MIC front intro hp4d 0 # Introduction to Micah<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of Micah<br><br>1. God promises to punish the northern and southern kingdoms (1:1–16)<br>1. Those who take advantage of others are guilty (2:1-3:12)<br>- Rich people who oppress poor people (2:1–11)<br>- Promise to be delivered and restored (2:12–13)<br>- Rulers, priests, and prophets condemned (3:1–12)<br>1. Yahweh's victory for all Israel (4:1-5:15)<br>- Yahweh will rule over all the nations (4:1–10)<br>- Israel will be destroyed, then will be victorious over its enemies (4:11–13)<br>- Messiah will shepherd his flock and devastate the nations who fought against him (5:1–6)<br>- Messiah will destroy everything that harmed his people (5:7–15)<br>1. Yahweh's case against Israel (6:1-16)<br>- Yahweh reminds Israel when he led them out of slavery in Egypt (6:1–5)<br>- Israel punished; true repentance (6:6–16)<br>1. Israel miserable and Israel restored (7:1-20)<br>- Israel broken and miserable (7:1–7)<br>- Israel will rise again (7:8–13)<br>- Yahweh restores and gives grace (7:14–20)<br><br>#### What is the Book of Micah about?<br><br>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.<br><br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>#### Who wrote Micah?<br><br>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.<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### Who is the deliverer Micah mentions?<br><br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/deliverer]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])<br><br>#### Were the Israelites required to offer sacrifices or live holy lives to please Yahweh?<br><br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### Why does Micah 1:10-16 sound unusual?<br><br>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.<br><br>#### What does a translator
MIC 01 intro e47z 0 # Micah 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>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.<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### City Names<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
MIC 01 01 bv15 figs-parallelism 0 General Information: God speaks through Micah to the people of Israel using poetry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
MIC 01 01 c3k1 figs-idiom 0 the word of Yahweh that came This idiom is used to explain that a God gave a message to someone. Alternate translation: "the message that Yahweh spoke" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 01 01 ar46 0 Yahweh 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.
MIC 01 01 c9rj translate-names 0 the Morashtite This means he is from Moresheth which is a town in Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 01 01 ts92 0 in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah "when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah"
MIC 01 01 d1fd 0 which he saw "which he heard in a vision"
MIC 01 02 ya6p 0 General Information: Micah 1:2-7 is about God's judgment on Samaria.
MIC 01 02 x9l2 figs-apostrophe 0 Listen, all you peoples. Listen, earth, and all that is in you 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 01 03 i37k figs-metaphor 0 he will come down and tread on the high places of the earth Micah speaks as if Yahweh were a mighty soldier coming down from heaven and beginning to march on top of the mountains. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 03 gq79 0 he will ... tread "he will ... march"
MIC 01 03 c6u6 0 the high places of the earth "the high mountains"
MIC 01 04 dgb2 figs-metaphor 0 The mountains will melt under him; the valleys will break apart, like wax before fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 05 rgh7 figs-metonymy 0 because of the sins of the house of Israel 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 01 05 a7g1 0 All this is "The Lord will come and judge"
MIC 01 05 efa8 figs-metonymy 0 What is Jacob's transgression? The name "Jacob" is a metonym for those of his descendants who live in the northern kingdom of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 01 05 t7bt figs-metonymy 0 Is it not Samaria? 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. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that it is Samaria." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 01 05 rj3v figs-synecdoche 0 What is Judah's high place? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 01 05 rjt6 figs-metonymy 0 Is it not Jerusalem? 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. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that it is Jerusalem." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 01 06 m3rh 0 I will make Here "I" refers to Yahweh.
MIC 01 06 wu3l figs-metaphor 0 Samaria ... her stones ... her foundations 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 06 mrm3 0 I will pour her stones Here "her" refers to the city of Samaria.
MIC 01 07 eu6l figs-metaphor 0 her carved figures ... her gifts that she received ... her idols 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 07 n921 figs-activepassive 0 All her carved figures will be broken to pieces This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will break all her carved figures to pieces" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 01 07 a2ef figs-activepassive 0 all her gifts ... will be burned with fire This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will burn with fire all the gifts that she received" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 01 07 nci4 0 she received "people gave her"
MIC 01 07 syr2 figs-metaphor 0 Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, they will become the wages of prostitutes again 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 01 08 y14v 0 General Information: Micah 1:8-16 is about God's judgment on Judah.
