Judges 17:1
Judges 17:1 in Multiple Translations
Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim
And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
And there was a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
Now there was a man of the hill-country of Ephraim named Micah.
A man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim
There was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Michah,
And there is a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name [is] Micah,
There was a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
There was at that time a man of mount Ephraim whose name was Michas,
There was a man named Micah who lived in the hilly area where the tribe of Ephraim live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 17:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 17:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִי
אִ֥ישׁ
מֵֽ/הַר
אֶפְרָ֖יִם
וּ/שְׁמ֥/וֹ
מִיכָֽיְהוּ
וַֽ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵֽ/הַר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
אֶפְרָ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וּ/שְׁמ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מִיכָֽיְהוּ
Mîykâhûw
H4319
Micahu
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 17:1
וַֽ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵֽ/הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶפְרָ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וּ/שְׁמ֥/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִיכָֽיְהוּ
Mîykâhûw
H4319
"Micahu"
N-proper
Micahu means who is like God, another name for Micaiah, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, predicting Ahab's defeat.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Michaiah = "who is like God" son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Micaiah (2 Chronicles 18:8). See also: Judges 17:1; Judges 17:4.
Study Notes — Judges 17:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 17:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:1
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:1
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:1
- Sermons on Judges 17:1
Context — Micah’s Idolatry
1Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim
2said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver here with me; I took it.” Then his mother said, “Blessed be my son by the LORD!” 3And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 18:2 | So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. |
| 2 | Joshua 17:14–18 | Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.” |
| 3 | Judges 10:1 | After the time of Abimelech, a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose up to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. |
| 4 | Joshua 15:9 | From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). |
Judges 17:1 Summary
This verse introduces us to a man named Micah, who lived in the hill country of Ephraim, as we learn more about Micah in the following verses, we see that he and his mother were involved in idolatrous practices, which is a reminder that we must be careful to follow God's commands, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5, and not create our own idols or follow our own desires, as warned in Jeremiah 10:1-5, by following God's word, we can stay on the right path and avoid the consequences of sin, as seen in Proverbs 10:9
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Micah and what was his significance in the Bible?
Micah was a man from the hill country of Ephraim, and his story is recorded in Judges 17-18, his actions led to the creation of idols and the corruption of the tribe of Dan, as seen in Judges 18:30, this is a reminder that our actions can have consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8
What can we learn from the fact that Micah was from the hill country of Ephraim?
The fact that Micah was from the hill country of Ephraim suggests that he was from a region that was supposed to be faithful to God, as seen in Joshua 24:33, yet he and his mother were involved in idolatrous practices, this highlights the need for personal faith and obedience, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:5
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Judges?
This verse marks the beginning of a new section in the book of Judges, which highlights the spiritual decay and corruption of the Israelites during the period of the judges, as seen in Judges 17:6, this is a reminder that when people do what is right in their own eyes, it can lead to chaos and sin, as warned in Proverbs 14:12
What can we learn from Micah's introduction in this verse?
Micah's introduction in this verse highlights the importance of knowing the background and context of a person's life, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12, this can help us understand their actions and decisions, and how they relate to God's plan, as seen in Romans 8:28
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I am following God's will, rather than my own desires, in my life?
