מִיכָיָה (mi.kha.yah)
mi.kha.yah
Micaiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Micaiah, meaning "who is like God," appears in Scripture referring to several distinct individuals during the Divided Monarchy and post-exilic periods. The most prominent figure bearing this name is the father of Achbor, a high-ranking official mentioned in 2 Kings 22:12 who served under King Josiah. This same individual is identified as Micah in 2 Chronicles 34:20, illustrating how biblical names often had shortened forms.
Another notable bearer of the name appears in Nehemiah 12:35 and 12:41 as a priest involved in the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall. While the minor prophet Micah shares the same root meaning, the sources distinguish him from these specific historical figures by noting his ministry during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The variation between Micaiah and Micah reflects common naming conventions where fuller theophoric names were abbreviated in daily use.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Micaiah carries a powerful question: "Who is like God?" In Scripture, this phrase reminds us of God's unmatched nature. He stands alone in power and holiness. When we encounter bearers of this name, such as the officials serving King Josiah or the priests rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, we see faithful people doing their part in God’s larger story.
These individuals were not famous prophets or kings. They were servants, scribes, and priests working behind the scenes. Their lives show that God values faithfulness in ordinary roles. Whether managing royal records or leading music during a wall dedication, they honored God through steady service.
This name invites us to reflect on our own place in God’s kingdom. We may not always be in the spotlight, but our faithful actions matter. By serving where we are placed, we echo the truth that no one compares to our Creator. This perspective brings peace and purpose to daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Micaiah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִיכָיָ֧ה1×
- מִיכָיָ֜ה1×
- מִ֣יכָיָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 22:12
The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying,
This verse highlights Micaiah as the father of Achbor, showing how family lineage was recorded among Josiah’s officials during a time of religious reform.
-
Nehemiah 12:35
and some of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph;
Here Micaiah is listed as an ancestor in a priestly line, emphasizing the importance of heritage and continuity in post-exilic worship practices.
-
Nehemiah 12:41
and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
This occurrence places Micaiah among priests actively participating in the joyous dedication of Jerusalem’s wall, linking his name to communal restoration.