MIC 1:12 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs, green:YHWH.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the OET-RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

BrLXX Τίς ἥρξατο εἰς ἀγαθὰ κατοικούσῃ ὀδύνας; ὅτι κατέβη κακὰ παρὰ Κυρίου ἐπὶ πύλας Ἱερουσαλὴμ,
(Tis haʸrxato eis agatha katoikousaʸ odunas; hoti katebaʸ kaka para Kuriou epi pulas Hierousalaʸm, )

BrTr Who has begun to act for good to her that dwells in sorrow? for calamities have come down from the Lord upon the gates of Jerusalem,

ULT For the inhabitants of Maroth wait anxiously for good,
⇔ because disaster has come down from Yahweh
⇔ to the gates of Jerusalem.

UST The people of Maroth
⇔ are anxiously waiting for good things to happen to them.
⇔ But I will make terrible things to happen to them,
⇔ and they will soon happen at the gates of Jerusalem.”

OEB The inhabitants of Maroth wait anxiously for good!
⇔ But the Lord has sent disaster to the gates of Jerusalem.

WEBBE For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good,
⇔ because evil has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem.

WMBB (Same as above)

NET Indeed, the residents of Maroth hope for something good to happen,
⇔ though the Lord has sent disaster against the city of Jerusalem.

LSV For the inhabitant of Maroth has stayed for good,
For calamity has come down from YHWH to the gate of Jerusalem.

FBV The people of Maroth wait anxiously for relief, but disaster has come down from the Lord on the gate of Jerusalem.

T4T The name of Maroth town sounds like ‘bitterness;’
⇔ everyone there is anxiously waiting for good things to happen to them,
⇔ but good things will not happen to them;
⇔ instead, terrible things are about to happen to them,
⇔ and it will soon happen at the gates of Jerusalem.

LEB • For the inhabitants of Maroth writhed for good,
• because disaster has come down from Yahweh
• to the gate of Jerusalem.

BBE For the one living in Maroth is waiting for good: for evil has come down from the Lord to the doorways of Jerusalem.

Moff and Maroth hopes in vain;
⇔ for doom descends from the Eternal
⇔ to the very gates of Jerusalem.
¶ 

JPS For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth anxiously for good; because evil is come down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.

ASV For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth anxiously for good, because evil is come down from Jehovah unto the gate of Jerusalem.

DRA For she is become weak unto good that dwelleth in bitterness: for evil is come down from the Lord into the gate of Jerusalem.

YLT For stayed for good hath the inhabitant of Maroth, For evil hath come down from Jehovah to the gate of Jerusalem.

Drby For the inhabitress of Maroth waited anxiously for good; but evil hath come down from Jehovah unto the gate of Jerusalem.

RV For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth anxiously for good: because evil is come down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.
(For the inhabitant of Maroth waiteth/waits anxiously for good: because evil is come down from the LORD unto the gate of Yerusalem. )

SLT For she dwelling in bitterness was anxious for good: but evil came down from Jehovah to the gate of Jerusalem.

Wbstr For the inhabitant of Maroth waited anxiously for good: but evil came down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem.

KJB-1769 For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.[fn][fn]
(For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Yerusalem. )

1.12 inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

1.12 waited…: or, was grieved

KJB-1611 For the inhabitant of Maroth [fn]waited carefully for good, but euill came downe from the LORD vnto the gate of Ierusalem.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from punctuation and footnotes)

1:12 Or, was grieued.

Bshps For the inhabitautes of Maroth wayled for good, but the plague shall come from the Lorde, euen vnto the gates of Hierusalem.
(For the inhabitautes of Maroth wailed for good, but the plague shall come from the Lord, even unto the gates of Yerusalem.)

Gnva For the inhabitant of Maroth wayted for good, but euill came from the Lord vnto the gate of Ierusalem.
(For the inhabitant of Maroth waited for good, but evil came from the Lord unto the gate of Yerusalem. )

Cvdl The rebellious cite hopeth, that it shal not be so euell: but for all that, the plage shal come from the LORDE, euen in to the porte of Ierusalem.
(The rebellious cite hopeth/hopes, that it shall not be so evil: but for all that, the plague shall come from the LORD, even in to the port of Yerusalem.)

