King James Version

What Does Micah 7:10 Mean?

Micah 7:10 in the King James Version says “Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine ...” — study this verse from Micah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. Then: or, And thou wilt see her that is mine enemy, and cover her with shame shall she: Heb. she shall be for a treading down”

Micah 7:10 · KJV

Context

8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

9

I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

10

Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. Then: or, And thou wilt see her that is mine enemy, and cover her with shame shall she: Heb. she shall be for a treading down

11

In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed.

12

In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain. and fromcities: or, even tocities

Read Micah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her (vetere oyevti bushah tekhassehah, וְתֵרֶא אֹיַבְתִּי בּוּשָׁה תְכַסֶּהָ). The "enemy" personified as female likely represents hostile nations (Assyria, Babylon, Edom) who mocked Israel during their discipline. Bushah (בּוּשָׁה, "shame") will "cover" them—the very humiliation they inflicted on Israel will fall upon them. This demonstrates measure-for-measure justice: those who shamed God's people will themselves be shamed.

Which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? (ha'omerah elay ayyeh YHWH Elohayik, הָאֹמְרָה אֵלַי אַיֵּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיִךְ). This taunt appears throughout Scripture when God's people suffer—enemies mock their faith, questioning God's existence or power (Psalm 42:3, 10; 79:10; 115:2; Joel 2:17). During exile, pagan nations scorned Israel: "Where is your God who promised to protect you?" Such mockery strikes at the heart of covenant faith.

Mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets (terenah enay bah attah tihyeh lemirmas kechomot chutzot, תֶּחֱזֶינָה עֵינַי בָּהּ עַתָּה תִּהְיֶה לְמִרְמָס כְּטִיט חוּצוֹת). Israel will witness their oppressor's downfall—trampled like street mud. This was literally fulfilled when Assyria (destroyed 612 BC) and Babylon (destroyed 539 BC) fell. It demonstrates that God vindicates His people and judges their mockers. Ultimately, all who mock Christ and His church will face judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, enemies mocked their faith during times of defeat or exile. When Jerusalem fell to Babylon (586 BC), Edomites gloated (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 1:12-14). Babylonians taunted Jewish exiles (Psalm 137:3). Yet God promised reversal: those who mocked would be judged, and Israel would witness it. This was fulfilled when Persia conquered Babylon (539 BC), allowing Jewish return (Ezra 1:1-4). The principle extends to all history: God allows His people to suffer temporarily but ultimately vindicates them and judges their oppressors. For the church, this promises that though we face mockery and persecution now, Christ will return to judge our enemies and vindicate us (Revelation 19:11-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should believers respond to the taunt 'Where is your God?' during times of suffering or apparent defeat?
  2. What does God's promise to shame those who shamed His people teach about His covenant loyalty?
  3. How does the certainty of ultimate vindication help endure present mockery and persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
תִּרְאֶ֣ינָּה1 of 17

“shall behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹיַ֙בְתִּי֙2 of 17

“Then she that is mine enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

וּתְכַסֶּ֣הָ3 of 17

“shall cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

בוּשָׁ֔ה4 of 17

“it and shame”

H955

shame

הָאֹמְרָ֣ה5 of 17

“her which said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַיּ֖וֹ7 of 17
H346

where?

יְהוָ֣ה8 of 17

“unto me Where is the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֑יִךְ9 of 17

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עֵינַי֙10 of 17

“mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

תִּרְאֶ֣ינָּה11 of 17

“shall behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בָּ֔הּ12 of 17
H0
עַתָּ֛ה13 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה14 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְמִרְמָ֖ס15 of 17

“her now shall she be trodden down”

H4823

abasement (the act or the thing)

כְּטִ֥יט16 of 17

“as the mire”

H2916

mud or clay; figuratively, calamity

חוּצֽוֹת׃17 of 17

“of the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Micah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Micah 7:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Micah 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:33-34Psalms 42:10Zechariah 10:5Psalms 35:26Revelation 18:20Joel 2:17

Test Your Knowledge

Micah 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMicah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Micah 7 with CommentaryAll Micah ChaptersComplete Micah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes