OET interlinear MIC 7:13

7:13a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

^13aThen the earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants,

^13b as the fruit of their deeds.

There is an ellipsis (a deliberately omitted phrase) in 7:13b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 7:13a. For example:

^13b the earth will become desolate as the fruit of their deeds.

These lines talk about a future desolation of the earth. The reason for the desolation is because of the doings/actions of the people. This verse is probably a description of a future judgment from the LORD, since only he has authority and power to know and to judge people’s actions in this way. The first line is a summary statement. The second line gives more detail.

7:13a

Then the earth will become desolate: In Hebrew, the word become indicates the action of change from its present condition into a desolate condition.Waltke 2007 (pages 439–440) notes that this word form has the sense of “become” or “turn into.”

Then…will become: In Hebrew, this word is more literally “and it will become.” The function of the Hebrew word form is to introduce the next event after the preceding event.Waltke 2007 (pages 439–440) parses this word as a waw-consecutive form that indicates sequence.

Here are some ways to translate this word:

• Use a word or phrase that introduces contrast between this verse and the preceding material. For example:

  But the earth will be desolate (ESV)

  In contrast, the earth will become a desolate wasteland

• Use a word that introduces the next event and leaves contrast implied. For example:

  And the earth will become desolate (NASB)

  Then the earth will be ruined

• Let the context imply that this is the next event. For example:

  The earth will become desolate (NIV)

  The earth will become a wasteland (GW)

the earth: In Hebrew, this word has various meanings.Mounce (page 900) includes among them: “world,” “earth,” “all inhabited lands,” “country,” “region,” “territory.” Here it follows the list of regions in 7:12. In this context, the word earth probably refers to the various regions of the earth outside of Israel.Both UBS (pages 254–255) and KD (page 345) state that the word “earth” here does not include the land of Israel, since this verse speaks of the punishment of enemy nations. Waltke 2007 (pages 439–440) suggests that, since nations representing the entire known world are in view [in 7:12], the word here refers to the earth, not a specific “land.” Most versions translate this word as the earth or “the land.”

desolate: In Hebrew, this word means “desolation,” “ruin,” “wasteland.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

a desolation (NJPS)

a wasteland (GW)

a disaster (CEV)

because of its inhabitants: In this clause part, the word because introduces the reason why the earth will become desolate. It is on account of its inhabitants.In Hebrew, “on,” which here means “on account of.” HALOT II (page 825) and Waltke 2007 (pages 439–440). In 7:13a, the details of what the inhabitants have done to deserve desolation is left implied.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause part:

Because of those who dwell in it (NJPS)

by reason of its inhabitants (NJB)

7:13b

as the fruit of their deeds: This clause makes more explicit what the inhabitants did to deserve punishment. Here the word as introduces the reason.In Hebrew, “from.” It is because of the fruit of their doings. The phrase fruit of their deeds refers to the consequences of their “actions.” Here the phrase refers to their evil deeds.Waltke 2007 (page 440) and Mounce (page 980).

Here are some other ways to translate this clause part:

as the fruit of their misdeeds (NJPS)

because of their deeds (NCV)

as their deeds deserve (REB)