Wycl For it is maad sijk to good, which dwellith in bitternessis. For yuel cam doun fro the Lord in to the yate of Jerusalem, noise of foure horsid cart,
(For it is made sick to good, which dwelleth/dwells in bitternesses. For evil came down from the Lord in to the gate of Yerusalem, noise of four horsid cart,)

Luth Die betrübte Stadt vermag sich nicht zu trösten; denn es wird das Unglück vom HErr’s kommen, auch bis an das Tor Jerusalems.
(The saddenede city able_to itself/yourself/themselves not to/for comfort(v); because/than it becomes the accident/misfortune/disaster from_the LORD’s coming, also until at/to the doorway Yerusalems.)

ClVg Quia infirmata est in bonum, quæ habitat in amaritudinibus; quia descendit malum a Domino in portam Jerusalem.
(Because weakened it_is in/into/on good, which he_lives in/into/on bitterness; because came_down evil from Master in/into/on the_gate Yerusalem. )

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 1:8–16: Micah mourned because an enemy army will invade Judah and take many people into exile

In 1:5, Micah mentioned the sins of the people in Samaria and Jerusalem. In 1:6–7, he predicted that the LORD would destroy Samaria. Here in 1:8–16, he predicted that the LORD would also punish the people in Judah, including Jerusalem. He would punish them by causing an enemy army to invade Judah.

This section has two paragraphs: 1:8–9 and 1:10–16. In the first paragraph, Micah said that he would “lament and wail” (BSB). He described the way that he would mourn and then gave the reason. In the second paragraph, he mentioned several cities in Judah that an enemy army would soon attack on its way to Jerusalem. Some versions have separate section headings for each paragraph. The Notes will include both paragraphs as part of the same section. Here are some other examples of section headings for the entire section (1:8–16):

Lament for Jerusalem and the lowland towns (NJB)

Judah Is Doomed (CEV)

The Doom of the Cities of Judah (NRSV)

Micah mourned the disaster that will happen to various cities in Judah

If you choose to use separate section headings for 1:8–9 and 1:10–16, here are some examples for 1:8–9:

Weeping and Mourning (NIV, BSB)

Micah’s Great Sadness (NCV)

Either the CEV or NRSV headings above will be appropriate for 1:10–16. Here is another example:

Disaster will happen to various cities in Judah

Paragraph 1:10–16

In this paragraph, Micah mentioned the names of eleven towns in Judah in addition to the city of Jerusalem (v.12). These towns were located in the foothills between the low coastal area and the mountains of Judah.EBC (page 508). According to A&F (page 212), some of the cities mentioned have not been identified, and it is not possible to guess the route of the attack or the identity of the invaders. It could have been any of several different kings.

In many English versions as well as TN, 1:10–16 forms one paragraph. Some versions divide it into two or three paragraphs. For example, the GNT has two paragraphs (10–14 and 15–16). The NLT has three paragraphs (10–12, 13–15, and 16). Use whatever paragraph structure is appropriate for your language.

Here are some of the poetic variations of Micah’s lament in 1:10–16:

In some verses, he spoke to the people in a particular town. In other verses, he spoke about them.
Sometimes he used plural nouns or pronouns to refer to the people in a particular town. At other times, he used singular nouns or pronouns.

English versions consistently use either plural or singular forms throughout these verses. For example, in 1:11b, the NJB uses singular pronouns:

She has not left her city, she who lives in Zanaan. (NJB)

The NIV uses a plural pronoun:

Those who live in Zaanan will not come out. (NIV)

You may use either singular or plural forms or a combination of the two, depending on what is natural and appropriate in your language.

In 1:10–16, Micah used past tense verbs to describe what was still in the future. See the notes on 1:9b and 1:9c for more details.

Micah also made puns with the names of several of the towns or cities. A pun is a figure of speech in which a person uses a word that has two meanings or a word that sounds like another word.

In some verses, he used a word that sounded like the name of that town.
In other verses, he said something about a town that was related to the meaning of its name.

Here is a brief summary of the puns in each verseThis summary is condensed and adapted from EBC (pages 407–8.) and some general advice on how to translate puns. Complete notes on each verse will start with 1:10a.

Beth-leaphrah (1:10b): The name of this city sounds like the Hebrew words that mean “house of dust.” Micah commanded those who live in that town to roll in the dust.
Shaphir (1:11a): This name means “beautiful” or “pleasant” in Hebrew. Micah said that the lives of the people in that town will not be pleasant.
Zaanan (1:11b): This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “come out.” Micah said that the people there will not come out of their city.
Beth-ezel (1:11c): This name probably means “nearby house” in Hebrew. Micah said that Beth-ezel would no longer be nearby to serve as a “standing place” (protection, refuge) for Jerusalem.
Maroth (1:12a): This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “bitter.” Micah said that the people in that town will suffer bitterly.
Lachish (1:13): This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “team of horses.” Micah told the people in that town to flee like running horses.
Moresheth (-gath) (1:14a): This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “betrothed” (engaged to be married). Just like a young woman departs from her family when she gets married, so the people in that town would soon depart from Judah.
Achzib (1:14b): This name means “deception” in Hebrew. That town will be a deception to the kings of Israel. These kings had hoped in vain that the people of Achzib would help them fight the enemy.
Mareshah (1:15a): This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “conqueror.” The LORD will bring an enemy to that town who will conquer them.

