Micah 3:8

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Micah 3:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Micah 3:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Micah 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, etc.] Or, “full of power, even, the Spirit of the Lord”, as Gussetiusf126, by way of contrast, and as explaining what is meant by power; for so the Spirit is sometimes called from his gifts and graces, which are powerful in men; (see <422447> Luke 24:47 <440108>Acts 1:8 <440605>6:5,8). These are the words of Micah concerning himself, in opposition to the false prophets, who are destitute of the Spirit of God; men of mean sordid dispositions, that had nothing but sinister and selfish ends in view, and not in the least qualified for the office and character they bore; whereas he could say of himself, with truth, that he was possessed of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I--in contrast to the false prophets (Mic 3:5, Mic 3:7). full of power--that which "the Spirit of Jehovah" imparts for the discharge of the prophetical function (Luk 1:17; Luk 24:49; Act 1:8). judgment--a sense of justice [MAURER]; as opposed to the false prophets' speaking to please men, not from a regard to truth. Or, "judgment" to discern between graver and lighter offenses, and to denounce punishments accordingly [GROTIUS]. might--moral intrepidity in speaking the truth at all costs (Ti2 1:7). to declare unto Jacob his . . . sin-- (Isa 58:1). Not to flatter the sinner as the false prophets do with promises of peace.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And truly I - (Literally, contrariwise I,) that is, whereas they shall be void and no word in them, “I am full of (or filled with) power by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgment and might.” The false prophets, walked after their own spirit, Ezekiel 13:3. Their only power or influence was from without, from favoring circumstances, from adapting themselves to the great or to the people, going along with the tide, and impelling persons whither they wished to go. The power of the true prophet was inherent, and that by gift of “the Spirit of the Lord”. And so, while adverse circumstances silenced the false prophets, they called forth the more the energy of the true, whose power was from Him in…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Power - Courage, and vivacity. Of judgment - To discern times and seasons, right from wrong. Might - Resolution. Micah 3:10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:8 There was a strong contrast between the true prophet and the false prophets (3:5-7). Truth, justice, and power come from God’s Spirit, who gave Micah the moral and ethical strength to declare his true message about the sin and rebellion of his people.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I am: Job 32:18; Isa 11:2, Isa 11:3, Isa 58:1; Jer 1:18, Jer 6:11, Jer 15:19-21, Jer 20:9; Eze 3:14; Mat 7:29; Mar 3:17; Act 4:8-12, Act 4:19, Act 4:20, Act 7:54-57, Act 13:9-12, Act 18:5, Act 18:6, Act 18:9-11; Co1 2:4, Co1 2:12, Co1 2:13 to declare: Isa 58:1; Eze 16:2, Eze 20:4, Eze 22:2, Eze 43:10; Mat 3:7-12; Act 7:51, Act 7:52 Micah 3:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification