Old Testament

Micah 1:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Pass away in shame, you inhabitants of Shaphir, naked and exposed. The people of Zaanan did not come out. Beth Ezel is in mourning; its support is taken from you.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.

What Micah 1:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Micah 1:11, the prophet Micah addresses the inhabitants of Shaphir, warning them of impending shame and disgrace. The term 'naked and exposed' symbolizes their vulnerability and loss of dignity due to their sins. The mention of Zaanan, which did not come out to mourn, indicates a lack of solidarity among the townspeople in times of crisis. Beth Ezel is depicted as mourning, suggesting that the community is suffering from the consequences of their actions. This verse highlights the themes of judgment and the consequences of moral failure, emphasizing that the people will face the repercussions of their choices. The imagery used conveys a sense of urgency and despair, as the towns are depicted as being stripped of their glory and support. Overall, this passage serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the communal impact of individual actions.

How to apply Micah 1:11 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our community. It reminds us to support one another in times of trouble and to take responsibility for our moral choices. We should strive for integrity and solidarity, especially when facing challenges.

Curated for this public verse page. Micah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Micah 1:11

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Micah 1:11

At a Glance — the Book of Micah

Author
Micah the prophet
Written
Around 735-700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Micah 1:11 mean?

Micah 1:11 warns the inhabitants of Shaphir about impending shame and disgrace due to their sins. It highlights their vulnerability and the lack of support among neighboring towns during a time of crisis.

What is the meaning of 'naked and exposed' in Micah 1:11?

The phrase 'naked and exposed' symbolizes the vulnerability and loss of dignity that the people of Shaphir will face as a consequence of their actions and moral failures.

What themes are present in Micah 1:11?

The themes in Micah 1:11 include judgment, shame, community, mourning, and the consequences of sin, emphasizing the serious impact of individual choices on the collective.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.