מִיכָה
Mikhah / Micah
“Who is like God?”
Micah (מִיכָה, Mikhah) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “who is like god?,” pronounced “mi-KHAH.” A shortened form of Micaiah (מִיכָיָהוּ), meaning 'Who is like Yahweh?' The name is a rhetorical question asserting God's incomparable nature. It shares its root with Michael (מִיכָאֵל, 'Who is like God?').
| Hebrew | מִיכָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Mikhah |
| English Name | Micah |
| Meaning | Who is like God? |
| Pronunciation | mi-KHAH |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Mikhah, Micha, Micaiah, Mikha |
| Key Scripture | Micah 6:8 |
Micah's name is a question that answers itself. 'Who is like God?' — the implied answer is 'no one,' making the name a built-in declaration of God's incomparability. This prophet from the small town of Moresheth spoke some of the most quotable words in all of Scripture: 'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God' (Micah 6:8). In an age of empty ritual and social injustice, Micah distilled the entire prophetic message into a single sentence that has echoed through thirty centuries.
Key Scripture: Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
What Does Micah Mean in Hebrew?
From the interrogative מִי (mi, 'who') + כְּ (ke, 'like') + יָהּ (Yah, shortened divine name). The full form מִיכָיָהוּ (Mikhayahu) makes the theophoric element explicit. The question 'Who is like God?' is a rhetorical declaration of divine uniqueness, not a genuine inquiry. The same construction appears in Michael (with El instead of Yah).
Micah in the Bible
Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah who prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (roughly 735-700 BCE). He proclaimed judgment against social injustice and corrupt leadership while also offering hope. He prophesied the Messiah's birthplace as Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and gave the famous summary of prophetic religion in Micah 6:8.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Micah 6:8 is one of the most quoted verses in progressive religious communities, serving as a motto for social justice movements. The verse's emphasis on justice, mercy, and humility has made it a cornerstone text for interfaith dialogue and ethical teaching across denominations.
Micah has become increasingly popular in the US, reaching the top 100 boys' names. Its soft sound combined with strong meaning appeals to modern parents. It's also used as a unisex name in some communities, though historically male.
Frequently Asked Questions About Micah
What does Micah mean in Hebrew?
Micah (מִיכָה, Mikhah) means “Who is like God?” in Hebrew. A shortened form of Micaiah (מִיכָיָהוּ), meaning 'Who is like Yahweh?' The name is a rhetorical question asserting God's incomparable nature. It shares its root with Michael (מִיכָאֵל, 'Who is like God?').
How do you pronounce Micah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Micah is “mi-KHAH.” The name is written מִיכָה in Hebrew script.
What does Micah mean in Hebrew?
Micah (מִיכָה, Mikhah) means 'Who is like God?' in Hebrew — a rhetorical question asserting that no one compares to God. It's a shortened form of Micaiah (מִיכָיָהוּ, 'Who is like Yahweh?'). The name shares its root with Michael (מִיכָאֵל), the archangel whose name asks the same question using 'El' instead of 'Yah.'
What is Micah 6:8 about?
Micah 6:8 is one of the most famous verses in the Hebrew Bible, summarizing God's requirements in three phrases: 'act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.' It was spoken in a context where people were offering elaborate sacrifices while neglecting basic ethics. Micah declared that God wants transformed character, not empty ritual.
Did Micah predict the birthplace of the Messiah?
Yes — Micah 5:2 states: 'But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.' This prophecy is quoted in Matthew 2:6 as being fulfilled by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Sources & Further Study
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