Micah 3 8

Micah 3:8 kjv

But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:8 nkjv

But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might, To declare to Jacob his transgression And to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:8 niv

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:8 esv

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Micah 3:8 nlt

But as for me, I am filled with power ?
with the Spirit of the LORD.
I am filled with justice and strength
to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion.

Micah 3 verses

Micah 3 8 Meaning

This verse is a declaration of boldness and unwavering commitment to God's word and message, even in the face of powerful opposition. The prophet Micah asserts his divine commission, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, to proclaim judgment and truth. This commission provides him with courage and integrity to confront corruption and injustice.

Micah 3 8 Context

Micah 3 prophesies against the corrupt leaders of Israel, specifically the princes and rulers in Jerusalem. These leaders are depicted as unjust and exploitative, preying on the people for personal gain. The preceding verses (Micah 3:1-7) describe their greed, violence, and reliance on false divination rather than God's truth. In this context, verse 8 serves as Micah's powerful counter-declaration of his own integrity and divine authority as a prophet. He is not like the false prophets who seek personal benefit; instead, he is divinely equipped and mandated to speak truth, even if it means condemnation. This stands in stark contrast to the leadership being condemned, highlighting the stark choice between true prophetic utterance and the self-serving pronouncements of corrupt officials.

Micah 3 8 Word analysis

• “But” (Hebrew: כִּי - ki) - A strong conjunction introducing a strong contrast. It signifies opposition to what preceded, the false prophets' inability or unwillingness.

• “truly” (Hebrew: אַךְ - 'akh) - Indicates emphasis, exclusivity, or limitation, often meaning "however" or "only." Here, it intensifies the contrast, emphasizing the singular, unwavering nature of Micah's calling.

• “I am full” (Hebrew: מָלֵא - male) - Literally means "filled." It speaks of being replete with something, completely possessed by it.

• “of power” (Hebrew: כֹּחַ - koach) - Refers to inherent strength, might, ability, or vigor.

• “by the Spirit” (Hebrew: רוּחַ - ruach) - Means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In this context, it refers to the active, empowering presence and force of God.

• “of the LORD” (Hebrew: יְהוָה - Yahweh) - The personal covenant name of God. This connection specifies that the power originates directly from the Lord.

• “and of justice” (Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat) - Denotes justice, right, ordinance, or judgment. It speaks of acting righteously and in accordance with God's standards.

• “and of might” (Hebrew: גְּבוּרָה - gevurah) - Signifies strength, might, valor, power. Often used for powerful deeds or inherent strength.

• “to declare” (Hebrew: הוֹדִ֫יעַ - hodi'a) - To make known, to announce, to inform. It implies a clear and authoritative proclamation.

• “to Jacob” (Hebrew: לְיַעֲקֹב - l'Ya'akov) - Refers to Israel as a nation, emphasizing God's ongoing relationship and covenant with them.

• “his transgression” (Hebrew: פִּשְׁעוֹ - fish'o) - Means rebellion, revolt, sin, or transgression. It points to the willful breaking of God's law.

• “and to Israel” (Hebrew: וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵל - uv'Yisrael) - Another reference to the nation, often used interchangeably with Jacob in this prophetic context.

• “his sin” (Hebrew: חֲטָאָת - chata'ah) - Means sin or offense. It highlights the state of moral failing.

• Group Analysis: The phrase "full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, and of justice and of might" highlights a tripartite empowerment. The source is the divine "Spirit of the LORD," and the resulting qualities are "justice" and "might." This isn't just raw power; it's power directed by righteousness and equipped for forceful action in declaring God's message.

Micah 3 8 Bonus section

The "Spirit of the LORD" in this verse speaks of the dynamic, life-giving, and empowering presence of God actively engaged with His servant. This aligns with later New Testament descriptions of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers for ministry and witness, enabling them to speak God's truth with boldness (Acts 1:8, 4:31). Micah's declaration demonstrates that prophecy, especially when it involves confrontation, is not a matter of personal cleverness but of divine enablement and adherence to God's moral standard ("justice" and "might"). His confidence is not in himself, but in the God who sent him and empowered him for the task.

Micah 3 8 Commentary

Micah, faced with pervasive corruption among his nation's leaders, declares his unique standing. Unlike the deceitful prophets he's just condemned, Micah is filled with divine authority, emanating directly from the Holy Spirit. This divine filling endows him with not just prophetic insight but also the "justice" and "might" needed to faithfully proclaim God's judgments. His purpose is clear: to announce the transgression and sin of Israel, particularly their leadership, making God's verdict known. This courage and conviction are essential for a prophet called to confront wickedness and call people back to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing that true prophetic ministry is rooted in God’s power and aligned with His justice, not human expediency or popular opinion.