MIC 01 08 agj7 0 I will lament Here "I" refers to Micah.
MIC 01 08 evd3 0 I will lament and wail "Lament" refers to the inner feeling of sadness, and "wail" refers to the activity of making a loud, sad sound.
MIC 01 08 sl7i 0 I will go barefoot and naked 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"
MIC 01 08 ly5n 0 naked probably wearing only a loincloth
MIC 01 08 y5zc figs-simile 0 like the jackals ... like owls Jackals and owls live in wastelands, and their loud cries sound like people wailing or weeping. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 01 09 v3yc figs-metaphor 0 For her wound is incurable Here "her" refers to the city of Samaria. This means nothing can stop the enemy army from destroying the people who live there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 09 j8a2 figs-metaphor 0 for it has come to Judah 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 10 ty72 translate-names 0 Beth Leaphrah You may want to make a footnote saying, "The name of this city means 'house of dust.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 01 10 zki3 translate-symaction 0 I roll myself in the dust 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
MIC 01 11 fc7v 0 General Information: 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.
MIC 01 11 n7tt translate-names 0 Shaphir The name of this city sounds like one meaning "beautiful." It contrasts with "nakedness and shame." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 01 11 aq1u figs-idiom 0 in nakedness and shame This idiom makes explicit that the people will be totally naked. Alternate translation: "totally naked and ashamed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 01 11 r6st 0 Zaanan The name of this city means "go out." They are too afraid to go out and help.
MIC 01 11 m77i 0 Beth Ezel The name of this city means "house of taking away."
MIC 01 11 ad97 figs-activepassive 0 for their protection is taken away This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for I have taken away everything that might protect them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 01 12 c45f 0 Maroth The name of this city means "bitterness."
MIC 01 12 wuv4 figs-abstractnouns 0 disaster has come down from Yahweh The abstract noun "disaster" is spoken of here as a solid object rolling down a hill. It can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused bad things to happen" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 13 qn9h translate-names 0 Lachish 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 01 13 t76u figs-metonymy 0 the daughter of Zion 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 01 13 b2dc figs-activepassive 0 for the transgressions of Israel were found in you This idiom can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for you disobeyed like the people of Israel did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 01 14 yl23 translate-names 0 Moresheth Gath 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 01 14 k4w1 0 Akzib You may want to add a footnote saying "The name of this town sounds almost the same as the Hebrew expression for 'deceitful thing.'"
MIC 01 15 xs9b 0 I will again bring Here "I" refers to Yahweh.
MIC 01 15 vu14 translate-names 0 Mareshah You may want to make a footnote saying, "The name of this village sounds like the Hebrew word for 'conqueror.'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 01 15 wh3u translate-names 0 Adullam This is the name of a royal city in Philistia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 01 16 i5ub translate-symaction 0 Shave your head and cut off your hair Israelites who were mourning would shave bald spots on their heads. Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
MIC 01 16 nb8x 0 eagles This word can also be translated "vultures."
MIC 02 intro jy29 0 # Micah 02 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter continues using poetic forms in communicating that people who take advantage of others are guilty of sin and injustice. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br>##### Context<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
MIC 02 01 c11k 0 General Information: Micah speaks against the leaders in Israel who are taking advantage of the poor and not following God's commands.
MIC 02 02 r4qb 0 They oppress a man "They oppress any man they choose to oppress." This is a generalization. Micah is not speaking of one individual man here.
MIC 02 03 r7sk 0 Look "Listen carefully" or "Pay attention"
MIC 02 03 e8pn 0 disaster See how you translated this in [Micah 1:12](../01/12.md).
MIC 02 03 zi71 0 this clan 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.
MIC 02 03 k4i7 figs-metaphor 0 from which you will not remove your necks 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 02 04 t7xt 0 sing a song about you "sing a song to make fun of you"
MIC 02 04 ymz1 figs-irony 0 lament with a wailing lamentation "they will cry loudly." They are pretending to mourn, as if those they love have died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 02 04 frk2 figs-irony 0 We Israelites ... to traitors This is the song that the enemies will sing to make fun of the Israelites and laugh as the Israelites suffer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 02 04 hz57 figs-rquestion 0 How can he remove it from me? 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. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "How wrong he is to take it from me!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 02 05 rnf9 0 Therefore, you rich people will have no descendants to divide up the territory by lot in the assembly of Yahweh Possible meanings are 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.
MIC 02 06 eli9 0 General Information: Micah speaks to false prophets, as well as to the rich who have abused their power.