In addition to the above puns, Micah also included the names of two places (Gath 1:10a) and Adullam (1:15b) that are famous in Jewish history. Their significance will be discussed in the notes on those verses.

The people to whom Micah spoke over 2,700 years ago understood the puns. They also understood the historical significance of Gath and Adullam. But most people today do not understand these things. That is the reason it is difficult to translate these verses clearly. Here are some general options to consider in translating the puns:

Ignore the puns. Most English versions do this in the actual translation. Just translate the name in the Hebrew text. Those who read your translation will understand the basic meaning of each verse, but they will not know that there was a pun in Hebrew.
Use footnotes to explain the puns. Many English versions with footnotes do this. For example, the NIV uses footnotes at 1:10a, 11b, 12a, 13a, and 15a to explain that a name sounds like another Hebrew word. It uses other footnotes at 1:10b, 11a, and 14b to explain the meaning of the name of a town.
Explain in your translation the meaning or the sound of the names for the cities. If you use this option, you will need to clearly indicate in some way that this information is not part of your translation.

Choose an option that is appropriate for the readers in your language area.

1:12a

For the dwellers of Maroth pined for good,

The Maroth people will be anxious, waiting for good news.
Yes indeed, the people who reside in Maroth will wait and wait for something good to happen, but nothing good will happen.
The people of Maroth town will be worried. They will wait for someone to help them. But nobody will help them.

For the dwellers of Maroth pined for good: Micah spoke here about the inhabitants of Maroth, another town in Judah.

For: In Hebrew, this word probably emphasizes here the certainty of the terrible disaster that would happen.According to Waltke 2007 (page 77), the interpretation “wait anxiously” “favors the asseverative force.” It does not introduce a reason. One way to express this certainty is to begin the verse with a word such as “Indeed.” For example:

Indeed, the residents of Maroth hope for something good to happen. (NET)

Many English versions begin this verse with no connecting word. For some examples, see the NIV, GNT, and CEV quoted below.

Maroth: The name Maroth means “bitterness.” In Hebrew, bitterness was a symbol of sadness or unpleasant experiences. We do not know for sure whether Micah used a pun here. If he did, the probable meaning is that the people in Maroth “pined for good,” but what would happen to them would be bitter, that is, unpleasant.According to Mays 1976 (pp. 57–58), Micah made a word play on “Maroth” (bitter) and “good,”…and also on “evil” and “Jerusalem” (the city of shalom—“peace”): “How can the community of bitterness hope for the good of help when the evil of calamity has come from YHWH to the very gates of the city of salvation!”

The situation with the possible pun and its probable meaning is similar to the one with Beth-ezel in 1:11c. Consider using a similar approach here.

It may be helpful to use a footnote to help your readers understand the meaning of the possible pun. For example:

Maroth sounds like the Hebrew term for “bitter.” (NLT footnote)

The name Maroth means “bitter.” Eating bitter things is unpleasant. Similarly, unpleasant things will happen to the people in Maroth.

If you do not use footnotes, you may decide to include the meaning of the place and possible pun in your translation. For example:

The inhabitants of Maroth The name of their town means “bitter.” will wait anxiously for someone to help them. Nothing good will happen to them.

pined: In Hebrew, this verb phrase can be interpreted in at least three ways:

It means “wait anxiously.” The people of Maroth were worried. They were afraid that no one would help them. For example:
The people of Maroth anxiously wait for relief (GNT) (BSB, ESV, GW, KJV, NCV, NET, NLT, NRSV, REB,The REB indicates extreme anxiety. It has “in the depths of despair.” Conceivably, it could be listed with the NIV “writhe,” but being in deep despair does not necessary imply bodily contortions. GNT)
It means “writhe while waiting.” They twisted or contorted their bodies as they waited in extreme fear. For example:
Those who live in Maroth writhe in pain, waiting for relief… (NIV) (NIV)
It means “hope.” The people hoped that someone would help them and that good would result. For example:
the residents of Maroth hope for something good to happen (NET) (CEV, NET, NJPS)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions and commentaries. Interpretation (2) also implies that the people are extremely anxious, but the translation “writhe” requires an unusual form of the original word.See A&F (page 226) for a discussion of the confusing details. The meaning “writhe” is not supported by any commentaries or other versions.

