CINXE.COM

<!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 3:3 You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/micah/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/33_Mic_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Micah 3:3 - Rulers and Prophets Condemned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron." /><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/3-3.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/3-3.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/3-2.htm" title="Micah 3:2">◄</a> Micah 3:3 <a href="/micah/3-4.htm" title="Micah 3:4">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/micah/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/micah/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />who eat my people&#8217s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/micah/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, you eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin, and break their bones. You chop them up like meat for the cooking pot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/micah/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/micah/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/micah/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/micah/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Who also eat the flesh of My people, Flay their skin from them, Break their bones, And chop <i>them</i> in pieces Like <i>meat</i> for the pot, Like flesh in the caldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/micah/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who eat the flesh of my people, Strip off their skin from them, Smash their bones, And chop <i>them</i> up as for the pot, And as meat in a cauldron!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/micah/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Who eat the flesh of my people, Strip off their skin from them, Break their bones And chop them up as for the pot And as meat in a kettle.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/micah/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And who eat the flesh of my people, Strip off their skin from them, Break their bones, And chop <i>them</i> up as for the pot And as meat in a kettle.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/micah/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And who eat the flesh of my people, Strip off their skin from them, Break their bones, And spread <i>them</i> out as for the pot And as meat in a caldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/micah/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You who eat the flesh of my people, Strip off their skin from them, Break their bones And chop them in pieces as for the pot, Like meat in a kettle.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/micah/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people after you strip their skin from them and break their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/micah/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people after you strip their skin from them and break their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/micah/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/micah/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />break their bones, cook it all in a pot, and gulp it down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/micah/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />who also eat the flesh of my people; and they flay their skin from off them, and break their bones: yea, they chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/micah/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You eat my people's flesh. You strip off their skin. You break their bones to pieces. You chop them up like meat for a pot, like stew meat for a kettle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/micah/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You eat my people up. You strip off their skin, break their bones, and chop them up like meat for the pot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/micah/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people, flaying their skin from them. You break their bones, chopping them in pieces like meat for a pot, like meat destined for a soup kettle.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/micah/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/micah/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You devour my people's flesh, strip off their skin, and crush their bones. You chop them up like flesh in a pot--like meat in a kettle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/micah/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/micah/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/micah/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who also eat the flesh of my people, and peel their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as meat within the cauldron. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/micah/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And who have eaten the flesh of My people, "" And their skin from off them have stripped, "" And their bones they have broken, "" And they have spread [them] out as in a pot, "" And as flesh in the midst of a cauldron.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/micah/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And who have eaten the flesh of My people, And their skin from off them have stript, And their bones they have broken, And they have spread them out as in a pot, And as flesh in the midst of a caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/micah/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And who ate the flesh of my people, and they stripped off their skin from off them; and they brake their bones in pieces, and separated as for the pot, and as flesh in the midst of the kettle.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/micah/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who have eaten the flesh of my people, and have flayed their skin from off them: and have broken, and chopped their bones as for the kettle, and as flesh in the midst of the pot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/micah/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They have devoured the flesh of my people, and have stripped their skin from over them, and they have shattered and chopped their bones, as if for the kettle, and like flesh in the middle of the pot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/micah/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin from them, and break their bones; Who chop them in pieces like flesh in a kettle, like meat in a pot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/micah/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin off them, break their bones in pieces, and chop them up like meat in a kettle, like flesh in a caldron.