Micah 5 12

Micah 5:12 kjv

And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:

Micah 5:12 nkjv

I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you shall have no soothsayers.

Micah 5:12 niv

I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.

Micah 5:12 esv

and I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes;

Micah 5:12 nlt

I will put an end to all witchcraft,
and there will be no more fortune-tellers.

Micah 5 verses

Micah 5 12 Meaning

The verse signifies the destruction of fortified cities and fortresses, specifically targeting the "land of Assyria" and the "land of Nimrod," which represents areas associated with the oppressive powers that had historically plagued Israel. It also includes the eradication of "sojourners" or hidden places and fortified cities from within the community itself, suggesting internal purity and security as well. Ultimately, it speaks to divine intervention that will remove all vestiges of opposition and insecurity, bringing peace and completeness.

Micah 5 12 Context

Micah 5 is set within the broader context of Micah's prophecy, which addresses both the sins and the coming judgment of God upon Israel and Judah, as well as the eventual restoration and salvation through a future Davidic ruler. Specifically, chapter 5 begins by focusing on the devastation wrought by the enemy (often interpreted as Assyria or Babylon) upon Jerusalem. However, it quickly shifts to a prophetic promise of hope. Verse 12, following the mention of destroying enemy strongholds, details the internal cleansing and securing of God's people. The overarching theme is God's sovereign power to dismantle opposing forces and establish lasting security for His faithful remnant. The historical backdrop involves the constant threat of powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon, which oppressed the nations and specifically targeted Israel.

Micah 5 12 Word Analysis

• וְגַם (və-gam): "And also" or "And furthermore." Connects this verse to the preceding declaration of destruction, amplifying the scope of divine action.
• סִמְטִיּוֹתֶיךָ (simṭiyyōṯeyḵā): "your fortresses" or "your ramparts." Refers to fortified cities, strongholds, or places of defense. The possessive suffix "-ḵā" indicates these fortifications belong to the people addressed (which could be interpreted as the oppressing nations or, in a secondary sense, even misplaced confidence within God's people).
• וְחָרַבְתִּי (wə-ḥārāḇəṯî): "and I will make desolate" or "and I will destroy." Emphasizes a thorough devastation and emptiness.
• עָרֶיךָ (ʿāreyḵā): "your cities." Reinforces the destruction of urban centers.
• וְאַבְּדֶנּוּ (wə-’aḇədənnû): "and I will destroy them" or "and I will cause them to perish." A strong verb indicating complete annihilation or ruin. The suffix "nû" refers back to "cities" or generally to what has been described.
• מִדִּי מְשׁוּרִים (mid-dî məšûrîm): "from your land of strongholds" or "from your land of fortified walls." This phrase likely refers to specific geographic areas or the characteristic nature of the lands being dealt with as fortified or protected, hence their being specifically targeted for removal of their fortifications. The term "meshurim" derives from the root meaning "to measure" or "to fence," implying walled or guarded areas.
• וְהוֹפַעְתִּי (wə-hōp̄a‘ṯî): "and I will manifest" or "and I will reveal." This implies an action of bringing forth, appearing, or making known, often with divine implications of revelation or intervention.
• מֵאֶרֶץ (mē’e·reṣ): "from the land." Denotes a geographical origin or source.
• נִמְרוֹד (Nim·rōḏ): "Nimrod." A historically significant name associated with a powerful ancient empire and king, often symbolizing oppressive, godless regimes (Genesis 10:8-12). The inclusion of Nimrod's land points to ancient sources of tyranny.
• וְכִי (wə-ḵî): "and although" or "and though." introduces a contrasting clause.
• אֶמְעוֹט (’em·‘ōṭ): "I have reduced" or "I am diminished." Suggests a state of being lessened or few, perhaps in relation to their perceived strength or influence.
• מִקּוּם (mî·qûm): "from the standing place" or "from existence." Can refer to an established position, origin, or a fixed place.
• שְׁכוּן (šə·ḵûn): "dwelling" or "abode." This is likely a plural form from a root related to dwelling or residing, perhaps referring to inhabited places or populations within these lands. Some interpret this to mean 'lodging' or 'places of rest', implying places of supposed security now removed. The construct form with the preceding word points to the origins or manner of their dwelling.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and I will make desolate your cities and I will destroy them": This pairing emphasizes a twofold action of removal: making desolate (emptying) and destroying (annihilating), suggesting a complete eradication.
• "from your land of strongholds from your land of Nimrod": This phrases clearly delineates the territorial scope of divine judgment, pointing to both generally fortified lands and a specific historical embodiment of anti-God empire building (Nimrod).
• "and though I am reduced from existence of dwelling": This elliptical phrase implies that whatever is "reduced" or "diminished" in their ability to stand, reside, or thrive is precisely because their foundations were inherently flawed or opposed to God's order. The lack of strength or diminished state is a consequence of God's judgment upon their way of life.

Micah 5 12 Bonus Section

The reference to "Nimrod" is significant as he is traditionally understood as the first great empire builder after the flood, characterized by rebellion against God and building cities for his own glory (e.g., Babel). His land symbolizes human attempts to establish authority and security independent of divine will. This verse thus speaks to a divine reordering of earthly powers. The interpretation of the latter part of the verse also speaks to the necessity of internal purity and the removal of misplaced trust (e.g., reliance on fortresses rather than God). Some scholarly views also suggest that "Nimrod" might not solely refer to the historical figure but to a wider region or concept representing ancient tyrannical forces. The emphasis on divine action ("I will...") highlights God's active role in securing His people and dismantling their adversaries, a promise that ultimately points to the messianic kingdom where "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ" (Rev 11:15).

Micah 5 12 Commentary

Micah 5:12 functions as a declaration of total disarming and subjugation of any power that would seek to oppress or harm God's people. The mention of "fortresses," "cities," and "land of strongholds" signifies the futility of human defense mechanisms against divine intervention. The specific reference to the "land of Nimrod" connects this judgment to the earliest seeds of human rebellion and empire-building against God, extending the scope of judgment to a foundational historical level. This pronouncement is not merely about physical destruction but about the dismantling of systems and powers that oppose God's reign. The concluding, somewhat obscure phrase, concerning being "reduced from existence of dwelling," reinforces this idea of eradication, implying that not even their capacity to dwell or exist securely would remain. This echoes the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over all opposition, a theme that finds its fullest expression in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's reign. The destruction of fortified places symbolizes the ultimate triumph of God's peace and security, which is not reliant on human fortifications but on His presence and power.