New International VersionBut Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what my God says.”
New Living TranslationBut Micaiah replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what my God says.”
English Standard VersionBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”
Berean Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”
King James BibleAnd Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
New King James VersionAnd Micaiah said, “ As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak.”
New American Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, I will speak it.”
NASB 1995But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”
NASB 1977But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”
Legacy Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As Yahweh lives, what my God says, that I shall speak.”
Amplified BibleBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, I will [only] speak what my God says.”
Christian Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, I will say whatever my God says.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, I will say whatever my God says.”
American Standard VersionAnd Micaiah said, As Jehovah liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak.
Contemporary English Version"I'll say whatever the living LORD my God tells me to say," Micaiah replied.
English Revised VersionAnd Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMicaiah answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives, I will tell him whatever my God says to me."
Good News TranslationBut Micaiah answered, "By the living LORD I will say what my God tells me to!"
International Standard Version"As the LORD lives," Micaiah replied, "I'll say what my God tells me to say."
NET BibleBut Micaiah said, "As certainly as the LORD lives, I will say what my God tells me to say!"
New Heart English BibleMicaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says to me, that I will speak."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.”
World English BibleMicaiah said, “As Yahweh lives, I will say what my God says.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Micaiah says “YHWH lives, surely that which my God says, I speak it.”
Young's Literal Translation And Micaiah saith 'Jehovah liveth, surely that which my God saith, it I speak.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Micaiah will say, Jehovah lives, for what God shall say I shall speak it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Micheas answered him: As the Lord liveth, whatsoever my God shall say to me, that will I speak.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Micaiah responded to him, “As the Lord lives, whatever my God will say to me, the same shall I speak.”
New American BibleMicaiah said, “As the LORD lives, I shall speak whatever my God says.”
New Revised Standard VersionBut Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Micaiah said, As the LORD God lives, what my God puts into my heart, that will I speak.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Mikah said: “LORD JEHOVAH God is living, but the thing that my God puts in my heart, that I shall speak!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Micaiah said: 'As the LORD liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Michaias said, As the Lord lives, whatever God shall say to me, that will I speak.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab12Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” 13But Micaiahsaid,“As surely as the LORDlives,I will speakwhatevermy Godtells me.”14When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be given into your hand.”…
Cross References 1 Kings 22:14But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”
Jeremiah 1:7-9But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
Acts 5:29But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Jeremiah 23:28Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD.
Ezekiel 2:7But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
Numbers 22:18But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.
Acts 4:19-20But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Jeremiah 26:2“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.
1 Corinthians 9:16Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Deuteronomy 18:18-19I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.
Amos 3:8The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?
Matthew 10:27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.
Jeremiah 20:9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Treasury of Scripture And Micaiah said, As the LORD lives, even what my God said, that will I speak. even what my God Numbers 22:18-20,35 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more… Numbers 23:12,26 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth? … Numbers 24:13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to doeither good or bad of mine own mind;but what the LORD saith, that will I speak? Jump to Previous DeclareMicahMicaiahMicai'ahSpeakSurelyWhateverJump to Next DeclareMicahMicaiahMicai'ahSpeakSurelyWhatever2 Chronicles 18 1.Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead4.Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain thereBut Micaiah saidMicaiah, a prophet of the LORD, is introduced in the context of a confrontation with King Ahab of Israel. His role as a prophet is significant, as he stands in contrast to the false prophets who seek to please the king. Micaiah's presence highlights the tension between true and false prophecy, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. His name means "Who is like Yahweh?" which underscores his commitment to God's truth. As surely as the LORD lives This phrase is an oath formula common in the Old Testament, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the statement that follows. It reflects Micaiah's deep reverence for God and his commitment to speak truthfully. The phrase is used to affirm the living nature of God, contrasting with the lifeless idols worshiped by surrounding nations. It also connects to other biblical figures who used similar oaths, such as Elijah and Elisha, reinforcing the continuity of prophetic tradition. I will speak whatever my God tells me Micaiah's declaration of obedience to God's message, regardless of personal cost, highlights the role of a true prophet. This commitment to divine truth over human approval is a hallmark of biblical prophecy. It contrasts sharply with the false prophets who tell the king what he wants to hear. Micaiah's stance is reminiscent of other prophets like Jeremiah and Amos, who also faced opposition for delivering God's message. This phrase underscores the principle that God's word is authoritative and must be delivered faithfully, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. MicaiahA prophet of the LORD who is known for his commitment to speaking God's truth, regardless of the consequences. 2. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who seeks guidance from the LORD before going into battle. 3. AhabThe king of Israel who desires to go to war against Ramoth-gilead and seeks prophetic approval. 4. Ramoth-gileadA city that Ahab desires to reclaim from the Arameans, prompting the consultation of prophets. 5. Prophets of AhabA group of prophets who falsely assure Ahab of victory, contrasting with Micaiah's true prophecy. Teaching Points Commitment to TruthMicaiah's unwavering dedication to speaking God's truth, regardless of personal risk, serves as a model for believers to prioritize divine truth over human approval. Courage in AdversityMicaiah's boldness in the face of opposition encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Discernment in ProphecyThe contrast between Micaiah and Ahab's prophets highlights the need for discernment in distinguishing true prophetic messages from false assurances. Obedience to GodMicaiah's statement underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, reminding believers to seek and follow God's will in all circumstances. The Cost of DiscipleshipMicaiah's experience illustrates the potential cost of discipleship, challenging Christians to consider the sacrifices involved in faithfully following God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 18:13?
2.How can we emulate Micaiah's commitment to speak "what my God says" today?
3.What challenges might arise when prioritizing God's truth over popular opinion?
4.How does 2 Chronicles 18:13 relate to Ephesians 6:19-20 about boldness?
5.In what ways can we ensure our words align with God's will?
6.How can Micaiah's example inspire us to stand firm in our faith?
7.What does 2 Chronicles 18:13 reveal about the nature of true prophecy and divine truth?
8.How does Micaiah's stance in 2 Chronicles 18:13 challenge personal integrity in the face of opposition?
9.Why is Micaiah's commitment to God's word significant in 2 Chronicles 18:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 18?
11.In 2 Chronicles 18:14–17, why does Micaiah offer a prophecy so different from the other prophets—could this indicate conflicting traditions?
12.In 2 Chronicles 18:21-22, how can an all-truthful God justly send a lying spirit to deceive Ahab?
13.2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 - Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy?
14.Who was Micaiah in the Bible?What Does 2 Chronicles 18:13 Mean But Micaiah saidMicaiah steps onto the scene already set against four hundred court prophets who have assured King Ahab of victory (2 Chron 18:5–12). • His very first word—“But”—signals a courageous contrast. Like Elijah facing Ahab in1 Kings 18:17–18, Micaiah refuses to be swept along by popular opinion. • Notice the singular voice: one man standing firm, reminiscent of Jeremiah’s lone witness before King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:12–15) and of Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26:19–29). • The pattern reminds us that truth is never determined by majority vote; it is revealed by God and declared by those who fear Him (Isaiah 8:11–13). As surely as the LORD lives• This solemn oath formula appears throughout Scripture—Joshua 3:10;Ruth 3:13;Jeremiah 38:16—and underlines two realities: – The LORD is alive, active, and present; prophecy is not speculation but communication with the living God (Hebrews 4:12). – What follows is therefore non-negotiable. Breaking such an oath meant challenging the very life of God, which is impossible (Numbers 23:19). • By anchoring his words in God’s life, Micaiah places divine authority above royal authority, echoing Peter’s later declaration, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). I will speak• The prophet accepts personal responsibility: he will open his mouth. Silence would be disobedience (Ezekiel 33:7–9). • God had told Moses, “Now go; I will help you speak” (Exodus 4:12), and later told Jeremiah, “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” (Jeremiah 1:7). Micaiah stands in that same prophetic line. • For us, the principle remains: when God’s Word is clear, our calling is to speak it—“And since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13). whatever my God tells me• The key word is “whatever.” There are no edits, no softening, no additions. Like Balaam’s admission, “I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad; I must say only what the LORD says” (Numbers 24:13). • “My God” shows personal relationship, not mere professional duty. The prophet speaks from communion with God, much as Jesus affirmed, “The Father who sent Me commanded Me what to say and how to say it” (John 12:49). • In the New Testament church, Paul describes the same stewardship: “We speak as those approved by God, entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). • The lesson is clear: fidelity to divine revelation outshines human favor, royal reward, or personal safety (Matthew 10:28). summaryMicaiah’s brief sentence models prophetic integrity: a lone voice declaring the living LORD’s unfiltered message, whatever the cost. His example challenges us to revere the God who lives, to open our mouths when He speaks, and to prize His approval above all others. (13) Even.-- Nay, but whatsoever my God shall say.My God.--Kings,Jehovah.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But Micaiahמִיכָ֑יְהוּ(mî·ḵā·yə·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4321:Micaiah -- 'Who is like Yah?' three Israelitessaid,וַיֹּ֖אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559:To utter, say“As surely as the LORDיְהוָ֕ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israellives,חַי־(ḥay-)Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifeI will speakאֲדַבֵּֽר׃(’ă·ḏab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduewhateverאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatmy Godאֱלֹהַ֖י(’ĕ·lō·hay)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativetells me.”יֹאמַ֥ר(yō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559:To utter, say
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:13 Micaiah said As Yahweh lives what my (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |