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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel--One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/micah/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/33_Mic_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Micah 5:2 - A Ruler from Bethlehem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel--One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/micah/5-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/micah/5-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/micah/">Micah</a> > <a href="/micah/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/micah/5-1.htm" title="Micah 5:1">◄</a> Micah 5:2 <a href="/micah/5-3.htm" title="Micah 5:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/micah/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/micah/5.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/micah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. <a href="/esv/micah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. <a href="/bsb/micah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. <a href="/kjv/micah/5.htm">King James Bible</a> But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. <a href="/nkjv/micah/5.htm">New King James Version</a> “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” <a href="/nasb_/micah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” <a href="/nasb/micah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/micah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “ But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” <a href="/lsb/micah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from everlasting, From the ancient days.” <a href="/amp/micah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah; From you One shall come forth for Me [who is] to be Ruler in Israel, His goings forth (appearances) are from long ago, From ancient days.” <a href="/csb/micah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times. <a href="/hcsb/micah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity. <a href="/asv/micah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. <a href="/cev/micah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Bethlehem Ephrath, you are one of the smallest towns in the nation of Judah. But the LORD will choose one of your people to rule the nation--someone whose family goes back to ancient times. <a href="/erv/micah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. <a href="/gwt/micah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are too small to be included among Judah's cities. Yet, from you Israel's future ruler will come for me. His origins go back to the distant past, to days long ago. <a href="/gnt/micah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD says, "Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times." <a href="/isv/micah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> "As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, even though you remain least among the clans of Judah, nevertheless, the one who rules in Israel for me will emerge from you. His existence has been from antiquity, even from eternity. <a href="/msb/micah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel?One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. <a href="/net/micah/5.htm">NET Bible</a> As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah--from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past. <a href="/nheb/micah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. <a href="/wbt/micah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou art little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. <a href="/web/micah/5.htm">World English Bible</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/micah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “And you, Beth-Lehem Ephratah, "" Little to be among the chiefs of Judah! From you He comes forth to Me—to be ruler in Israel, "" And His comings forth [are] of old, "" From the days of antiquity.” <a href="/ylt/micah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou, Beth-Lehem Ephratah, Little to be among the chiefs of Judah! From thee to Me he cometh forth -- to be ruler in Israel, And his comings forth are of old, From the days of antiquity. <a href="/slt/micah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou, house of bread, of Ephratah, for being small among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth to me he being ruler in Israel; and his goings forth from of old from the days of eternity.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/micah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND THOU, BETHLEHEM Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda: out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel: and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity. <a href="/cpdv/micah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, are a little one among the thousands of Judah. From you will go forth he who shall be the ruler in Israel, and his landing place has been set from the beginning, from the days of eternity. <a href="/nabre/micah/5.htm">New American Bible</a> But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. <a href="/nrsvce/micah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/micah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are little among the thousands of towns of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth a ruler to govern Israel; whose goings forth have been predicted from of old, from eternity. <a href="/hpbt/micah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But you, Bayth Lekhem Ephratha, you are little of those who are among the thousands of Judea. From you will come forth the Ruler who will be over Israel, and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of the eternities<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/micah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, Which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, Out of thee shall one come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth are from of old, from ancient days. <a href="/sep/micah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou, Bethleem, house of Ephratha, art few in number to be reckoned among the thousands of Juda; yet out of thee shall one come forth to me, to be a ruler of Israel; and his goings forth were from the beginning, even from eternity. <a href="/parallel/micah/5-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V9AM9A76_xQ?start=709" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/micah/5.htm">A Ruler from Bethlehem</a> 1Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel. 2<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">But you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: le·ḥem (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/hebrew/672.htm" title="672: ’ep̄·rā·ṯāh (N-proper-fs) -- Or mephrathah; from parah; fruitfulness; Ephrath, another name for Bethlehem; once perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman.">Ephrathah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: lih·yō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">who are</a> <a href="/hebrew/6810.htm" title="6810: ṣā·‘îr (Adj-ms) -- Little, insignificant, young. Or tsanowr; from tsa'ar; little; few; young, ignoble.">small</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: bə·’al·p̄ê (Prep-b:: Number-mpc) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">among the clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">out of you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">will come forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for Me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: lih·yō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">One to be</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mō·wō·šêl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">ruler</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">over Israel—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4163.htm" title="4163: ū·mō·w·ṣā·’ō·ṯāw (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 3ms) -- Going forth. Feminine of mowtsa'; a family descent; also a sewer.">One whose origins</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: miq·qe·ḏem (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">are of old,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: mî·mê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">from the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: ‘ō·w·lām (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">of eternity.</a> 3Therefore 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Matthew 2:5-6</a> “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: / ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’” <a href="/luke/2-4.htm">Luke 2:4-7</a> So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. / He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. / While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. ... <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a> Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. <a href="/isaiah/11-1.htm">Isaiah 11:1-2</a> Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. / The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5-6</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a> Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” <a href="/psalms/132-11.htm">Psalm 132:11</a> The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne. <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a> When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a> He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!” <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a> Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel. <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9</a> Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. <a href="/1_chronicles/5-2.htm">1 Chronicles 5:2</a> And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.But thou.<a href="/matthew/2-6.htm">Matthew 2:6</a> And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.<a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a> Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?Ephratah.<a href="/genesis/35-19.htm">Genesis 35:19</a> And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.<a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Genesis 48:7</a> And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.Ephrath.<a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11</a> And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:<a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12</a> Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.<a href="/1_chronicles/2-50.htm">1 Chronicles 2:50,51,54</a> These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim, … among.<a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.<a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">1 Samuel 23:23</a> See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.thousands.<a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21,25</a> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: … <a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Deuteronomy 1:15</a> So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.<a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12</a> And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.yet.<a href="/isaiah/11-1.htm">Isaiah 11:1</a> And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:<a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2</a> For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/3-6.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/daniel/7-22.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-17.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-17.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-1.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/psalms/132-6.htm">Ephratah</a> <a href="/psalms/132-6.htm">Ephrathah</a> <a href="/daniel/7-14.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/micah/4-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-30.htm">Goings</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/micah/1-9.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-2.htm">Little</a> <a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Past</a> <a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/micah/4-7.htm">Small</a> <a href="/hosea/8-12.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/micah/4-7.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-5.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ephratah</a> <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ephrathah</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/mark/3-29.htm">Eternity</a> <a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/micah/5-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/numbers/33-2.htm">Goings</a> <a href="/micah/5-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/haggai/1-6.htm">Little</a> <a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Past</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-6.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/nahum/3-10.htm">Small</a> <a href="/micah/6-7.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/micah/5-3.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Micah 5</div>1. <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">The birth of Christ.</a> 4. <a href="/micah/5-4.htm">His kingdom.</a> 8. <a href="/micah/5-8.htm">His conquest.