a variation for מִיכָה; Mica, the name of two Israelites; Micha.
Transliteration:Mîykâʼ
Pronunciation:mee-kaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4316}}` (Mîykâʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a variation of `{{H4318}}` (Mîykâh). Both forms derive from the rhetorical question "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like God?" The interrogative particle "mî" (מִי, "who?") combines with "kāh" (כָה, a shortened form of "kâ" (כָה) or "kî" (כִי) meaning "like" or "as"), followed by the divine name Yahweh, often abbreviated to "Yah" (יָהּ). Thus, the name serves as a profound theological statement, asserting the incomparable nature of God. It implies that no one, human or divine, possesses the attributes, power, or sovereignty of Yahweh.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Micha (`{{H4316}}`) appears in the Old Testament as belonging to two distinct individuals:
1. **Micha, son of Merib-baal (Mephibosheth):** This Micha is a descendant of King Saul through his son Jonathan and grandson Merib-baal (Mephibosheth). He is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The passages in [[1 Chronicles 8:34-35]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:40-41]] trace this lineage, stating, "The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz." In this context, the name serves as a marker within a significant royal lineage, even one that had fallen from power. The name's inherent theological statement would have been a constant reminder of God's ultimate authority, even over earthly kingships and their changing fortunes.
2. **Micha, a Levite:** This Micha is mentioned in [[Nehemiah 11:22]] as "the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem... son of Bani, son of Hashabiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers in charge of the service of the house of God." Here, Micha is part of the post-exilic community, specifically a Levite from the priestly line of Asaph, who were responsible for the musical service in the Temple. For a Levite involved in Temple worship, a name proclaiming God's incomparability would have been particularly fitting, reinforcing his identity and role in the service of the unique and supreme God of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H4318}}` (Mîykâh), which is virtually identical in meaning and form, differing only in the final consonant, possibly reflecting dialectal or scribal variations. Another closely related name is Michael (`{{H4317}}`, Mîykâʼēl), which means "Who is like God?" or "Who is like El?" This name, particularly prominent as the name of an archangel, carries the same fundamental theological assertion about God's uniqueness. The concept embedded in these names resonates throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic and poetic literature, where God's incomparable nature is frequently affirmed (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:18]], [[Isaiah 46:5]], [[Psalm 89:6-8]]). The rhetorical question "Who is like Yahweh?" is a common biblical trope used to highlight His omnipotence, sovereignty, and faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The name Micha, bearing the meaning "Who is like Yahweh?", is a profound theological statement embedded within an individual's identity. It serves as a constant, implicit confession of faith in the unique and unrivaled nature of the God of Israel. In a world often polytheistic, where various deities competed for allegiance, such a name explicitly declared the absolute supremacy of Yahweh. It underscored His distinctiveness from all other gods, emphasizing His unparalleled power, wisdom, and holiness. For those who bore the name, it was a perpetual reminder of their identity as servants of the one true God. For those who heard the name, it was an invitation to contemplate the majesty and singularity of the Lord. It speaks to the core biblical truth that God is utterly transcendent and without peer, a concept foundational to Israelite monotheism and the covenant relationship.
### Summary
`{{H4316}}` (Mîykâʼ), transliterated as Micha, is a Hebrew personal name that is a variant of `{{H4318}}` (Mîykâh). Its profound meaning, "Who is like Yahweh?", serves as a rhetorical question affirming the incomparable nature of the God of Israel. The name appears in the biblical record associated with two individuals: a descendant of King Saul and a Levite from the line of Asaph. In both contexts, the name subtly reinforces the theological truth of God's unique sovereignty and majesty. It stands as a testament to the pervasive biblical theme of Yahweh's unparalleled nature, a core tenet of Israelite faith and a continuous declaration of His absolute supremacy over all creation.
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