MIC 02 06 a888 figs-you 0 Do not prophesy The speakers are speaking to Micah and to others, so this is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 02 06 iph5 0 they say "the people of Israel say"
MIC 02 06 nl1s 0 They must not prophesy "The prophets must not prophesy"
MIC 02 06 dqe6 figs-metaphor 0 reproaches must not come 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 02 07 d2pm figs-rquestion 0 Should it really be said ... "Is the Spirit ... his deeds?" Micah is scolding the Israelites by using this question. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you do not need to ask ... 'Is the Spirit ... his deeds?'" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 02 07 cd55 figs-metonymy 0 house of Jacob 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 02 07 hr6w figs-rquestion 0 said ... "Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry? Are these really his deeds?" Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 02 07 dhy6 figs-rquestion 0 Do not my words do good to anyone who walks uprightly? Micah uses a question to teach the people. It can bee translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "My message does good to those who walk uprightly." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 02 08 nby2 0 my people This refers to either 1) Micah's people or 2) Yahweh's people.
MIC 02 08 h252 figs-metaphor 0 You strip the robe, the garment, from those who pass by unsuspectingly Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 02 09 h3sh 0 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to the wicked rich people in Israel.
MIC 02 09 vit8 0 you take my blessing from their young children forever This refers, in general, to blessings God has given to his people. It might 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.
MIC 02 09 sez8 0 my blessing Micah speaks as if he were Yahweh.
MIC 02 10 x485 figs-activepassive 0 it is destroyed with complete destruction This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will completely destroy it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 02 11 fn9u figs-you 0 comes to you ... will prophesy to you Micah is speaking to the people of Judah, so both instances of "you" are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 02 11 mwp4 figs-you 0 he would be considered This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people would consider him" or "you would consider him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 02 12 xls8 0 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking. At the end of this chapter, Yahweh shows himself to be a shepherd who protects his people. He may especially be addressing those in Jerusalem who have returned from Assyria.
MIC 02 12 l2ie figs-you 0 all of you, Jacob Micah is speaking to some of the descendants of Jacob, so the word "you" is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 02 13 wz2q 0 Someone who breaks open their way ... Yahweh will be at their head. This is a picture of a king leading his people out of an enclosed city.
MIC 03 intro wy5w 0 # Micah 03 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br>##### Justice<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
MIC 03 01 lg8w 0 General Information: Chapter 3 focuses on the corrupt leaders in Israel.
MIC 03 01 bi75 0 I said Here "I" refers to Micah.
MIC 03 01 cd9l figs-rquestion 0 Is it not right for you to understand justice? Micah is scolding the leaders. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You act as though you think it is wrong for you to understand justice." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 03 02 ep25 figs-nominaladj 0 hate good and love evil These nominal adjectives can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "hate everything that is good and love everything that is evil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
MIC 03 02 y42g figs-metaphor 0 you who tear off their skin, their flesh from their bones A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 03 vs7q figs-metaphor 0 just like meat in a cauldron A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 04 x843 0 General Information: Micah continues speaking.
MIC 03 04 pu9j 0 cry out to Yahweh "shout to Yahweh for help"
MIC 03 04 uuv7 0 he will not answer you "he will not do what you ask him to do"
MIC 03 04 ru8j figs-metaphor 0 He will hide his face from you 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 05 q1tf 0 General Information: Micah continues to speak judgment against false prophets.
MIC 03 05 wvm2 figs-metaphor 0 who lead my people astray 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 05 uud3 figs-metaphor 0 if one gives them something to eat, they proclaim, 'Peace.' 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 03 05 jn8z figs-metaphor 0 if he puts nothing in their mouths, they dedicate themselves to wage war on him 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 03 06 v4xh figs-metaphor 0 it will be night for you ... the day will be dark on them Darkness is a metaphor for Yahweh not speaking to the prophets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 06 r42r 0 no vision for you "you will no longer see visions"
MIC 03 07 xh15 figs-activepassive 0 The seers will be put to shame, and the diviners will be confused This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will cause the seers to be ashamed, and I will confuse the diviners" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 03 07 pe2m figs-metonymy 0 All of them will cover their lips Here "lips" represents speaking. Alternate translation: "They shall no longer speak" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 03 07 s6nk 0 there is no answer from me "I will be silent"
MIC 03 08 ku3z 0 But as for me Here "me" refers to Micah, a true prophet, setting himself apart from the false prophets.
