the LORD’s case.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Present my case before the hills
-or-
and also before the hills

General Comment on 6:1b–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder these parallel statements. For example:

Rise and plead my case before the mountains and hills.

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 2023

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:15

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:16

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 6:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 1:16

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