OET interlinear MIC 7:17

7:17a–b

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

^17a They will lick the dust like a snake,

^17b like reptiles slithering on the ground.

There is an ellipsis (a deliberately omitted phrase) in 7:17b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 7:17a. For example:

^17b They will lick the dust like reptiles slithering on the ground.

In these lines, Micah continued to pray about the effect of the LORD’s marvelous deeds on the nations. These lines are parallel similes. In each simile Micah compared the nations to animals that slid or crawled on the ground. The similarity is that the nations and the animals would both “lick the dust.”See Genesis 3:14.

Some versions translate these lines in a way that more clearly indicates a prayer. For example:

Let them lick dust like snakes, like crawling things on the ground! (NJPS)

They will lick the dust: In Hebrew, the phrase lick the dust was a figure of speech that meant humiliation in defeat.Waltke 2007, NAC, A&F, ABC, and JFB. The leader of a defeated enemy would lie prostrate and kiss the feet of the one who defeated him. In this way he showed his acceptance of the victor’s power over him.UBS, Pusey, NICOT, and TOTC.

a snake…reptiles slithering on the ground: In Hebrew, the word snake is literally “the snake.” This phrase refers to snakes/serpents of any kind. In Hebrew, the word translated as reptiles slithering means “to crawl or glide like a snake.” The phrase reptiles slithering on the ground may refer to a snake, reptile, or worm.Mounce (page 926) says “crawl, glide (of a snake).” Also, Waltke 2007 (page 443). JFB (page 696) suggests “like worms, reptiles or crawlers.” Also NAC (page 132). The prostrate position of the defeated leaders was similar to the position of these animals that drag their bellies on the ground.

Here are some other ways to translate 7:17a–b:

• Keep the simile if it is understood. For example:

  May they lick the dust like snakes, like creatures that crawl on the ground. (REB)

• Substitute a different expression or action that has the same meaning in your language. Include a footnote that describes the Hebrew expression. For example:

  May they cry out “I surrender,” like an animal caught in a trap

  footnote: In Hebrew: “They shall lick dust like a snake, like the crawling things of the earth.”

• Translate the meaning directly. For example:

  Let them be humiliated by their defeat

7:17c–e

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning (these lines are from the NRSV, which follows the interpretation that the Notes recommend for understanding the structure of these lines):

^17c They shall come trembling out of their fortresses

^17d they shall turn in dread to the Lord our God;

^17e and they shall stand in fear of you.

In these lines, Micah prayed that the nations would fear and submit themselves to the LORD. The first line implies that the nations would present themselves before him. The second and third lines talk about their submission to him. Each line says in a different way that the nations would fear him.

Some versions translate these lines in a way that more clearly indicates a prayer. For example:

Let them come trembling out of their strongholds to the Lord our God; Let them fear and dread You! (NJPS)

There is an interpretation issue in 17c–d about the line to which the phrase “to the Lord our God” belongs. The parallel lines are more literally “they will quake from their strongholds to Yahweh our God. They will be in dread and they will be afraid from you.” These are the two interpretations:

1. The phrase “to the Lord our God” belongs to 17d. The LORD is the one they will dread.In Hebrew, the phrase “to Yahweh our God” is the first (fronted) part of the line, which gives it emphasis. Davis (page 159) and Waltke 2007 (page 444). For example:

   To the Lord our God they will come in dread (NASB) (ESV, GNT, GW, KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV)

2. The phrase “to the Lord our God” belongs to 17c. The LORD is the one they come to from their fortresses.This interpretation is indicated by the NET footnote on “to the Lord our God.” For example:

   Let them come trembling from their strongholds to the Lord our God. (REB) (BSB, NAB, NCV, NET, NJB, NJPS, NLT, REB)

The Display will follow interpretation (1). However, either interpretation is acceptable and makes good sense in this context. There is almost no meaning difference and each one implies the other.

7:17c

(NRSV) they shall come trembling out of their fortresses: In this line, Micah continued the similes from 7:17a–b to describe the defeated nations that would present themselves to the LORD.ABC, KD, NICOT, and JFB. He compared the nations to the snakes and crawling things that would come out from their holes or other places where they lived.KD and JFB.

(NRSV) trembling: This word means “shake,” “tremble.”Mounce (page 1038). The reason the nations would tremble is because of their fear and dread of the LORD.

(NRSV) fortresses: In this context, this word refers to a strong fortification or hiding place. In this simile, the word referred both to the nations and to the crawling things. With reference to the nations, it meant the strong places where the people thought they were secure from their enemies.Pusey (page 101). With reference to the snakes and crawling things, it meant the holes and hiding places where they lived.KD and JFB.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

• As part of a simile. For example:

  Then they will come trembling out of their strongholds like snakes from their holes

• Use a word that can refer to either people or animals. For example:

  They will come out of their hiding places trembling. (GW)

7:17d

7:17e

7:17d–e

(NRSV) they shall turn in dread…they shall stand in fear: In Hebrew, this is two phrases which are more literally “they will be in dread…and they will be afraid.” The Hebrew words for dread and fear both mean “be afraid.”Mounce (pages 1019 and 952).

Here are some other ways to translate these phrases:

• Leave implied the intensity of emotion and the attitude that accompanies the fear and dread. For example:

  Let them fear and dread you (NJPS)

• Supply words that indicate the intensity of the fear and dread. Optionally, indicate an attitude of respect and/or submission.This connotation is favored by UBS and JFB. However, NAC (page 132) says it is difficult to determine the nature of the fear. It may be literal fear only, or a fear along with respect and trust. Also see Pusey (page 101). The first example below indicates intensity. The second and third examples indicate attitudes that accompany the fear. For example:

  They will be terrified of you (NET)

  Let them approach with awe and fear (REB)

  They will turn in fear to the Lord our God. (GNT)

(NRSV) to the Lord our God…of you: These parallel phrases both refer to the LORD.Waltke 2007, UBS, NAC, KD, WBC, and JFB.

In some languages, it may sound unnatural for Micah to address the LORD using the third-person phrase the Lord our God.Waltke 2007 (page 444) suggests that Micah 7:8–20 is a liturgical hymn. In such hymns the leader alternates between addressing God and addressing the congregation. In the phrase “to the LORD our God” Micah addressed the congregation. In the phrase “of you” Micah addressed God directly. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase: