Micah 1:4
Micah 1:4 in Multiple Translations
The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.
And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
And the mountains shall be melted under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, as waters that are poured down a steep place.
And the mountains will be turned to water under him, and the deep valleys will be broken open, like wax before the fire, like waters flowing down a slope.
The mountains melt beneath him, the valleys burst apart, like wax in front of a fire, like water rushing down a slope. All this is happening because of the rebellion of the descendants of Jacob, the sins of the people of Israel.
And the mountaines shall melt vnder him (so shall the valleys cleaue) as waxe before the fire, and as the waters that are powred downewarde.
Melted have been the mountains under Him, And the valleys do rend themselves, As wax from the presence of fire, As waters cast down by a slope.
The mountains melt under him, and the valleys split apart like wax before the fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place.
And the mountains shall be melted under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
And the mountains shall be melted under him: and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as waters that run down a steep place.
It will be as though the mountains will melt under his feet like [SIM] wax melts in front of a fire, and like [SIM] water disappears when it rushes/flows down into a valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 1:4
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.
Micah 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָמַ֤סּוּ
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
וְ/הָ/עֲמָקִ֖ים
יִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
כַּ/דּוֹנַג֙
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
כְּ/מַ֖יִם
מֻגָּרִ֥ים
בְּ/מוֹרָֽד
וְ/נָמַ֤סּוּ
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-mp
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
וְ/הָ/עֲמָקִ֖ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Conj | Art | N-mp
יִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
bâqaʻ
H1234
to break up/open
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
כַּ/דּוֹנַג֙
dôwnag
H1749
wax
Prep | N-ms
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
כְּ/מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
מֻגָּרִ֥ים
nâgar
H5064
to pour
V-Hophal-Inf-c
בְּ/מוֹרָֽד
môwrâd
H4174
descent
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 1:4
וְ/נָמַ֤סּוּ
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
וְ/הָ/עֲמָקִ֖ים
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Conj | Art | N-mp
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
יִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
bâqaʻ
H1234
"to break up/open"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
כַּ/דּוֹנַג֙
dôwnag
H1749
"wax"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to wax, often used figuratively to describe something that melts away. It appears in Psalm 68:2 and 97:5, where God's enemies melt like wax before him. It symbolizes weakness and vulnerability.
Definition: wax (always figurative 'of melting')
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: wax. See also: Psalms 22:15; Psalms 97:5; Psalms 68:3.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
כְּ/מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֻגָּרִ֥ים
nâgar
H5064
"to pour"
V-Hophal-Inf-c
To pour or flow, like water, and can also mean to deliver or stretch out, as seen in Psalm 42:4.
Definition: 1) to pour, run, flow, pour down 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be poured, be spilt 1a2) to pour oneself, flow, trickle 1a3) to vanish (fig.) 1a4) to be stretched out 1b) (Hiphil) to pour down 1c) (Hophal) to melt
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: fall, flow away, pour down (out), run, shed, spilt, trickle down. See also: 2 Samuel 14:14; Jeremiah 18:21; Psalms 63:11.
בְּ/מוֹרָֽד
môwrâd
H4174
"descent"
Prep | N-ms
A descent refers to a downward slope or a steep place. In architecture, it can also describe an ornamental feature, like a hanging decoration.
Definition: 1) descent, slope, steep place, hanging work, bevelled work 1a) descent 1b) hanging work
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: going down, steep place, thin work. See also: Joshua 7:5; 1 Kings 7:29; Jeremiah 48:5.
Study Notes — Micah 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Micah 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Micah 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 1:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Micah 1:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on Micah 1:4
- Barnes' Notes on Micah 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Micah 1:4
- Sermons on Micah 1:4
Context — Judgment to Come
2Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and everyone in it! May the Lord GOD bear witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple.
3For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.
4The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.
5All this is for the transgression of Jacob and the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem? 6Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble in the open field, a planting area for a vineyard. I will pour her stones into the valley and expose her foundations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 1:5 | The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. |
| 2 | Psalms 97:5 | The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. |
| 3 | Judges 5:4 | O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. |
| 4 | Isaiah 64:1–3 | If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence. |
| 5 | Amos 9:5 | The Lord GOD of Hosts, He who touches the earth and it melts, and all its dwellers mourn— all the land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt— |
| 6 | Habakkuk 3:10 | The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 3:6 | He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. |
| 8 | Psalms 68:2 | As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. |
| 9 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 10 | Zechariah 14:4 | On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. |
Micah 1:4 Summary
This verse, Micah 1:4, is a powerful description of God's majesty and power, where even the strongest mountains and deepest valleys are transformed by His presence. It reminds us that God is not just a distant observer, but an active and involved Lord who can change any situation, as seen in Psalm 107:33 where God turns deserts into pools of water. Just like wax melts before a fire, our hard hearts and stubborn wills can be softened and changed by God's presence, if we let Him in, as described in Ezekiel 36:26. As we reflect on this verse, we can trust that God's power is available to transform our lives, just as He promises in 2 Corinthians 5:17 to make us new creations in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the mountains to melt beneath God?
This phrase is a metaphor for the power and majesty of God, emphasizing that even the strongest and most stable things will be transformed by His presence, as seen in Psalm 97:5 where it says the mountains melt like wax at the presence of God
How does this verse relate to God's judgment?
This verse is part of a larger passage describing God's judgment on the nations, specifically Israel and Judah, for their sins, as mentioned in Micah 1:5, and is a call to repentance and recognition of God's sovereignty, similar to what is seen in Isaiah 2:12
What is the significance of the valleys splitting apart?
