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Micah 7:16

Micah 7:16 in Multiple Translations

Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf.

¶ The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; they shall lay their hand upon their mouth; their ears shall be deaf.

The nations will see and be shamed because of all their strength; they will put their hands on their mouths, their ears will be stopped.

The nations will see, and they will be humiliated despite their strength. They will cover their mouths with their hands, and their ears shall become deaf.

The nations shall see, and be confounded for all their power: they shall lay their hande vpon their mouth: their eares shall be deafe.

See do nations, and they are ashamed of all their might, They lay a hand on the mouth, their ears are deaf.

The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might. They will lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears will be deaf.

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

The nations shall see, and shall be confounded at all their strength: they shall put the hand upon the mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

People from many nations will see what Yahweh does for you, and they will be ashamed because they do not have any power. They will put their hands over their mouths and their ears because they will be very amazed because of what Yahweh does, and they will not be able to say anything or hear anything.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 7:16

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.

Micah 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יִרְא֤וּ גוֹיִם֙ וְ/יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ מִ/כֹּ֖ל גְּבֽוּרָתָ֑/ם יָשִׂ֤ימוּ יָד֙ עַל פֶּ֔ה אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם תֶּחֱרַֽשְׁנָה
יִרְא֤וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
גוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 Gentile N-mp
וְ/יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ bûwsh H954 be ashamed Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִ/כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
גְּבֽוּרָתָ֑/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 might N-fs | Suff
יָשִׂ֤ימוּ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יָד֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
פֶּ֔ה peh H6310 lip N-ms
אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם ʼôzen H241 ear N-fd | Suff
תֶּחֱרַֽשְׁנָה chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 7:16

יִרְא֤וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
גוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וְ/יֵבֹ֔שׁוּ bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
מִ/כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּבֽוּרָתָ֑/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 "might" N-fs | Suff
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
יָשִׂ֤ימוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
יָד֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פֶּ֔ה peh H6310 "lip" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אָזְנֵי/הֶ֖ם ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
תֶּחֱרַֽשְׁנָה chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.

Study Notes — Micah 7:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 26:11 O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them!
2 Isaiah 52:15 so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.
3 Job 29:9–10 The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands. The voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths.
4 Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
5 Ezekiel 39:17–21 And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: ‘Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood. You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk. And at My table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, of mighty men and warriors of every kind,’ declares the Lord GOD. I will display My glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the judgment that I execute and the hand that I lay upon them.
6 Revelation 11:18 The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great— and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
7 Zechariah 8:20–23 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
8 Psalms 126:2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
9 Zechariah 12:9 So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 Job 21:5 Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth.

Micah 7:16 Summary

[This verse is saying that one day, all the nations of the world will see God's power and be ashamed of their own weakness. They will be so surprised and shocked that they won't be able to speak or hear, like someone covering their mouth and ears. This is because God is going to show His power and glory, and all the nations will recognize that He is the one true God, as we see in Psalm 83:18 and Isaiah 45:5-6. As believers, we can trust that God is in control and will one day establish His kingdom, and we can humble ourselves before Him, recognizing His power and majesty.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for nations to be 'ashamed, deprived of all their might' in Micah 7:16?

This phrase suggests that the nations will be humbled and stripped of their power and pride, similar to what is described in Isaiah 2:11, where the Lord alone will be exalted on that day.

Why will the nations 'put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf'?

This is a sign of shock, shame, and surrender, indicating that the nations will be so overwhelmed by God's power and majesty that they will be unable to speak or respond, much like the response of the disciples in Matthew 17:6 when they saw Jesus transfigured.

Is this verse talking about a specific event or time in history?

While Micah 7:16 does not specify a particular event, it is likely referring to the day of the Lord, when God will judge the nations and establish His kingdom, as described in Joel 3:1-2 and Revelation 20:1-6.

How does this verse relate to God's people, Israel?

The verse is part of a larger section in Micah that speaks of God's restoration and salvation of His people, and the shame and humiliation of the nations is a result of God's vindication of His people, as seen in Micah 7:14-15 and Isaiah 43:1-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can humble myself before God, recognizing His power and majesty?
  2. How can I, like the nations in this verse, recognize my own limitations and weaknesses, and turn to God in surrender and faith?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to 'put my hand over my mouth' and listen to God's voice, rather than trying to speak or respond in my own strength?
  4. How can I trust in God's plan to vindicate His people and establish His kingdom, even when I don't see it happening in my own life or in the world around me?

