or מִכָיְהוּ; (Jeremiah 36:11), abbreviated form for מִיכָיָהוּ; Mikajah, the name of three Israelites; Micah, Micaiah, Michaiah.
Transliteration:Mîykâyᵉhûw
Pronunciation:me-kaw-yeh-hoo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun מִיכָיְהוּ (Mîykâyᵉhûw), transliterated as Micaiah, Micah, or Michaiah, is a theophoric name carrying a profound theological meaning. It is a compound name derived from three elements:
* מִי (mî): the interrogative pronoun "who?"
* כָה (kāh): the preposition "like" or "as."
* יְהוּ (yᵉhû): a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (YHWH).
Therefore, the name's core meaning is "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like the LORD?" This rhetorical question functions as a powerful affirmation, implicitly declaring that no one is comparable to the God of Israel. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals; however, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries significant theological weight, serving as a confessional statement about God's uniqueness and supremacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Strong's definition notes that מִיכָיְהוּ refers to three Israelites. Analysis of biblical occurrences reveals these individuals:
1. **Micaiah, son of Imlah:** This is the most prominent figure bearing the name. He was a prophet of Yahweh during the reigns of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His account is primarily found in [[1 Kings 22:8-28]] and [[2 Chronicles 18:7-27]]. Micaiah courageously prophesied against King Ahab, declaring that he would fall in battle, directly contradicting the unanimous and favorable prophecies of 400 false prophets. His unwavering commitment to divine truth, even when it meant imprisonment and disdain, highlights his integrity. The meaning of his name, "Who is like Yahweh?", is particularly poignant in his narrative, as he alone stands for Yahweh's incomparable truth against a multitude of deceptive voices.
2. **Micaiah, son of Gemariah:** An official in the court of King Jehoiakim of Judah, mentioned in [[Jeremiah 36:11-13]]. He heard Baruch read Jeremiah's prophetic scroll in the temple and, recognizing its gravity, reported it to the princes. This action suggests a degree of responsibility and perhaps concern for the word of the Lord, though the king ultimately rejected the message. His role underscores the chain of individuals through whom God's word was transmitted, even to those who ultimately resisted it.
3. **Micaiah, mother of Abijah:** Identified in [[2 Chronicles 13:2]] as the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah and the mother of King Abijah of Judah. This lineage connects the name to the royal house of Judah. The parallel account in [[1 Kings 15:2]] refers to her as Maacah, daughter of Absalom, which may indicate a variant name, a different individual, or a complex genealogical relationship. For the purpose of H4321, the reference in Chronicles is direct.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name מִיכָיְהוּ is deeply connected to several key biblical concepts:
* **The Divine Name Yahweh:** The inclusion of יְהוּ (yᵉhû) directly links this name to the covenant God of Israel, YHWH. This connection immediately imbues the name with theological significance, grounding it in the unique identity of the God revealed in Scripture.
* **Theophoric Names:** מִיכָיְהוּ belongs to a large category of biblical names that incorporate divine elements (e.g., אֱלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu - "My God is Yahweh"), יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma'el - "God hears")). These names often serve as miniature confessions of faith or prayers, reflecting the piety and theological understanding of those who bestowed them.
* **The Incomparability of God:** The rhetorical question "Who is like Yahweh?" echoes numerous biblical passages that proclaim God's uniqueness, majesty, and supremacy. Examples include:
* [[Exodus 15:11]]: "Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"
* [[Psalm 89:8]]: "O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you."
* [[Isaiah 40:18]], [[Isaiah 40:25]]: "To whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?" "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
These verses underscore the theological conviction embedded within the name מִיכָיְהוּ.
* **True Prophecy and Divine Truth:** The most famous bearer of the name, Micaiah son of Imlah, stands as a paragon of true prophecy. His story highlights the tension between popular opinion or royal will and the uncompromising truth of God, emphasizing that genuine prophetic utterance derives from and aligns with the incomparable nature of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The name מִיכָיְהוּ (Mîykâyᵉhûw) holds profound theological significance, primarily functioning as a powerful declaration of God's nature:
* **Confession of Divine Uniqueness:** At its core, the name is a confession that Yahweh is utterly unique and without peer. The rhetorical question "Who is like Yahweh?" demands the resounding answer: "No one!" This challenges any form of polytheism, idolatry, or syncretism, asserting the exclusive sovereignty and unparalleled attributes of the God of Israel. It affirms His singular power, wisdom, holiness, and faithfulness, distinguishing Him from all created beings and false deities.
* **Affirmation of God's Sovereignty:** If no one is like Yahweh, then He alone possesses ultimate authority and control over all creation and human history. The name implicitly declares His absolute rule and His ability to accomplish His purposes without hindrance or comparison.
* **Integrity of the Prophetic Word:** The life of Micaiah son of Imlah vividly illustrates the theological weight of his name. His unwavering commitment to speaking God's truth, even when it led to personal suffering and societal rejection, underscores that true prophecy is rooted in the incomparable character of Yahweh. It teaches that God's word, like God Himself, stands alone in its truth and power, regardless of human opposition or the consensus of false voices. To be "like Yahweh" in prophetic ministry means to speak His truth, not to seek human approval.
* **A Call to Worship and Humility:** The question "Who is like Yahweh?" also serves as an implicit call to worship and humility before such a magnificent God. Recognizing His incomparability should lead to adoration, reverence, and a humble acknowledgment of human limitations in His presence.
### Summary
מִיכָיְהוּ (Mîykâyᵉhûw), transliterated as Micaiah or Micah, is a Hebrew proper name fundamentally meaning "Who is like Yahweh?" This powerful theophoric name serves as a profound theological assertion of God's absolute uniqueness and unparalleled supremacy. Biblically, it is most famously associated with Micaiah son of Imlah, the courageous prophet who, in his unyielding declaration of God's truth to King Ahab, embodied the very meaning of his name: that no one is like Yahweh in truth, power, or authority. Other individuals bearing this name include Micaiah son of Gemariah, an official in Jeremiah's time, and Micaiah, mother of King Abijah. The name's core meaning resonates deeply with numerous biblical declarations of God's incomparability, reinforcing His singular sovereignty and challenging any attempt to equate Him with created entities or false gods. It stands as a timeless and potent confession of faith in the majestic and unique God of Israel.
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