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/micah/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/micah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/micah/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, is significant as the birthplace of King David (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a>). Ephrathah refers to the region or clan associated with Bethlehem, distinguishing it from another Bethlehem in Zebulun. This prophecy highlights the town's humble status, yet it is chosen for a monumental event. Archaeological evidence supports Bethlehem's ancient existence, and its mention here underscores God's pattern of using the humble for His purposes.who are small among the clans of Judah Bethlehem's insignificance among the larger and more prominent clans of Judah emphasizes God's tendency to choose the least likely places and people for His divine plans. This reflects the biblical theme of God exalting the humble (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a>). Historically, Bethlehem was not a major city, reinforcing the idea that God's ways are not man's ways.out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel This prophecy foretells the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as confirmed in <a href="/matthew/2.htm">Matthew 2:1-6</a>. The phrase "for Me" indicates divine selection and purpose. The ruler's role is not just political but spiritual, aligning with the messianic expectations of a leader who would shepherd God's people (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).One whose origins are of old This phrase suggests pre-existence, pointing to the eternal nature of the Messiah. It connects to the concept of Jesus as the Word, who was with God in the beginning (<a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1-2</a>). The "origins of old" imply a divine nature, setting this ruler apart from ordinary human leaders.from the days of eternity This emphasizes the eternal existence of the Messiah, aligning with the Christian belief in Jesus' divinity. It echoes the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>, where the Messiah is called "Everlasting Father." The phrase underscores the belief that Jesus is not a created being but has existed eternally with God, reinforcing His divine authority and mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/bethlehem_ephrathah.htm">Bethlehem Ephrathah</a> A small town in Judah, significant as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. The name "Ephrathah" distinguishes it from another Bethlehem in the territory of Zebulun. 2. <a href="/topical/c/clans_of_judah.htm">Clans of Judah</a> Refers to the tribes or families within the tribe of Judah, highlighting Bethlehem's insignificance among them. 3. <a href="/topical/r/ruler_over_israel.htm">Ruler over Israel</a> This is a prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/o/origins_from_of_old,_from_ancient_times.htm">Origins from of old, from ancient times</a> Indicates the eternal nature of the Messiah, suggesting pre-existence and divine origin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choosing_the_humble.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choosing the Humble</a> Bethlehem's insignificance highlights God's pattern of using the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes. This encourages believers to trust that God can use them regardless of their status. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> The precise fulfillment of <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> in the birth of Jesus strengthens the reliability of Scripture and God's faithfulness to His promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_nature_of_christ.htm">The Eternal Nature of Christ</a> The phrase "from of old, from ancient times" points to the pre-existence of Christ, affirming His divinity and eternal nature. This deepens our understanding of who Jesus is. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_promises.htm">Hope in God's Promises</a> Just as God fulfilled His promise of a Messiah, believers can have hope and confidence that He will fulfill all His promises to us. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_in_understanding_jesus.htm">The Importance of Scripture in Understanding Jesus</a> Recognizing the connections between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillments enriches our understanding of Jesus' mission and identity.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/micah/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah.--This is a passage of immense significance, through the interpretation given to it by the chief priests and scribes in the Gospel of St. Matthew. Beth-lehem Ephratah: the two names, modern and ancient, are united, each of them having reference to the fertility of the country. In the Gospel the scribes quote, evidently from memory, the passage from Micah, in reply to Herod's question; and their first variation is in the title of the town--"Thou, Beth-lehem (not Ephratah, but), land of Judah." So also the people protested against Jesus on the ground of His being from Galilee, for, "Hath not the Scripture said that Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" (<a href="/john/7-42.htm" title="Has not the scripture said, That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?">John 7:42</a>.)Though thou be little.--Strictly, art little among the thousands, or chiliads: a word analogous to our "hundreds;" a division of the tribes. In St. Matthew the word is paraphrased by princes, as representing the chiliads.Yet out of thee.--St. Matthew--"for out of thee," the illative conjunction--helps to show that the quotation is really a paraphrase, conveying the ultimate intention of the prophet's words, which contrasts the smallness of the chiliad with the greatness of its destiny.Whose goings forth have been from of old.--The nativity of the governor of Israel is evidently contrasted with an eternal nativity, the depth of which mystery passes the comprehension of human intellect: it must be spiritually discerned. The Creed of the Church expresses the article of faith as "Begotten of His Father before all worlds." He came forth unto Me to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been of old, from everlasting, from the days of antiquity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/micah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - At the time of Zion's deepest distress, and when her earthly king is suffering the grossest degradation, reduced as it were to the shepherd house at Bethlehem, a Deliverer shall arise thence who shall do wonderful things. This passage was quoted by the Sanhedrin to answer Herod's question where the Christ was to be born (<a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Matthew 2:5, 6</a>; comp. <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a>). But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah. Ephratah (Ephrathah, or Ephrath), "fruitfulness," is another name for Bethlehem, "House of bread" (<a href="/genesis/35-19.htm">Genesis 35:19</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">1 Samuel 17:12</a>; <a href="/ruth/1-2.htm">Ruth 1:2</a>); from its position it is also called Bethlehem Judah (<a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Judges 17:7</a>), being situated in the tribal lot of Judah, about five miles south of Jerusalem, and thus distinguished from a town of the same name in Zebulun(<a href="/joshua/19-15.htm">Joshua 19:15</a>). Septuagint, κιὰ σὺ Βηθλεὲμ οῖκος Ἐφραθά τοῦ Ἐφραθά Alex.]