Gill's Exposition on Micah 7:16

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might,.... The Chaldeans or Babylonians, when they shall see the wonderful things done by the Lord in the deliverance of his people out of their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 7:16

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 7:16

The nations; the heathen, enemies to the Jews, as . Shall see and be confounded; amazed at what they see and know done amongst these nations for the deliverance of his people. The enemy shall neither be able to bear the sight, nor deny the certainly of the thing; it will make them enviously look on the prosperity of the good and godly among the Jews. They shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf: as men seldom fail to hear the first report of what they desire, and as seldom open their ears to that they like not; so shall, it be here, though they will not speak of it, nor desire others should speak of it, yet they should, to their great grief, see their poor captives raised out of depth of shame to the height of honour, from a contemptible remnant to a mighty nation. As this had its typical complement in the reduction of Israel out of Babylon, so it had its antitypical completion in our redemption by Christ. As . The nations; the heathen, enemies to the Jews, as . They shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf: as men seldom fail to hear the first report of what they desire, and as seldom open their ears to that they like not; so shall, it be here, though they will not speak of it, nor desire others should speak of it, yet they should, to their great grief, see their poor captives raised out of depth of shame to the height of honour, from a contemptible remnant to a mighty nation. As this had its typical complement in the reduction of Israel out of Babylon, so it had its antitypical completion in our redemption by Christ. As .

Trapp's Commentary on Micah 7:16

Micah 7:16 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf.Ver. 16. The nations shall see and be confounded] Considering how I have defeated and befooled them, how I have made all their might to melt and moulder, they shall stand amazed, and be made a common table talk; as Belshazzar and the Babylonians were, when Cyrus (God’ s servant) suddenly brake in upon them and surprised their city, which they held insuperable: and as the heathen emperors of Rome were, when the Christians, under the conduct of Constantine, carried it against them. They shall lay their hand upon their mouth] Be struck dumb, as if they had seen Medusa’ s head; they shall not be able to contradict the gospel, or to hinder the progress of it. Valens, the Arian Emperor, coming upon Basil while he was in holy duties, with an intent to do him harm, was not only silenced, but so terrified, that he reeled, and had fallen had he not been upheld by those that were with him. Their ears shall be deaf] With the sudden bursting forth of God’ s wonderful and terrible works, saith Mr Diodati.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 7:16

Verse 16. The nations shall see and be confounded] Whether the words in these verses (Micah 7:15-17) be applied to the return from the Babylonish captivity, or to the prosperity of the Jews under the Maccabees, they may be understood as ultimately applicable to the final restoration of this people, and their lasting prosperity under the Gospel.

Cambridge Bible on Micah 7:16

16. confounded at all their might] Ashamed because all their might has come to nothing. lay their hand upon their mouth] A mark of reverence; comp. Job 21:5, Isaiah 52:15.

Barnes' Notes on Micah 7:16

The nations shall see - God had answered, what He would give to His own people, to see. Micah takes up the word, and says, what effect this sight should have upon the enemies of God and of His people.

Whedon's Commentary on Micah 7:16

THE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE, Micah 7:14-17.In Micah 7:14 occurs another change in speakers. The people, through the prophet, pray for the fulfillment of the promise of restoration. Feed… with thy rod — See on Micah 5:4.

Sermons on Micah 7:16

SermonDescription
John Owen The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #2 by John Owen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God to detach our hearts and affections from worldly things. He encourages believers to have a con
Jonathan Edwards The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches a powerful sermon on the future punishment of the wicked, emphasizing the unavoidable, intolerable, and inescapable nature of God's wrath upon impenitent
David Wilkerson The Only Place of Safety by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that throughout history, many have believed they can withstand calamities without faith in God, likening them to the spiritually blind described by Isaia
Art Katz The Cross in Isaiah 53 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, which occurred 2,000 years ago. He describes it as a remarkable strategy from God to
Rolfe Barnard On His Head Are Many Crowns by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father and the impact of his faith. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself completely to God and findin
John Hunter Isaiah 53 by John Hunter In this sermon, the prophet decodes the concepts of substitution and salvation. He explains that the suffering servant, who is identified as the Lord Jesus Christ, took on our grie
Stephen Olford (I Want an Answer) Will I Ever Be Found Out? by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who becomes drunk and neglects his faithful dog. One night, an intruder enters the man's garage, but the man is too intoxicat

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