Judges 18:4
Judges 18:4 in Multiple Translations
“Micah has done this and that for me,” he replied, “and he has hired me to be his priest.”
And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
And he said unto them, Thus and thus hath Micah dealt with me, and he hath hired me, and I am become his priest.
And he said to them, This is what Micah did for me, and he gave me payment and I became his priest.
“Micah arranged things for me, and he hired me as his priest,” he told them.
And he answered them, Thus and thus dealeth Michah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his Priest.
And he saith unto them, 'Thus and thus hath Micah done to me; and he hireth me, and I am to him for a priest.'
He said to them, “Thus and thus has Micah dealt with me, and he has hired me, and I have become his priest.”
And he said to them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.
He answered them: Michas hath done such and such things for me, and hath hired me to be his priest.
He told them the things that Micah had done for him. And he said, “Micah ◄has hired me/is paying me to work for him►, and I have become his priest.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:4
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 18:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
כָּ/זֹ֣ה
וְ/כָ/זֶ֔ה
עָ֥שָׂה
לִ֖/י
מִיכָ֑ה
וַ/יִּשְׂכְּרֵ֕/נִי
וָ/אֱהִי
ל֖/וֹ
לְ/כֹהֵֽן
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כָּ/זֹ֣ה
zôh
H2090
this
Prep | Pron
וְ/כָ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Prep | Pron
עָ֥שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מִיכָ֑ה
Mîykâh
H4318
Micaiah
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׂכְּרֵ֕/נִי
sâkar
H7936
to hire
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וָ/אֱהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/כֹהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:4
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּ/זֹ֣ה
zôh
H2090
"this"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.
Definition: this
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.
וְ/כָ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עָ֥שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מִיכָ֑ה
Mîykâh
H4318
"Micaiah"
N-proper
Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.
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) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.
וַ/יִּשְׂכְּרֵ֕/נִי
sâkar
H7936
"to hire"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
וָ/אֱהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/כֹהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
Study Notes — Judges 18:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Danites Settle in Laish
2So 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.
3And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?”
4“Micah has done this and that for me,” he replied, “and he has hired me to be his priest.”
5Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey.” 6And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 17:10 | “Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in |
| 2 | Ezekiel 13:19 | You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:21 | To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. |
| 4 | Acts 8:18–21 | When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. |
| 5 | Judges 17:12 | Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. |
| 6 | John 10:12–13 | The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. |
| 7 | Acts 20:33 | I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. |
| 8 | Malachi 1:10 | “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. |
| 9 | Isaiah 56:11 | Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: |
| 10 | Titus 1:11 | who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. |
Judges 18:4 Summary
[This verse, Judges 18:4, shows how the young Levite explains his relationship with Micah, who hired him to be his priest. The young Levite is simply stating the facts of his situation, but it highlights the importance of understanding our roles and relationships with others, as seen in (Ephesians 4:1). The young Levite's response also shows how he is trying to make sense of his place in the world, which is something we can all relate to, and it's a reminder that we should prioritize our relationship with God, as seen in (Proverbs 27:9).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the young Levite's statement in Judges 18:4?
The young Levite is explaining his relationship with Micah, who has hired him to be his priest, as seen in Judges 18:4, and this is after the Danites sent out men to spy out the land, as mentioned in Judges 18:2.
Why did Micah hire the young Levite to be his priest?
Although the verse does not explicitly state why Micah hired the young Levite, it can be inferred that Micah wanted to have a sense of religious legitimacy, as having a Levite as a priest would have been seen as a way to connect with the traditions of the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:1-8.
What can we learn from the young Levite's response in Judges 18:4?
The young Levite's response highlights the importance of understanding one's role and position, as seen in Ephesians 4:1, and being mindful of the relationships we have with others, as mentioned in Proverbs 27:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Danites in Judges 18?
This verse is a crucial part of the story, as it sets the stage for the Danites' interaction with the young Levite and ultimately leads to their request for him to inquire of God on their behalf, as seen in Judges 18:5-6, which is reminiscent of the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance in Exodus 33:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can be mindful of my relationships with others, just like the young Levite was aware of his role with Micah?
- How can I seek to understand my role and position in my community, just like the young Levite understood his position as a priest?
- What are some ways in which I can prioritize my relationship with God, just like the Danites sought to inquire of God in Judges 18:5?
- How can I learn to trust in God's guidance, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 33:15?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:4
And he said unto them, thus and thus dealeth Micah with me,.... Told them the whole story, how he came to the door of Micah's house, how he inquired of him who he was, and from whence he came, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:4
And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:4
Judges 18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.Ver. 4. And hath hired me, aud I am his priest.] He should have been ashamed to tell them thus, since it was directly against God’ s word that he had done. But sin had added an impudency in his face, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:4
(4) Thus and thus.—Literally, according to this and according to that, as in 2 Samuel 11:25; 1 Kings 14:5. I am his priest.—See Judges 17:13. Similarly in the dearth of genuine priests Jeroboam was forced to make even Levites out of the lowest of the people (1 Kings 12:31).
Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:4
4. and he hath hired me] points to Judges 17:10-11 a; so a continuation of that narrative.
Sermons on Judges 18:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Melchizedec by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the significance of Melchizedec as a type of Christ, emphasizing that Melchizedec's priesthood foreshadows the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus. He high |
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Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn |
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Is the Holy Spirit Upon You? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need for a new heart through repentance and belief in Christ. It addresses the hindranc |
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Deception Through False Signs and Wonders by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen warns about the prevalent deception in Christendom through false signs and wonders, echoing the warnings of Jesus and Paul regarding 'another Jesus,' 'another spirit,' a |
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Study Notes - the Priesthood by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the significance of the priesthood, tracing its origins from the patriarchs to the appointment of Aaron and his sons as the first high priests. He empha |
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(New Wine in New Wineskins) 15. Another 'Jesus' and His Ministry by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing the true nature of Jesus' ministry, contrasting it with a fabricated version that seeks validation from secular a |
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Homily 18 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of building churches and spreading the Gospel, emphasizing the need for believers to actively engage in the cultivation of souls and t |