Judges 17:12
Judges 17:12 in Multiple Translations
Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.
And Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.
And Micah gave the position to the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.
Micah ordained the Levite as his own priest and he lived in Micah's house.
And Michah consecrated the Leuite, and the yong man was his Priest, and was in the house of Michah.
And Micah consecrateth the hand of the Levite, and the young man is to him for a priest, and he is in the house of Micah,
Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.
And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.
And Michas filled his hand, and had the young man with him, for his priest, saying:
Micah appointed him to be a priest, and he lived in Micah’s house.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 17:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְמַלֵּ֤א
מִיכָה֙
אֶת
יַ֣ד
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
וַ/יְהִי
ל֥/וֹ
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן
וַ/יְהִ֖י
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
מִיכָֽה
וַ/יְמַלֵּ֤א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִיכָה֙
Mîykâh
H4318
Micaiah
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
מִיכָֽה
Mîykâh
H4318
Micaiah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 17:12
וַ/יְמַלֵּ֤א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
מִיכָה֙
Mîykâh
H4318
"Micaiah"
N-proper
Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יַ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmsa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
לְ/כֹהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִיכָֽה
Mîykâh
H4318
"Micaiah"
N-proper
Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.
Study Notes — Judges 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:12
- Sermons on Judges 17:12
Context — Micah’s Idolatry
10“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in
11and agreed to stay with him, and the young man became like a son to Micah.
12Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
13Then Micah said, “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, because a Levite has become my priest.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 18:30 | The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:8–10 | Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi! Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. |
| 3 | Numbers 16:5 | Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 12:31 | Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 13:33–34 | Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth. |
Judges 17:12 Summary
[This verse tells us that Micah made the Levite his personal priest, which means the Levite would help Micah and his family worship God. However, as we see in Numbers 18:1-7, this was not exactly how God intended for the Levites to serve. Micah's actions show how easily we can try to create our own way of worship, rather than following God's instructions, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:8-12. By looking at this verse, we can learn the importance of seeking God's will and following His commands, rather than creating our own way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Micah ordained the Levite as his priest?
In this context, ordaining the Levite means that Micah is recognizing the Levite's role as a spiritual leader, similar to how Aaron was ordained by God in Exodus 4:14. Micah is essentially giving the Levite authority to serve as his family's priest.
Was it proper for Micah to ordain the Levite as his priest?
According to Numbers 18:1-7, only the tribe of Levi was authorized by God to serve as priests, and they were to serve the entire nation of Israel, not just individual families. Micah's actions may have been well-intentioned, but they were not in line with God's instructions.
What can we learn from Micah's decision to have a personal priest?
Micah's decision reflects his desire to have a sense of spiritual legitimacy and connection to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:13-14. However, it also shows how easily we can create our own ways of worship and disregard God's commands, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:8-12.
How does this verse relate to the concept of priesthood in the Bible?
In the Bible, priests served as mediators between God and humanity, as seen in Hebrews 5:1-4. In this verse, the Levite is taking on a priestly role, but it is not in the context of the official priesthood established by God in the book of Leviticus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be trying to create my own spiritual legitimacy or sense of connection to God, rather than following His commands?
- How can I balance my desire for spiritual guidance with the need to follow God's instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:13-14?
- What are some potential consequences of disregarding God's commands, as Micah did in this verse?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking God's will and following His instructions, rather than creating my own way of worship?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:12
And Micah consecrated the Levite,.... Installed him into, and invested him with the priestly office; in like manner he had consecrated his son before, by filling his hand with sacrifices; see Jude
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:12
And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. Consecrated the Levite , [ wayªmalee' (H4390) ... 'et (H854) yad (H3027), filled his hand].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:12
Consecrated the Levite, to be a priest, for which he thought a consecration necessary, as knowing that the Levites were no less excluded from the priest’ s office than the people. Became his priest, instead of his son, whom he had consecrated for want of a fitter, ; but now seems to restrain him from the exercise of that office, and to devolve it wholly upon the Levite, who was nearer akin to it.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:12
Judges 17:12 And Micah consecrated the Levite; and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.Ver. 12. And Micah consecrated the Levite.] Which none might lawfully do but the high priest. See how one sin draweth on another.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:12
Verse 12. Micah consecrated the Levite] וימלא את יד vayemalle eth yad, he filled his hands, i.e., he gave him an offering to present before the Lord, that he might be accepted by him. He appointed him to be priest; God was to accept and consecrate him; and for this purpose he filled his hand; i.e., furnished him with the proper offering which he was to present on his inauguration.
Sermons on Judges 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Danites Look for a Place to Settle by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of the Danites in Judges chapter 18. He highlights the importance of having a guide and authority in our lives, emphasizing t |
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Cleansed by the Blood to Serve the Living God or Intercourse Through the Blood by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the blood of Christ, which not only sanctifies believers but also grants them the privilege of intimate fellowship with God. He |