The image of the valleys splitting apart highlights the dramatic and transformative effect of God's presence, much like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21, demonstrating His power to change and redeem any situation
Is this verse talking about a literal or figurative event?
While the language is poetic and figurative, it points to the real and profound impact of God's presence and judgment, as seen in verses like Ezekiel 38:20 where the mountains are shaken and the valleys are filled with the dead
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of mountains melting and valleys splitting apart challenge my perception of God's power and majesty?
- In what areas of my life do I need to recognize God's sovereignty and submit to His will, as described in Romans 12:1-2?
- What are the 'mountains' and 'valleys' in my life that need to be transformed by God's presence, and how can I invite Him to work in those areas?
- How can I apply the lesson of this verse to my daily life, trusting in God's power to transform and redeem all things, as promised in Philippians 1:6?
Gill's Exposition on Micah 1:4
And the mountains shall be molten under him,.... As Sinai was when he descended on it, and as all nations will be at the general conflagration; but here the words are to be taken, not literally, but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 1:4
And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 1:4
The mountains shall be molten: if literally understood, we know it hath been so: when God will kindle that fire which shall burn up the earth, and the works of it, as he will when he cometh finally to judge the world, it shall be done again. But figuratively mountains are mighty states and kingdoms, flourishing with prosperity, and which do think the foundation of this sure as mountains. So ,2 Hab 3:6 , Or possibly these mountains may be, by a synecdoche, put for those who dwell on them, mountaineers, who were usually more fierce, secure hardy, and of difficult access, and therefore less regardful of threats and punishments. Shall be molten under him: which way soever you take mountains, yet the effect of God’ s powerful anger and justice shall be this, they shall be no more able to bear his indignation, or withstand it, than that which like wax melts before a strong fire. The valleys; which either are emblems of the lower sort of men, or the men that dwell in the valleys with their cities built there, which might hope to escape the storm, lying more under covert. But such shall be the sweeping, searching, and rapid storm of God’ s judgments, that no places, no persons shall either withstand or divert them. Shall be cleft; or rent in sunder, broken up, as the word , and slide away. As wax, which doth easily and speedily dissolve, and run before the fire. And as the waters that are poured down a steep place; which immediately spreads itself and runs down the precipice, not able to keep together in one body, but scattered one part from other, loseth itself without remedy; so shall the glory and strength of Samaria melt away before the fire of God’ s displeasure executed by Shalmaneser, and by Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar on Judah.
Trapp's Commentary on Micah 1:4
Micah 1:4 And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.Ver. 4. And the mountains shall be molten under him] This is to the self same sense; though men swell, in their own eyes, to the size of so many mountains; and though, gotten upon their hill of ice, they think they shall never be moved, Psalms 30:6-7; yet, when God, with his devouring fire and everlasting burnings, comes in presence, these craggy mountains shall soon dissolve and melt as wax, they shall be as waters poured down a descent, they shall flow as a land flood. By which similitudes, and familiar comparisons, is notably set forth the irresistible wrath of God for the frightening of hard hearted sinners, that they may take hold of his strength, and make peace with him, Isaiah 27:5. The valleys also shall be deft] The poorer sort also shall have their share in the common calamity. God will neither spare the high for their might, nor the base for their meanness, but lords and lowies together, shall be as wax before the fire, &c.] Wax is a poor fence against fire, sticks and stubble against a strong torrent; so human force against Divine judgments.
Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 1:4
(4) The mountains shall be molten.—The manifestations of the presence of God are taken from the description of the giving of the Law, when “the hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth” (Psalms 97:5). Dean Stanley refers the imagery to the memorable earthquake mentioned in Amos 1:1 :—“Mountains and valleys are cleft asunder, and melt as in a furnace; the earth heaving like the rising waters of the Nile; the sea bursting over the land; the ground shaking and sliding as, with a succession of shocks, its solid framework reels to and fro like a drunkard” (Jewish Church, Lect. 37).
Cambridge Bible on Micah 1:4
4. the mountains shall be molten …] The figure is that of a storm, but no ordinary storm. Lightning descends, and dissolves the very mountains, and torrents of rain scoop out channels in the valleys. Similar symbolic descriptions occur in Judges 5:5, Isaiah 64:1, Habakkuk 3:6; comp. Exodus 19:18.
Barnes' Notes on Micah 1:4
And the mountains shall be molten under Him - It has been thought that this is imagery, taken from volcanic eruptions ; but, although there is a very remarkable volcanic district just outside of
Whedon's Commentary on Micah 1:4
The judgment upon Samaria, Micah 1:2-7.Micah 1:2-4 picture the coming of Jehovah in judgment. All ye people;… O earth,… all that therein is — A sublime apostrophe to the whole earth.
Sermons on Micah 1:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Of the Conflagration of the Universe. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the universal conflagration of the universe, emphasizing the literal interpretation of biblical prophecies regarding the end times, particularly the burning o |
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The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. |
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When Jesus Makes Himself Known by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the church, before the return of Jesus, will not be characterized by fear and frailty but will flourish in the richness of God's presence. He highli |
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"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
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The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i |
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Don't Blame It on the Devil by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the dangers of blaming the devil for our shortcomings. He reflects on the importance of divine intervention in |
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His Immensity - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the deep longing and emptiness that exists within every human soul. He emphasizes that even though people may have fame, success, and worldly |