. "And thou, Bethlehem, house of Ephrathah." The rest of the clause is best translated, too little to be among the thousands of Judah. Each tribe was divided into "thousands," which would be equivalent to clans, with its own head. Probably the reckoning was made of fighting men (see note on Zechariah 9:7; and comp. <a href="/numbers/1-16.htm">Numbers 1:16</a>; <a href="/numbers/10-4.htm">Numbers 10:4</a>; <a href="/joshua/22-21.htm">Joshua 22:21, 30</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a>). Bethlehem, called in the text Bethlehem Ephratah for solemnity's sake, was a small place (κάμη, <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a>), of such slight importance as not to be named among the possessions of Judah in <a href="/joshua/15.htm">Joshua 15</a>, or in the catalogue of <a href="/nehemiah/11-25.htm">Nehemiah 11:25</a>, etc. Yet out of thee shall he (one) come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel. In spite of its insignificance, this birthplace of David shall be the birthplace of Messiah. "Shall some forth" is spoken sometimes of birth and descent, as in <a href="/genesis/17-6.htm">Genesis 17:6</a> and Genesis 35:11; at other times it contains merely the notion of proceeding from, as in <a href="/jeremiah/30-21.htm">Jeremiah 30:21</a>. In the present ease both ideas are suitable. Unto me (Jehovah is speaking). To my praise and glory, to do my will. Micah by these words would recall the announcement concerning David made to Samuel, "I have provided me a king" (<a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a>), and thus show the typical relation of David to the Messiah (Keil). Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. The meaning of the word rendered "goings forth" (motsaoth) is somewhat doubtful. Septuagint, ἔξοδοι: Vulgate, egressus. The Fathers see in it a declaration of the eternal generation of the Son: he who was born in time at Bethlehem hath an eternal existence. In this case the plural form of the word is a plural of majesty, or an abstract expression (comp. <a href="/psalms/114-2.htm">Psalm 114:2</a>, "dominions;" <a href="/isaiah/54-2.htm">Isaiah 54:2</a>. "habitations"). To Christians, who believe in the mystery of the Holy Trinity, the plural would express the continual generation or the Son from the Father from everlasting and to everlasting, never beginning and never ending; as the Council of Lateran says, "Without beginning ever and without end, the Father begetting, the Sen being born (nascens), and the Holy Ghost proceeding." Many commentators take the "goings forth" to be the ancient promises, the revelations of the Angel of the covenant to the patriarchs, the various preparations made in type and history for the appearance of the great Son of David in due time; but this is a forced interpretation of the word. Granted that Micah's contemporaries understood the prophecy to state merely that a Saviour should arise from the lineage of David who traced his descent from hoar antiquity, and might be said to have lived in the days of old, this fact (if it be a fact) does not preclude us, with our more perfect knowledge, from seeing a deeper meaning in the inspired utterance, an adumbration of the nature of that Prince whom Isaiah calls "Everlasting" (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>), the Word who "was in the beginning with God" (<a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1, 2</a>). We may note certain contrasts in these two first verses. Zion, "the daughter of troops," is contrasted with the mean and insignificant Bethlehem; yet the former shall be shamefully handled, the latter highly honoured; that one's king shall be dethroned and disgraced, this one's Ruler is from everlasting and to everlasting. <a href="/commentaries/micah/5-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But you, וְאַתָּ֞ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you Bethlehem לֶ֣חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun Ephrathah, אֶפְרָ֗תָה (’ep̄·rā·ṯāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_672.htm">Strong's 672: </a> Ephrath -- an Israelite woman, also the name of several places in Palestine who are לִֽהְיוֹת֙ (lih·yō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be small צָעִיר֙ (ṣā·‘îr) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6810.htm">Strong's 6810: </a> Little, insignificant, young among the clans בְּאַלְפֵ֣י (bə·’al·p̄ê) Preposition-b | Number - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand of Judah, יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites out of you מִמְּךָ֙ (mim·mə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of will come forth יֵצֵ֔א (yê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim for Me לִ֣י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> One to be לִֽהְי֥וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be ruler מוֹשֵׁ֖ל (mō·wō·šêl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> To rule, have dominion, reign over Israel, בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc whose origins וּמוֹצָאֹתָ֥יו (ū·mō·w·ṣā·’ō·ṯāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4163.htm">Strong's 4163: </a> A family descent, a sewer are of old, מִקֶּ֖דֶם (miq·qe·ḏem) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> The front, of place, time from the days מִימֵ֥י (mî·mê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of eternity. עוֹלָֽם׃ (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">OT Prophets: Micah 5:2 But you Bethlehem Ephrathah being small among (Mc Mic. Mi)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/micah/5-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Micah 5:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Micah 5:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/micah/5-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Micah 5:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Micah 5:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>