Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Micah 1:7

And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

Micah 1:7 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse, found in the Book of Micah, describes the destruction of idols and graven images. It conveys a strong message about the consequences of worshipping false gods. In this passage, the prophet Micah proclaims that all idols will be destroyed and laid desolate because they were acquired through sinful means, namely through the wages of a harlot. By linking the idols to prostitution, the verse emphasizes the idea that worshipping false gods is akin to engaging in immoral behavior. The imagery of beating the graven images to pieces and burning them with fire symbolizes the complete eradication of these false gods from society. The use of strong language underscores the seriousness of idol worship and the need to turn away from such practices. Overall, this verse serves as a warning against placing trust in objects or beings that are not worthy of worship, urging believers to focus their devotion on the one true God.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see a severe condemnation of idolatry and the consequences that come with it. The verse speaks of the destruction of graven images, idols, and everything associated with them. This act is a symbolic gesture of eradicating the worship of false gods and idols. The word "hire" in this context can be interpreted in a few ways. It could refer to the payment given to the craftsmen who create these idols, the profits gained from worshipping false gods, or even the spiritual cost of idolatry. The reference to a harlot emphasizes the sinful and unfaithful nature of Israel’s idolatry, comparing it to paying for the services of a prostitute. Ultimately, the verse serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences that come from turning away from the one true God.

Micah 1:7 in other translations

American Standard Version

And all her graven images shall be beaten to pieces, and all her hires shall be burned with fire, and all her idols will I lay desolate; for of the hire of a harlot hath she gathered them, and unto the hire of a harlot shall they return.

World English Bible

All her idols will be beaten to pieces, and all her temple gifts will be burned with fire, and all her images I will destroy; for of the hire of a prostitute has she gathered them, and to the hire of a prostitute shall they return.”

Douay-Rheims

And all her graven things shall be cut in pieces, and all her wages shall be burnt with fire, and I will bring to destruction all her idols: for they were gathered together of the hire of a harlot, and unto the hire of a harlot they shall return.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And all the grauen images thereof shalbe broken, and all the giftes thereof shalbe burnt with the fire, and all the idoles thereof will I destroy: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall returne to the wages of an harlot.