Bible Strands
Micah 5:3
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Micah addresses Judah and Israel during a period of impending judgment, immediately following the prophecy of a ruler's birth in Bethlehem. The prophet speaks of a temporary abandonment of the nation before a future restoration.
The words — The Hebrew יִתּנֵם (yitnēm) means "he will deliver up" or "abandon," paired with עַד־עת יולדה ילדה ('ad-'et yōledâ yāladâ) for "until the time she who is in labor has given birth." These terms frame the abandonment as a bounded period ending in delivery.
The thread — The motif of temporary abandonment followed by return appears in Micah 4:7, where God gathers the remnant, and connects to Matthew 1:21, which links the promised birth to salvation. The childbirth imagery parallels Revelation 12:1's vision of a woman clothed in the sun, with the actual labor described in the following verse.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that divine judgment is temporary and purposeful, ending only when the promised ruler is delivered. It requires the reader to wait on the completion of God's timing before expecting the restoration of His people.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Revelation 12:1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
- Micah 4:7 And I will make the lame into a remnant, the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.
- Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
- Romans 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved.
- Isaiah 10:20 On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.
- Hosea 11:8 How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!
- Micah 4:9 Why do you now cry aloud? Is there no king among you? Has your counselor perished so that anguish grips you like a woman in labor?
- Hosea 2:9 Therefore I will take back My grain in its time and My new wine in its season; I will take away My wool and linen, which were given to cover her nakedness.
- Hosea 2:14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly.
- Micah 7:13 Then the earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the fruit of their deeds.