MIC 03 08 qw2h figs-metaphor 0 I am full of power by the Spirit of Yahweh, and am full of justice and might 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 08 h3w3 figs-metonymy 0 to declare to Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 03 09 ral1 figs-metonymy 0 house of Jacob 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 03 09 rm8t figs-metonymy 0 the house of Israel 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 03 09 ujn2 0 detest strongly dislike
MIC 03 10 ca1v figs-metaphor 0 You build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity "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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 03 11 yn4t figs-rquestion 0 Is not Yahweh with us? The leaders strongly believe that Yahweh is with them. This can be translated 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 03 11 aeh5 0 evil See how you translated "disaster" in [Micah 1:12](../01/12.md).
MIC 03 12 r9xr 0 because of you Here "you" refers to the priests, prophets, and leaders ([Micah 3:11](../03/11.md)).
MIC 03 12 aqg2 figs-metaphor 0 Zion will become a plowed field ... and the hill of the temple will become a thicket "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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 03 12 k2is 0 a plowed field "a field that a farmer has plowed"
MIC 03 12 m86y 0 a thicket a place where many small woody plants grow
MIC 04 intro pzv8 0 # Micah 04 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter continues the poetic form to communicate that God will one day restore Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/restore]])<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Remanant<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]])<br>
MIC 04 01 rn5h figs-metaphor 0 the mountain ... other mountains 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 01 a15l figs-activepassive 0 the mountain of Yahweh's house will be established 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 04 01 pbd3 0 over the other mountains 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.
MIC 04 01 ttd5 figs-activepassive 0 It will be exalted above the hills 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 04 01 w891 figs-metaphor 0 peoples will stream to it 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 02 gve4 figs-metonymy 0 Many nations The word "nations" is a metonym for the people of the nations. Alternate translation: "The people from many nations" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 04 02 tm7v figs-you 0 Come This is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 04 02 hju4 figs-metaphor 0 He will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths Here "his ways" and "his paths" refer to what God wants the people to do. "Walk" means they will obey what he says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 02 wix6 figs-metaphor 0 from Zion the law will go out, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 02 uuk9 figs-ellipsis 0 and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
MIC 04 03 b5yy 0 plowshares a blade that people use to dig into soil so they can plant seeds
MIC 04 03 l4ud 0 pruning hooks a metal tool that people use to cut off branches or stems from plants
MIC 04 03 vin5 0 will not lift up sword will not threaten to start a war
MIC 04 04 sv2r 0 General Information: Micah continues describing the "last days" when people learn and obey Yahweh's law.
MIC 04 04 h22j figs-explicit 0 they will sit every person under his vine and under his fig tree 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 04 04 j4rc figs-synecdoche 0 for the mouth of Yahweh of hosts has spoken The mouth is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh of hosts has spoken" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 04 05 iek8 figs-metaphor 0 the peoples walk ... in the name of their god ... we will walk in the name of Yahweh 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 06 c9uu figs-synecdoche 0 the lame This refers to those who cannot walk well. Being lame is a synecdoche for having any form of disability. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 04 06 ri25 0 gather the outcast "gather those whom I drove out of Jerusalem"
MIC 04 07 b2he figs-activepassive 0 the ones driven away into a strong nation 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
MIC 04 08 c64g figs-apostrophe 0 As for you, watchtower for the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion—to you it will come, your former dominion 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 04 08 y9gn figs-metaphor 0 watchtower for the flock 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 08 p2dj figs-metaphor 0 daughter of Zion ... daughter of Jerusalem 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 04 08 tc2d 0 hill Some modern versions understand this Hebrew word to mean "fortress" or "stronghold" here.
MIC 04 08 ccs1 figs-abstractnouns 0 to you it will come, your former dominion The abstract noun "dominion" can be translated as a verb. 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 04 09 g6px figs-rquestion 0 Now, why do you shout so loudly? Micah is mocking the people, trying to make them think about why God is dealing with them in this way. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look at how you are shouting loudly." or "Think carefully about why you are shouting loudly." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 04 09 b1zk figs-rquestion 0 Is there no king among you? Has your counselor died? Is this why pain grips you like that of a woman in labor? Micah continues to mock the people. These questions can be translated 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 04 10 qn9l figs-simile 0 Be in pain ... like a woman in labor 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 04 10 rci7 figs-activepassive 0 There you will be rescued. There Yahweh will rescue you 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 04 10 nv5c figs-metonymy 0 the hand of your enemies Possible meanings for the word "hand" are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 04 11 b5e1 0 General Information: Jerusalem will defeat her enemies.
MIC 04 11 xj2l figs-activepassive 0 Let her be defiled This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let us defile her" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 04 11 l329 figs-synecdoche 0 let our eyes gloat over Zion 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 04 12 j472 figs-simile 0 for he has gathered them like bundles of grain prepared for the threshing floor 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 04 13 bj1p 0 General Information: Yahweh presents the imagery of the threshing floor ([Micah 4:12](../04/12.md)).
MIC 04 13 mm6h figs-you 0 Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion ... your horn ... your hooves ... You will crush All instances of "your" and "you," as well as the commands, refer to the "daughter of Zion" and so are singular and feminine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 04 13 m3uk figs-metaphor 0 Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn to be iron, and I will make your hooves to be bronze Yahweh speaks of the people of Zion as if they were strong oxen about to thresh wheat and their enemies were the wheat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
MIC 04 13 tq8x figs-metaphor 0 I will make your horn to be iron, and I will make your hooves to be bronze 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
MIC 04 13 igd2 0 their unjust wealth "the wealth they got by acting unjustly" or "the things they stole from other people"
MIC 04 13 c3rt figs-abstractnouns 0 their wealth The abstract noun "wealth" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the things that they own" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 05 intro y1t7 0 # Micah 05 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Messiah<br>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](../../mic/05/02.md), [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Change in Personal Pronouns<br>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."<br>
MIC 05 01 f536 figs-metaphor 0 daughter of soldiers 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 05 01 yp7t figs-metonymy 0 With a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 05 01 hz1y figs-irony 0 the judge of Israel This irony describes the king as having lost so much of his power and authority that he is really only a judge. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
MIC 05 02 e2u4 figs-apostrophe 0 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 05 02 kc5p translate-names 0 Ephrathah 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 05 02 q7k4 0 even though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come "even though other clans in Judah have more people in them, it is one of your people who will come"
MIC 05 02 ha3j 0 will come to me Here "me" refers to Yahweh.
MIC 05 02 rws4 figs-doublet 0 whose beginning is from ancient times, from everlasting 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
MIC 05 03 zg3h 0 Therefore "Because what I have just said is true" or "Because this ruler will come later"
MIC 05 03 xd41 0 will give them up will abandon the people of Israel
MIC 05 03 nu1x 0 until the time when she who is in labor bears a child This refers to the time when the ruler is born, a limited time.
MIC 05 03 du1l 0 the rest of his brothers "the rest of the ruler's fellow Israelites," who are in exile
MIC 05 04 w1e9 0 General Information: These verses continue describing the ruler from Bethlehem.
MIC 05 04 miw4 figs-metaphor 0 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of Yahweh 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 05 04 apx2 figs-metonymy 0 in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 05 04 kkz1 0 They will remain the people of Israel will remain
MIC 05 04 yry5 0 remain "live in safety"
MIC 05 04 jkd7 0 he will be great to the ends of the earth All people from every nation will give honor to Israel's ruler.
MIC 05 05 m8sd figs-metaphor 0 seven shepherds and eight leaders over men 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 05 06 t2fh figs-metaphor 0 They will shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its entrances 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 05 06 upk5 figs-ellipsis 0 and the land of Nimrod 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
MIC 05 06 p1ya translate-names 0 land of Nimrod 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 05 06 cj7q 0 He will rescue The ruler will rescue
MIC 05 07 rd4s figs-simile 0 like dew from Yahweh, like showers on the grass 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 05 07 qz8i 0 grass, that do not wait for a man, and they do not wait for the children "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.
MIC 05 08 ty4b 0 General Information: Yahweh promises that the Israelites who are alive after Yahweh has punished his people with war will completely defeat and rule over their enemies.
MIC 05 08 pc96 0 remnant of Jacob descendants of Jacob who survive the war
MIC 05 08 bv7a figs-doublet 0 among the nations, among many peoples These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the "remnant of Jacob" will live in many different nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
MIC 05 08 rch5 figs-simile 0 like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 05 08 fsg4 0 When he goes through them when the young lion goes through the flocks of sheep
MIC 05 08 l3ju 0 will trample over them and tear "will jump on them so they fall down, and then he will tear"
MIC 05 09 qjw5 figs-you 0 Your hand ... your enemies The writer is speaking to Yahweh, so both instances of "your" are masculine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 09 g937 figs-metonymy 0 Your hand will be lifted against your enemies 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 05 09 a5bh figs-synecdoche 0 it will destroy them The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "you will destroy them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 05 10 yvv1 figs-explicit 0 I will destroy your horses from among you and will demolish your chariots 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 05 10 t7yg figs-you 0 your horses ... among you ... your chariots Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 11 p7xv figs-you 0 your land ... your strongholds Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 12 j7fb 0 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.
