Micah 5 8

Micah 5:8 kjv

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Micah 5:8 nkjv

And the remnant of Jacob Shall be among the Gentiles, In the midst of many peoples, Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, Like a young lion among flocks of sheep, Who, if he passes through, Both treads down and tears in pieces, And none can deliver.

Micah 5:8 niv

The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which mauls and mangles as it goes, and no one can rescue.

Micah 5:8 esv

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver.

Micah 5:8 nlt

The remnant left in Israel
will take their place among the nations.
They will be like a lion among the animals of the forest,
like a strong young lion among flocks of sheep and goats,
pouncing and tearing as they go
with no rescuer in sight.

Micah 5 verses

Micah 5 8 Meaning

The people of God, though diminished and scattered, will arise and prove superior to their surrounding nations. This superiority is not a human achievement but a gift from the Lord, who will empower them.

Micah 5 8 Context

Micah chapter 5 prophesies the coming Messiah, born in Bethlehem. The preceding verses (Micah 5:7-8) describe the remnant of Jacob, which is contrasted with their former weakness and dispersion. After the glorious intervention of the Messiah, God's people, though small, will be like dew and like a lion. This strength will be evident not by ruling over many nations in a worldly sense, but by exercising spiritual authority and overcoming opposition. The chapter sets a future scene where Israel, empowered by God and led by the Davidic King (Messiah), will be a source of blessing and authority, transcending their current diminished state.

Micah 5 8 Word Analysis

• And (וְ – we): A conjunctive particle, connecting ideas and often indicating sequence or result. Here, it links the transformed state to the source of their new strength.
• the remnant (שָׂאַ֫יִר – śā’îr): Refers to a surviving portion, those left over. In Micah's context, it signifies those who will be preserved and restored from exile and scattering. It implies a selection, not the whole of Israel in its entirety at a given moment.
• of Jacob (יַעֲקֹב – ya‘ăqōḇ): Refers to the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel. Jacob's name itself signifies "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," highlighting their history of struggle and wrestling, both with God and men.
• shall be (יִהְיֶה – yihyeh): Future tense of the verb "to be." It indicates a definite future state.
• among (בְּתוֹךְ – bəṯôḵ): "In the midst of" or "within." Denotes being situated within or surrounded by.
• the nations (גּוֹיִם – gôyim): Refers to the gentile peoples, often contrasted with Israel. The presence of Israel among them signifies their existence and influence within the Gentile world.
• as (כְּ – kə): A preposition of likeness, indicating comparison.
• a dew (טַל – ṭal): Refers to condensation, a light moisture that nourishes. Symbolizes gentleness, refreshingly vitalizing influence, and a widespread, yet subtle, effect. It contrasts with brute force.
• from (מֵאֵת – mē’eṯ): Indicates the source or origin.
• the Lord (יְהוָה – YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and faithfulness to His people.
• as (כְּ – kə): Again, a particle of likeness.
• lions (אַרְיֵה – ’aryēh): A powerful and majestic beast, a symbol of strength, courage, and dominance. This image suggests aggressive force and confident assertion of authority.
• and (וְ – wə): Conjunctive particle.
• as (כְּ – kə): Likeness.
• a young lion (כְּפִיר – kəp̄îr): A young, powerful lion. It signifies youthful vigor, formidable power, and the inherent capacity for predation and strength.
• going in the midst of (הַהֹלֵךְ בְּתוֹךְ – hahōlēḵ bəṯôḵ): Describes active movement and presence within.
• the flocks (עֲדָרִים – ‘ădārîm): A collection of sheep or other livestock. In this context, it represents the nations or people being pastured or controlled.
• of sheep (צֹאן – ṣō’n): General term for sheep.

Words Group Analysis:

• "as a dew from the Lord": This phrase emphasizes that Israel's nurturing and revitalizing impact on surrounding nations will not be their own doing but a divinely enabled grace. The dew represents a pervasive yet gentle influence.
• "as lions among the flocks": This juxtaposition signifies a complete reversal of fortunes. The once vulnerable flocks are now under the dominion of powerful lions. This image conveys irresistible strength and dominance over opposing forces or people, originating from God.
• "as a young lion going in the midst of the flocks": This intensifies the lion imagery, highlighting the inherent, natural, and unhindered exercise of power. The "young lion" suggests a vigorous and potent display of authority over the "flocks" (the nations).

Micah 5 8 Bonus Section

The imagery of Israel being like dew and like lions draws from common ancient Near Eastern symbols of power and divine favor. While surrounding nations might have attributed strength to their deities or their own military prowess, Micah redirects the source of strength squarely to the LORD (YHWH). This was a polemic against the pagan reliance on brute force and false gods. The New Testament interprets this power through the lens of spiritual authority and victory over sin and death through Christ. Believers, through the indwelling Spirit, exhibit this divine strength, not by earthly dominion but by overcoming spiritual adversaries and being agents of God's grace to the world.

Micah 5 8 Commentary

Micah 5:8 presents a profound paradox: the remnant of Jacob, despite being few, will possess unparalleled strength and influence among the nations. This isn't military might or political dominance in the human sense, but a divinely granted authority that will both nurture and conquer. The "dew" illustrates a positive, life-giving, and persuasive spiritual influence, akin to the Church's mission to be salt and light in the world. Simultaneously, the "lion" and "young lion" imagery speaks of God-empowered decisiveness and a powerful, unconquerable spiritual force that will overcome all opposition. This dual aspect – gentle nurturing and fierce dominion – finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His kingdom, and continues to be realized through the Spirit’s work in believers who, though scattered and seemingly weak, possess spiritual authority that transcends worldly power structures.