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/micah/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who oppress my people and flay their skin from off them and break their bones and chop them in pieces, as if they were to be put in the pot, like meat in a caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/micah/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who have consumed the flesh of my people and they stripped their skin from them and their bones they have broken, and they threw it as if into a pot, and like meat into pots<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/micah/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Who also eat the flesh of my people, And flay their skin from off them, And break their bones; Yea, they chop them in pieces, as that which is in the pot, And as flesh within the caldron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/micah/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />even as they devoured the flesh of my people, and stripped their skins off them, and broke their bones, and divided <i>them</i> as flesh for the caldron, and as meat for the pot,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/micah/3-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V9AM9A76_xQ?start=379" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/micah/3.htm">Rulers and Prophets Condemned</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ā·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">You eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/7607.htm" title="7607: šə·’êr (N-msc) -- Flesh. From sha'ar; flesh, as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood.">the flesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of my people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6584.htm" title="6584: hip̄·šî·ṭū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To strip off, make a dash, raid. A primitive root; to spread out; by analogy, to strip.">after stripping off</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5785.htm" title="5785: wə·‘ō·w·rām (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- A skin. From uwr; skin; by implication, hide, leather.">their skin</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ă·lê·hem (Prep-m:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6476.htm" title="6476: piṣ·ṣê·ḥū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To cause to break or burst forth, break forth with. A primitive root; to break out.">and breaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ‘aṣ·mō·ṯê·hem (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">their bones.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6566.htm" title="6566: ū·p̄ā·rə·śū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To spread out, spread. A primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.">You chop them up</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">like flesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/5518.htm" title="5518: bas·sîr (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Or ciyrah; or cirah; from a primitive root meaning to boil up; a pot; also a thorn; by implication, a hook.">for the cooking pot,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: ū·ḵə·ḇā·śār (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">like meat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/7037.htm" title="7037: qal·lā·ḥaṯ (N-fs) -- A caldron. Apparently but a form for tsallachath; a kettle.">a cauldron.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a></span><br />“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a></span><br />“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11</a></span><br />Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/11-4.htm">Zechariah 11:4-5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD my God says: “Pasture the flock marked for slaughter, / whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm">Jeremiah 22:17</a></span><br />“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Isaiah 3:14-15</a></span><br />The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4</a></span><br />Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39-42</a></span><br />Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12-13</a></span><br />The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.</p><p class="hdg">eat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Psalm 14:4</a></b></br> Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people <i>as</i> they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">and chop.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/11-3.htm">Ezekiel 11:3,6,7</a></b></br> Which say, <i>It is</i> not near; let us build houses: this <i>city is</i> the caldron, and we <i>be</i> the flesh… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/micah/2-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/micah/2-13.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-6.htm">Caldron</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-11.htm">Cauldron</a> <a href="/daniel/4-14.htm">Chop</a> <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Crushing</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-14.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/amos/9-14.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-34.htm">Flay</a> <a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jonah/2-1.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Kettle</a> <a href="/amos/5-22.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/micah/2-12.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-3.htm">Pan</a> <a href="/micah/2-4.htm">People's</a> <a href="/micah/1-7.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-11.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-11.htm">Skinning</a> <a href="/amos/6-4.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/micah/2-8.htm">Strip</a> <a href="/jonah/2-7.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/nahum/1-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/micah/3-12.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Caldron</a> <a href="/leviticus/7-9.htm">Cauldron</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Chop</a> <a href="/micah/6-15.htm">Crushing</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/micah/6-14.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/matthew/14-21.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-6.htm">Flay</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/micah/6-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/micah/5-6.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Kettle</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-6.htm">Pan</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">People's</a> <a href="/micah/4-13.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-21.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-11.htm">Skinning</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/nahum/3-16.htm">Strip</a> <a href="/micah/5-6.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Micah 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/micah/3-1.htm">The cruelty of the princes.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/micah/3-5.htm">The falsehood of the prophets.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/micah/3-8.htm">The false security of them both.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You eat the flesh of my people</b><br>This phrase uses vivid imagery to describe the exploitation and oppression by the leaders of Israel. The metaphor of cannibalism highlights the severity of their actions, as they devour the very people they are supposed to protect. This reflects the broader biblical theme of leaders failing in their duty, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-3</a>, where shepherds are condemned for feeding themselves instead of the flock. The phrase underscores the moral corruption and greed prevalent among the leaders.<p><b>after stripping off their skin</b><br>The act of stripping skin symbolizes the complete dehumanization and brutal treatment of the people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, skinning was a method of torture and humiliation. This imagery emphasizes the leaders' ruthless exploitation, akin to the stripping away of dignity and protection. It also echoes the stripping away of spiritual covering, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3-21.htm">Genesis 3:21</a>, where God provides garments for Adam and Eve, symbolizing His care and protection.<p><b>and breaking their bones</b><br>Breaking bones signifies the total destruction and powerlessness inflicted upon the people. In biblical times, bones represented strength and structure, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/37.htm">Ezekiel 37:1-14</a>, where dry bones are brought to life, symbolizing restoration. Here, the breaking of bones indicates the leaders' complete disregard for the well-being and integrity of the nation, leaving the people vulnerable and shattered.<p><b>You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot</b><br>This phrase continues the metaphor of cannibalism, illustrating the leaders' view of the people as mere resources to be consumed for their gain. The cooking pot imagery suggests preparation for consumption, indicating premeditated exploitation. This reflects the leaders' systematic and calculated oppression, contrasting with the biblical ideal of leaders serving and nurturing their people, as exemplified by Jesus in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, where He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.<p><b>like meat in a cauldron</b><br>The cauldron imagery reinforces the idea of the people being reduced to mere commodities. In ancient cultures, a cauldron was used for communal meals, symbolizing unity and provision. Here, it is twisted to represent the leaders' perversion of their role, turning what should be a source of nourishment into an instrument of destruction. This distortion of leadership is a recurring theme in the prophets, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>, where rulers are described as companions of thieves, seeking bribes and neglecting justice for the fatherless and widows.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah</a></b><br>A prophet from Moresheth, active during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, who spoke against the corruption and injustices of Israel and Judah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/leaders_of_jacob_and_rulers_of_israel.htm">Leaders of Jacob and Rulers of Israel</a></b><br>The corrupt leaders and rulers of the people, whom Micah addresses in this chapter, condemning their exploitation and injustice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel_and_judah.htm">Israel and Judah</a></b><br>The divided kingdoms of God's chosen people, who are the primary audience of Micah's prophecies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Judah, often a focal point in prophetic literature for its religious and political significance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_judgment.htm">Prophetic Judgment</a></b><br>The event of God's judgment pronounced through the prophet Micah against the leaders for their injustices.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_corruption.htm">The Consequences of Corruption</a></b><br><a href="/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3</a> highlights the severe consequences of corrupt leadership. Leaders are called to serve justly and righteously, and failure to do so leads to God's judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Prophets like Micah serve as God's mouthpiece to call out injustice and call people back to righteousness. Their messages are relevant for all generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_compassion.htm">Justice and Compassion</a></b><br>God desires leaders who act with justice and compassion, reflecting His character. Believers are called to advocate for justice in their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders are held to a high standard. They must lead with integrity and care for their people, avoiding exploitation and self-interest.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>While Micah's message is one of judgment, it also implies the possibility of repentance and restoration. Turning back to God can restore right relationships and justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_micah_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Micah 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_micah_3_3_align_with_history.htm">In Micah 3:3, the graphic language seems hyperbolic—how can it be reconciled with historical or archeological records of Israelite practices? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_skeptics_view_micah_3_12's_timing.htm">In Micah 3:12, the destruction of Jerusalem is foretold--how do skeptics explain discrepancies with other accounts or timelines of Jerusalem's fall?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_micah_2_3_vague_about_calamity.htm">Why does Micah 2:3 predict calamity without specifying verifiable events or a known historical timeline?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_hasn't_micah_4_3's_peace_happened.htm">If Micah 4:3 foretells nations beating swords into plowshares, why has history seen continuous warfare without this promised era of peace?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/micah/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - The idea of the last verse is repeated here with more emphasis. The people are treated by their rulers as cattle made to be eaten, flayed, broken up, chopped into pieces, boiled in the pot (comp <a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Psalm 14:4</a>). (For an analogous figure, see <a href="/ezekiel/34-3.htm">Ezekiel 34:3-5</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/micah/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You eat</span><br /><span class="heb">אָכְלוּ֮</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḵə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the flesh</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7607.htm">Strong's 7607: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, as living, for, food, food of any kind, kindred by blood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמִּי֒</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after stripping off</span><br /><span class="heb">הִפְשִׁ֔יטוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hip̄·šî·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6584.htm">Strong's 6584: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strip off, make a dash, raid</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their skin</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעוֹרָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ō·w·rām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5785.htm">Strong's 5785: </a> </span><span class="str2">Skin, hide, leather</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and breaking</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּצֵּ֑חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(piṣ·ṣê·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6476.htm">Strong's 6476: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cause to break or burst forth, break forth with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their bones.</span><br /><span class="heb">עַצְמֹֽתֵיהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘aṣ·mō·ṯê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You chop them up</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָרְשׂוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·rə·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6566.htm">Strong's 6566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break apart, disperse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like [meat]</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the cooking pot,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּסִּ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(bas·sîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5518.htm">Strong's 5518: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pot, a thorn, a hook</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like meat</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְבָשָׂ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·ḇā·śār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּת֥וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a kettle.”</span><br /><span class="heb">קַלָּֽחַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(qal·lā·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7037.htm">Strong's 7037: </a> </span><span class="str2">A caldron</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/micah/3-3.htm">Micah 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/micah/3-3.htm">OT Prophets: Micah 3:3 Who also eat the flesh of my (Mc Mic. Mi)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/micah/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Micah 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Micah 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/micah/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Micah 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Micah 3:4" /></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>