To “pine” means to wait for something to happen and to be anxious (worried and afraid) that it will not happen. In some languages, the expression pined may need to be translated as two clauses or as a direct quote. For example:

The inhabitants of Maroth wait for something good to happen, but they are worried/afraid that nothing good will happen.

The inhabitants of Maroth wait and wait. They say, “Will anything good ever happen?”

for good: The implied information here is that an enemy army will attack Judah. The people in “Maroth” wait anxiously for good news to come or for something good to happen. Here are some other ways to translate “wait anxiously for good”:

will be anxious for good news to come (NCV)

wait for something good to happen (NET)

1:12a–b

(combined/reordered)

Yahweh will cause disaster to come to the gate of Jerusalem. That is why the people in the town of Maroth will wait anxiously for help but no help will come.

1:12b

but calamity came down from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem.

They will need to wait, because Yahweh will send enemies, and those enemies will arrive outside the gate of Jerusalem.
The reason is that/because Yahweh will cause an enemy army to come right up to the main entrance of Jerusalem itself.
There will be no help, because even the capital city of Jerusalem will be threatened by disaster/defeat from enemy soldiers that Yahweh causes to reach the entrance of the city.

but calamity came down from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem: This verse part also begins with the Hebrew word ki. In 1:12a, this word indicated certainty. Here in 1:12b, there are at least two ways to interpret its function:

It indicates either the reason that the people of Maroth wait anxiously or else the reason that nothing good will happen. For example:
because trouble will come from the Lord, all the way to the gate of Jerusalem (NCV) (ESV, GW, NAB, NASB, NCV, NIV, RSV, GNT)
It indicates contrast or concession. The people of Maroth wait anxiously, but/yet although that is the case, nothing good will happen. The reason is that even Jerusalem, the capital city, faced disaster and would need help. For example:
though the Lord has sent disaster against the city of Jerusalem (NET) (BSB, CEV, KJV, NET, NRSV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. More commentaries follow interpretation (2), but this use of ki is extremely rare. The meaning “because” is much more common.Commentaries that support interpretation (1) include ABC and UBS. ABC (page 1077) speaks of “a rescuing army from Jerusalem that will never come because the Assyrian army will march right up to the gate of Jerusalem .” UBS (page 146) comments: “it is even worse to have the enemies at Jerusalem than to have them in their own town, since it means there is no one left to send help and no place to which they can escape.” Commentaries that support interpretation (2) include WBC, JFB, NAC, and Waltke 2007. NAC (pages 58–59) explains: The suffering inhabitants of Maroth wait for ‘good’; instead, the Lord will send ‘disaster.’ Waltke 2007 (page 78) says that good represents “military aid, probably from Jerusalem; instead the Assyrian army marched right up to the gates of Jerusalem.”

In some languages, the meaning of ki (“because”) may be clear without giving an explicit conjunction. For example:

From the Lord disaster will come on the gates of Jerusalem. (GW)

Use a natural way in your language to make the correct relationship clear.

came down from the LORD: The verb came down is the same verb in Hebrew that Micah used in 1:3b (“the LORD…will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth”). Here in 1:12b, it means that the LORD will cause the disaster and that this disaster will soon happen.

In some languages, it may not be natural to say that a disaster came down. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the Lord has sent disaster against the gate of Jerusalem (NET)

The LORD will cause a disaster to happen in front of the gate of Jerusalem.

trouble will come from the Lord, all the way to the gate of Jerusalem (NCV)

to the gate of Jerusalem: In 1:9c, Micah said that the disaster would come “to the gate of my people, to Jerusalem.” Here in 1:12b, he used a shorter phrase, to the gate of Jerusalem. This phrase refers to the main gate in the wall around the city. An enemy army would normally come to the gate in order to break it down and enter the city.This event probably happened when Hezekiah was king of Judah in 701 B.C. The Assyrian army came to the city gate of Jerusalem and surrounded the city, but they did not conquer it. Several years after Micah said this, an enemy army did come to Jerusalem and attacked the city. For more details, see 2 Chronicles 32:1–22 and Isaiah 36:1–37:38.

General Comment on 1:12a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to reverse the order of 1:12a and 1:12b. For example: