Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

MICAH 7:18KJV
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Micah 7:18 (KJV)

What does Micah 7:18 mean?

Micah 7:18 describes God as uniquely forgiving, choosing to pardon wrongdoing and not holding onto anger forever because He takes pleasure in showing mercy. The verse marvels at how no other god is like the God of Israel, who forgives the faults of those who remain faithful to Him.

Micah, speaking to the people of Israel during a time of hardship and failure, highlights God’s character by asking who else could act with such compassion and patience. The verse comes near the end of the book, as Micah looks past Israel’s failures to God’s willingness to forgive and restore a faithful remnant.

The Hebrew behind Micah 7:18

  • God (אֵל, ’el): This word is a general term for God, but here it emphasizes the uniqueness and greatness of Israel’s God compared to others.
  • Pardoneth (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This verb means “to lift” or “to carry away,” often understood as God removing or bearing away guilt, not just overlooking it.
  • Iniquity (עָוֹן, ‘avon): This word refers to deep moral wrongdoing or guilt, not just minor mistakes, highlighting the seriousness of what is forgiven.
  • Mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word is often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness,” pointing to God’s loyal, committed love that goes beyond simple forgiveness.

Why Micah 7:18 matters

  • Micah 7:18 corrects the idea that God is always angry or harsh; the verse emphasizes that God actually delights in mercy and does not stay angry forever.
  • The verse reassures readers that even after repeated failures, God is willing to forgive and restore those who remain, showing His faithfulness to His people.
  • By comparing God to other gods, Micah 7:18 highlights the unique character of Israel’s God, making clear that forgiveness and mercy are central to who He is.

Where else these words appear

“ever” Hebrew H5703 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 15:18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
  • Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
  • Psalms 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 15:9 She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 9:8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?

“delighteth” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.