MIC 05 12 w5rn figs-metonymy 0 the witchcraft in your hand Being in the "hand" represents the actions that the person does. Alternate translation: "the witchcraft that you do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 05 12 b4vf figs-you 0 your hand ... you will Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 13 udr6 figs-you 0 your carved ... your stone ... among you. You will ... your hands Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 13 s47c figs-abstractnouns 0 the workmanship of your hands The abstract noun "workmanship" can be translated using the verb "make." Alternate translation: "what your hands have made" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 05 14 dd8m figs-you 0 your Asherah ... among you ... your cities Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 05 14 p6df figs-metaphor 0 will uproot your Asherah poles 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 intro k235 0 # Micah 06 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter is written as a court case or lawsuit by Yahweh against His people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Names in Lawsuit<br>Moses, Aaron and Miriam are mentioned as witnesses for Yahweh and against Israel.<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br>
MIC 06 01 wer4 figs-apostrophe 0 Now listen 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 06 01 sz7c figs-you 0 Arise ... state Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so the commands and the word "your" are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 06 01 zxw4 figs-personification 0 Arise and state your case before the mountains; let the hills hear your voice 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
MIC 06 02 vyc6 figs-apostrophe 0 Listen to Yahweh's lawsuit 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 06 02 pbw6 figs-personification 0 you mountains ... you enduring foundations of the earth 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
MIC 06 03 if48 0 General Information: This continues Yahweh's lawsuit against the people of Israel ([Micah 6:1-2](./01.md)).
MIC 06 03 smg8 figs-rquestion 0 My people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Testify against me! 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 06 03 h6ec figs-you 0 to you ... wearied you? Testify Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 06 04 y7re figs-you 0 brought you ... rescued you ... Miriam to you Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 06 04 s8wt figs-metaphor 0 house of bondage A house is a metaphor for a place in which one lives for a long time. The abstract noun "bondage" can be translated as "to be slaves." Alternate translation: "the place where you were slaves for a long time" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 05 q1ew figs-you 0 remember ... you went ... you may know Yahweh speaks to the people as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and all the commands are masculine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 06 05 ddx5 0 what Balak ... devised "the plans Balak ... made to harm you
MIC 06 05 q2uj figs-explicit 0 how Balaam ... answered him Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 06 05 mpf3 translate-names 0 Beor This is the name of Balaam's father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 06 05 rmf6 0 Shittim This is the name of a place in Moab.
MIC 06 05 w4n8 figs-123person 0 so you may know the righteous acts of Yahweh 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
MIC 06 06 n2hi figs-rquestion 0 What should I bring to Yahweh ... God? Should I come ... old? Micah speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 06 07 yc7f figs-rquestion 0 Will Yahweh be pleased ... oil? Should I give ... sin? Micah continues to speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. Possible meanings are 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 06 07 mxx1 figs-rquestion 0 thousands of rams ... ten thousand rivers of oil "rams in groups of 1,000 ... 10,000 rivers of oil" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
MIC 06 08 y8pq 0 He has told you "Yahweh has told you"
MIC 06 08 xd8t 0 good, and what Yahweh requires from you: Act ... God 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?"
MIC 06 08 qii1 figs-abstractnouns 0 love kindness The abstract noun "kindness" can be translated using the adjective "kind." Alternate translation: "love being kind to people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 06 09 jf56 figs-metonymy 0 even now wisdom acknowledges your name 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
MIC 06 09 mll1 figs-metaphor 0 Pay attention to the rod, and to the one who has put it in place Here "rod" refers to the enemy army with which Yahweh, who "has put it in place," will discipline his people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 10 va73 figs-metonymy 0 There is wealth in the houses of the wicked that is dishonest 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 06 10 s6dk 0 false measures incorrect weights that people use with scales to increase their wealth by deceiving those with whom they trade
MIC 06 11 j82a figs-rquestion 0 Should I consider a person to be innocent ... weights? This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I certainly will not consider a person innocent ... weights." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 06 11 h4pk 0 deceptive weights weights with which sellers deceive buyers
MIC 06 12 ig8k figs-metaphor 0 The rich men are full of violence 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 12 j5fx figs-synecdoche 0 their tongue in their mouth is deceitful The tongue is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "Everything they say is a lie" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 06 13 c1sc figs-metaphor 0 I will strike you with a terrible blow Yahweh striking his people with blows is a metaphor for him punishing them. Alternate translation: "I have punished you severely" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 14 f2m4 figs-metaphor 0 your emptiness will remain inside you 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 16 i4a3 0 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.
MIC 06 16 ke6t figs-activepassive 0 The regulations made by Omri have been kept, and all the deeds of the house of Ahab 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 06 16 tc63 translate-names 0 Omri ... Ahab Both of these men were kings over the northern kingdom of Israel. God considered both of them to be very wicked. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
MIC 06 16 n2j5 0 house of Ahab The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Ahab"
MIC 06 16 em7h figs-metaphor 0 You walk by their advice 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 06 16 s6wy figs-apostrophe 0 I will make you, city, a ruin, and you inhabitants an object of hissing 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
MIC 06 16 q68q 0 you will bear the reproach of my people "you will suffer because my people will reproach you"
MIC 07 intro kf61 0 # Micah 07 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Last days<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/savior]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/remnant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/restore]])<br><br>##### Prophet<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])<br>
MIC 07 01 wf5y figs-metaphor 0 I have become like the gathering of summer fruit, and like the grapes that have been gleaned 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 07 01 jz29 figs-metaphor 0 no grape cluster ... no ripe early fig Micah speaks of faithful, upright people as if they were fruit that is good to eat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 02 x5ss figs-hyperbole 0 The faithful ones have disappeared ... land; there is no upright person ... They all lie in wait ... blood; each one hunts 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
MIC 07 02 qea8 figs-metaphor 0 to shed blood Blood is a metaphor for the death of innocent people. Alternate translation: "to kill innocent people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 03 ew8e 0 General Information: Micah continues speaking about the people of Israel.
MIC 07 03 m27f figs-synecdoche 0 Their hands are very good The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "The people are very good" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 07 04 nz3f figs-simile 0 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright is worse than a thorn hedge 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 07 04 kin3 0 the most upright "those of them who try hardest to do what is good"
MIC 07 04 qfc3 figs-activepassive 0 It is the day foretold by your watchmen, the day of your punishment 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 04 i385 figs-abstractnouns 0 Now is the time of their confusion The abstract noun "confusion" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Now is when they do not understand what is happening" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 07 05 h2bv 0 General Information: Micah continues speaking to the people of Israel.
MIC 07 05 cvb4 0 Do not trust any neighbor 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.
MIC 07 06 y6bb 0 people of his own house 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.
MIC 07 06 by7f figs-ellipsis 0 a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
MIC 07 06 z99g figs-metonymy 0 his own house The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: "his own family" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 07 07 pvd9 figs-metaphor 0 General Information: 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](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel. All commands and instances of "you" are feminine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 07 07 z1eq 0 But as for me Here "me" refers to Micah.
MIC 07 07 p8kj figs-abstractnouns 0 I will wait for the God of my salvation The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I will wait for the God who saves me" or "I will wait for God, who saves me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 07 07 wd6x figs-metonymy 0 will hear me The word "hear" represents hearing and acting. Alternate translation: "will act to help me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
MIC 07 08 yb44 figs-metaphor 0 fall ... rise These words are metaphors for suffering from disaster and then recovering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 08 ln69 figs-metaphor 0 sit in darkness These words are a metaphor for suffering from disaster. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 09 le5t figs-metaphor 0 General Information: Micah continues the poem that began in [Micah 7:8](../07/08.md), speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion ([Micah 1:13](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 09 d2c6 figs-metaphor 0 I will bear his rage 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 09 v4zl 0 until he pleads my cause, and executes judgment for me Yahweh will punish the people of the other nations who harmed the people of Israel.
MIC 07 09 sr4x figs-metaphor 0 he pleads my cause Yahweh is spoken of as if he were defending Micah in court. Alternate translation: "he defends me against those who harm me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 09 sc18 0 executes judgment for me "brings about justice for me"
MIC 07 09 p8yt figs-metaphor 0 He will bring me to the light Bringing Micah from darkness ([Micah 7:8](../07/08.md)) to light is a metaphor for ending the suffering from disaster and enabling him to live well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 09 t4wh 0 rescue me in his justice "bring justice to me and rescue me"
MIC 07 10 i9mq figs-metaphor 0 General Information: Micah continues and ends the poem that began in [Micah 7:8](../07/08.md), speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion ([Micah 1:13](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 10 wv5q 0 my enemy ... the one who said ... your God ... My eyes The words "enemy," "one," "your," and "my" here refer to the women in the poem and so are feminine singular.
MIC 07 10 ize3 figs-rquestion 0 Where is Yahweh your God? The enemy uses a question to mock the people of Israel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God cannot help you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 07 10 fx2c figs-synecdoche 0 My eyes This phrase here refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "I" or "We" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
MIC 07 10 d12h figs-activepassive 0 she will be trampled down This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "her enemies will trample her down" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 07 10 j5qh figs-simile 0 like the mud in the streets 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
MIC 07 11 x4rg figs-you 0 General Information: Micah speaks to the people of Israel as if he were speaking to one man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 07 11 y6xz 0 A day to build your walls will come Here "walls" refers to the walls around their cities, which provided safety and security from their enemies.
MIC 07 11 ue5m figs-activepassive 0 the boundaries will be extended very far 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
MIC 07 12 hs2u figs-explicit 0 the River You may need to make explicit the name of river. Alternate translation: "the Euphrates River" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 07 12 bd5t figs-explicit 0 from sea to sea 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 07 12 y16y figs-idiom 0 from mountain to mountain "from one mountain to another." Micah does not speak of any particular mountain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 07 13 av6g 0 the land will be desolate "the land will be empty" or "no one will live in the land"
MIC 07 13 n1e8 figs-metaphor 0 because of the fruit of their actions Fruit is a metaphor for the results of an earlier action. Alternate translation: "because of the results of what they have done" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 14 jsh4 figs-metaphor 0 Shepherd your people with your rod, the flock of your inheritance 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 14 cu5w figs-metaphor 0 They live alone in a thicket, in the midst of a pastureland 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 14 l8a3 0 a thicket a place where many small woody plants grow
MIC 07 14 brz2 0 Bashan and Gilead These regions are known as rich land for growing food.
MIC 07 14 whi8 figs-explicit 0 as in the old days Bashan and Gilead had been part of Israel long ago, when David was king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
MIC 07 15 e3z5 0 As in the days ... them wonders Yahweh speaks to the people.
MIC 07 16 mhq2 figs-metaphor 0 The nations The word "nations" is a metonym for the people who live in many nations. Alternate translation: "The people of the nations nearby" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 16 mzy2 translate-symaction 0 They will put their hands on their mouths They do this to show that they are ashamed of what they have done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
MIC 07 16 n9vh figs-idiom 0 their ears will be deaf This is an idiom. Nothing anyone says will have any effect on them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
MIC 07 17 e21s figs-hyperbole 0 They will lick the dust like a snake 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. Possible meanings are that these people 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
MIC 07 17 zg31 figs-metaphor 0 their dens The people are spoken of as if they were animals, because animals live in "dens." Alternate translation: "their homes" or "their hiding places" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 18 g3i6 figs-rquestion 0 Who is a God like you—who takes ... inheritance? Micah is emphasizing that there is no God like Yahweh. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I know that there is no God like you, who takes ... inheritance." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
MIC 07 18 kr7v 0 the remnant of his inheritance "those of his chosen people who have survived his punishment"
MIC 07 18 a8d2 figs-123person 0 you ... of the remnant of his inheritance? He does not keep his anger forever, because he delights in his covenant faithfulness. 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
MIC 07 18 f1lp figs-abstractnouns 0 he delights in his covenant faithfulness The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "he delights in being faithful to his covenant" or "he delights in being faithful to his people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
MIC 07 18 ups5 0 passes over ignores
MIC 07 18 mcd3 0 does not keep his anger "does not stay angry"
MIC 07 19 i7z3 figs-you 0 You will Here "you" refers to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
MIC 07 19 i1u2 figs-exclusive 0 on us Here "us" refers to Micah and the people, but not to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
MIC 07 19 rqi9 figs-metaphor 0 you will trample our iniquities under your feet. You will throw all our sins into the depths of the sea 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
MIC 07 20 q32m figs-metonymy 0 You will give truth to Jacob and covenant faithfulness to Abraham 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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