Micah 5 3

Micah 5:3 kjv

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Micah 5:3 nkjv

Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel.

Micah 5:3 niv

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

Micah 5:3 esv

Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.

Micah 5:3 nlt

The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies
until the woman in labor gives birth.
Then at last his fellow countrymen
will return from exile to their own land.

Micah 5 verses

Micah 5 3 Meaning

This verse signifies that the current rulers of Israel will be scattered, and a ruler will emerge from Bethlehem, a place associated with David. This ruler's origin is described as "from antiquity, from days of old," pointing to a lineage and a divine preordainment predating the immediate historical context.

Micah 5 3 Context

Micah 5:3 is part of a prophecy concerning the future ruler of Israel. In the preceding verses, God declares that judgment will fall upon Israel due to their unfaithfulness and the corruption of their leaders. However, the prophet then pivots to a message of hope and restoration. The context emphasizes a coming leader who will bring peace and salvation. This ruler is not merely a political or military figure, but one whose authority and origin are deeply rooted in God's eternal purposes. The specific mention of Bethlehem, David's hometown, connects this future ruler to the Davidic dynasty, fulfilling promises made to David.

Micah 5 3 Word Analysis

• "And the people of Israel shall be given up": This phrase signifies a period of abandonment or handing over to scattering and defeat. It reflects the consequences of their sins and national weaknesses.
• "to the spoiler": This term, from the Hebrew word bōṣē‘ (בֹּצֵעַ), means one who cuts off, plunders, or despoils. It indicates vulnerability to enemies and foreign oppression.
• "until she who is in labor gives birth": This is a powerful metaphor for a new beginning, a period of intense suffering preceding a birth. It points to a time of travail and tribulation that will culminate in the emergence of a new ruler and a restored Israel. This imagery is commonly used in the Old Testament for national rebirth.
• "and the remainder of his brethren shall return": This suggests that after a period of exile or dispersion, a remnant of the people will return to their land and reunite with the emerging ruler. It implies a restored community and renewed fellowship.
• "unto the children of Israel": This clarifies that the "remainder of his brethren" who return are fellow Israelites, emphasizing the reunion of the scattered nation.
• "and he shall stand and shepherd them": The Hebrew word for "shepherd" is rō‘eh (רֹעֶה). This signifies active leadership, care, protection, and guidance. It directly evokes the image of King David, who was a shepherd before becoming king.
• "in the strength of the LORD": This attribute highlights that the power and authority of this future ruler will not be his own, but derived from and sustained by the might of Yahweh. It underscores his divine commission.
• "in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God": This emphasizes the glorious and sovereign character of God, which the ruler will embody and represent. His actions will bring glory to God's name.
• "and they shall dwell": This indicates a future state of security, peace, and stability for the people.
• "for now they shall be great": This can refer to the newfound status and prominence the people will have under this ruler, or it might point to the inherent greatness that God bestows upon them.
• "unto the ends of the earth": This suggests a reign that is not confined to a small territory but extends influence and dominion widely, pointing to a universal aspect of this rule.
• "and his origin is from antiquity, from days of old.": The Hebrew phrases used here, mî-qadmîm (מִקַּדְמִים) and mî-yəmê ‘ôlam (מִימֵי עוֹלָם), emphasize an eternal and pre-existent origin. This is a crucial attribute identifying the ruler as more than just a human king; it points to His divine nature and His being part of God's plan from eternity.

Micah 5 3 Bonus Section

The imagery of "she who is in labor" is profoundly symbolic. In scripture, this often precedes significant national deliverance or a covenant renewal, highlighting that salvation is not achieved without struggle and that the new era is the result of a miraculous, divine birth or re-creation. The ultimate fulfillment of this verse is universally understood by Christian scholars to point to Jesus Christ. His birth in Bethlehem, His suffering and eventual triumph, His ascension, and His present reign as the Good Shepherd, all directly correspond to the elements described in Micah 5:3. His origin "from antiquity, from days of old" perfectly encapsulates His divine nature as the eternal Son of God, present before the creation of the world.

Micah 5 3 Commentary

Micah 5:3 vividly portrays a transition from hardship and scattering to a glorious restoration under a divinely appointed ruler. The verse contrasts the temporary state of vulnerability with the promise of an enduring shepherding. The emphasis on the ruler's eternal origin is a cornerstone of Messianic prophecy. It’s not just a future leader but One who existed before time. This singular origin distinguishes Him from all other human rulers, signifying His unique role in God's redemptive plan. The strength and majesty mentioned are not earthly but divine, manifesting God's presence and power through Him. The outcome is a secure and lasting dwelling for His people, extending His influence to the furthest reaches of the earth, reflecting God's ultimate purposes for humanity.