- How can I be aware of the spiritual influences that are shaping my thoughts and actions, and make sure that they are aligned with God's word?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my faith, and how can I take steps to correct this, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
- How can I be a positive influence on those around me, and help them to stay faithful to God, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16
Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:1
And there was a man of Mount Ephraim,.... This and the four following chapters contain an history of facts, which were done not after the death of Samson, as some have thought, and as they may seem
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:1
And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah. A man of mount Ephraim - i:e., the mountainous parts of Ephraim.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:1
JUDGES CHAPTER 17 Micah stealeth money of his mother; then confesseth and restoreth it. She dedicates it to the Lord; maketh images: he sets them up in the house of his gods; and consecrates one of his sons for his priest; there being then no magistrates in Israel, . A Levite travelling that way, he hireth and consecrateth him to be his priest, ; is confident that God would therefore favour and bless him, . The things mentioned here, and in the following chapters, did not happen in the order in which they are put; but much sooner, even presently after the death of the elders that overlived Joshua, , as appears by divers passages; as first, Because the place called Mahaneh-dan, or the camp of Dan, , was so called from that which was done, . Secondly, Because the Danites had not yet got all their inheritance, , which is not credible of them above three hundred years after Joshua’ s death. Thirdly, Because Phinehas the son of Eleazar was priest at this time, , who must have been about three hundred and fifty years old, if this had been done after Samson’ s death, which is more than improbable.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:1
Judges 17:1 And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name [was] Micah.Ver. 1. And there was a man.] The Vulgate hath it, And at that time there was a man, &c. And some Rabbins say that this fell out soon after Samson’ s death. But they do better who place this story and the rest that follow, to the end of this book, in the interim between the elders that survived Joshua and the judges that next followed. See Judges 2:11; Judges 5:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:1
(1) There was.—The Vulg. has, “there was at that time” which is an error, for these events happened before the days of Samson. A man of mount Ephraim.—The hill-district of Ephraim, as in Judges 2:9. The Talmud (Sanhedr. 103, b) says that he lived at Garab, not far from Shiloh, but the name (“a blotch”) is probably a term of scorn (Deuteronomy 28:27). Similarly, we find in Perachim, 117, a, that he lived at Bochi. (See Judges 2:1-5.) Most of the idolatrous violations of the second commandment occurred in the northern kingdom (Gideon, Judges 8:27; Micah, Judges 17; Jeroboam, 1 Kings 12, 13). These apostasies were not a worship of other gods, but a worship of the true God under unauthorised conditions, and with forbidden images. Whose name was Micah.—Scripture does not deem it necessary to say anything more about him. His very name—here Micayehû, “Who is like Jehovah “—seems to show that he had been trained by pious parents. The contraction Micah is adopted throughout the rest of the story.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:1
CHAPTER XVII Micah, an Ephraimite, restores to his mother eleven hundred shekels of silver, which he had taken from her, 1, 2. She dedicates this to God; and out of a part of it makes a graven image and a molten image, and gets them up tn the house of Micah, 3, 4; who consecrates one of his sons to be his priest, 5. He afterwards finds a Levite, whom he consecrates for a priest, and gives him annually ten shekels of silver, with his food and clothing, 6-13. NOTES ON CHAP. XVII Verse 1. And there was a man of Mount Ephraim] It is extremely difficult to fix the chronology of this and the following transactions. Some think them to be here in their natural order; others, that they happened in the time of Joshua, or immediately after the ancients who outlived Joshua. All that can be said with certainty is this, that they happened when there was no king in Israel; i.e., about the time of the Judges, or in some time of the anarchy, Judges 17:6.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:1
1. the hill country of Ephraim] See on Judges 3:27. In view of its subsequent connexion with the sanctuary at Dan, some think that Micah’s house was at Beth-el. The narrative, however, leaves the situation vague; it may imply that he lived somewhere on the road which ran northwards along the Central Highlands, Judges 18:13.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:1
See the introduction to the Book of Judges. The only point of contact with the preceding history of Samson is, that we are still concerned with the tribe of Dan. See Judges 18:1-2, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:1
MICAH AND THE LEVITE, Judges 17:1-13. 1. Mount Ephraim — The exact limits of this mountain range are nowhere indicated in the Scriptures.
Sermons on Judges 17:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt by Paris Reidhead | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of success and how it is often measured in our generation. The speaker challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an e |
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Judges: Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of God's people and compares it to the time of the judges in the book of Judges. He expresses concern about the division a |
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Religious Compromises; Their Folly and Fruits by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson addresses the dangers of religious compromise through the story of Micah in Judges 17 and 18, illustrating how dishonesty, passion, counterfeit consecration, and ritua |
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Dix Shekels Et Un Costume (French) by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Dix Shekels Et Un Costume', emphasizing the dangers of pragmatism and humanism in the church. He uses the story of Micah and the L |