### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mîykâh**, represented by `{{H4318}}`, is an abbreviated form of מִיכָיָה. It serves as the name for at least seven Israelites and is translated as Micah, Micaiah, or Michah. The name appears **31 times** across **28 unique verses** in scripture, identifying individuals ranging from a major prophet to figures in key genealogies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4318}}` identifies several key individuals. A prominent figure is a man from mount Ephraim named **Micah** who established a personal shrine with an **ephod** `{{H646}}` and **teraphim** `{{H8655}}`, even hiring a Levite to be his personal **priest** `{{H3548}}` ([[Judges 17:5]], [[Judges 17:10]]). His story culminates when his idols and priest are taken by the tribe of Dan [[Judges 18:27]]. The name also belongs to the prophet **Micah** the Morasthite, who received the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` concerning Samaria and Jerusalem [[Micah 1:1]]. Another prophetic figure, **Micaiah** `{{H4318}}`, confronts the king of Israel before the battle at Ramothgilead [[2 Chronicles 18:14]]. The name is also found in several genealogies, establishing lineage for figures such as the son of Meribbaal [[1 Chronicles 8:34]] and the father of Abdon, an officer of King Josiah [[2 Chronicles 34:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving figures named **Micah**:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): This word, used for a family or place, is central to the account of Micah of Ephraim, who had a "**house** of gods" [[Judges 17:5]] and whose own **house** `{{H1004}}` became a landmark for the spies of Dan [[Judges 18:2]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This term for one who officiates is key to Micah's unauthorized worship, as he consecrated his son and later a Levite to be his **priest** `{{H3548}}` [[Judges 17:12]].
* `{{H6459}}` **peçel** (carved (graven) image): This refers to an idol. Micah's **graven image** `{{H6459}}` was made by him and later stolen by the Danites, who set it up for their own worship [[Judges 18:31]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word; by implication, a matter): This highlights the contrast between false worship and true prophecy, as it describes the divine message that came to the prophet Micah as the "**word** of the LORD" [[Micah 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H4318}}` is associated with significant theological themes, primarily through the contrasting lives of its bearers.
* **Idolatry and False Worship:** The narrative of Micah of Ephraim serves as a lesson on the dangers of syncretism and self-made religion. He **made** `{{H6213}}` his own **ephod** `{{H646}}` and **teraphim** `{{H8655}}` and hired a priest, believing these actions would secure God's favor ([[Judges 17:5]], [[Judges 17:13]]). This account illustrates a departure from the worship commanded by the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
* **Prophetic Authority:** The prophet **Micah** `{{H4318}}` stands in sharp contrast as a true messenger of God. His authority comes not from himself but from the "**word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` that came to him" [[Micah 1:1]]. Likewise, **Micaiah** `{{H4318}}` speaks truth to a king, demonstrating the role of a prophet to deliver divine counsel, regardless of the consequences [[2 Chronicles 18:14]].
* **Genealogical Identity:** The recurrence of the name **Micah** in priestly and royal lineages underscores its place within Israel's covenant history. It appears in the line of Jonathan, son of Saul [[1 Chronicles 8:34]], and among the Levitical sons of **Uzziel** `{{H5816}}` [[1 Chronicles 23:20]], connecting the name to both the royal and priestly fabric of the nation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4318}}` **Mîykâh** is more than a simple name; it represents a cross-section of Israelite life and faith. The name is carried by a true prophet who spoke the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Micah 1:1]], and also by a man who descended into personal idolatry, creating a **graven image** `{{H6459}}` and his own priesthood [[Judges 18:31]]. Through its various appearances in scripture, the name **Micah** illustrates the profound difference between divinely-appointed service and self-willed religion, while also marking important points in Israel's genealogical record.
TRV