Micah 5:12

KJV

And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no [more] soothsayers:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will cut off {H3772} witchcrafts {H3785} out of thine hand {H3027}; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers {H6049}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will cut off sorceries from your land; you will no longer have soothsayers.

Berean Standard Bible

I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers.

American Standard Version

And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:12 unveils God's decisive promise to purify His people by eradicating all forms of occult practices, specifically witchcrafts and soothsayers, from their midst. This divine intervention underscores His exclusive sovereignty and demands complete reliance and worship from His covenant people, preparing them for a righteous kingdom free from spiritual defilement and pagan influences that had historically plagued Israel and Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:12 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Micah 5:10-15) that details God's radical purification and judgment upon His people, following the glorious prophecy of the Messiah's birth in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Ruler from Bethlehem"). While [Micah 5:1-9](/micah/5-1-9 "Micah 5:1-9 - The Coming Ruler and Remnant") speaks of a future ruler and a victorious remnant, the subsequent verses, including [Micah 5:12](/micah/5-12 "Micah 5:12 - God's Eradication of Sorcery"), describe the necessary cleansing that must precede the establishment of this righteous kingdom. God promises to remove all elements that hinder a pure relationship with Him, including military might, fortified cities, and, as seen in this verse, the spiritual abominations of sorcery and divination. This section emphasizes God's comprehensive work of pruning and refining His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the late 8th century BC, a tumultuous period for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Both nations were deeply influenced by the idolatrous and occult practices of surrounding pagan cultures. Divination, magic, and consulting spirits were common in Canaanite religion and often infiltrated Israelite worship, despite the clear prohibitions in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices")). Kings like Manasseh later promoted such practices, leading to severe spiritual degradation. Micah's prophecy, therefore, addresses a pervasive cultural issue, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute intolerance for practices that usurp His authority and seek guidance from illicit sources.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Micah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Purification**, emphasizing God's active role ("I will cut off") in cleansing His people from unholy influences. This is not a human endeavor but a sovereign act of judgment and restoration. Secondly, it underscores the **Rejection of Occult Practices**, unequivocally condemning and promising to eradicate all forms of sorcery and divination. These practices are antithetical to true faith, as they seek knowledge or power through illicit means rather than relying on God's revealed will and providence, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft"). Thirdly, by removing "witchcrafts" and "soothsayers," God demands **Exclusive Reliance on God** as the sole source of truth, wisdom, and power, leaving no room for spiritual syncretism or reliance on pagan superstitions. Finally, this spiritual cleansing is presented as essential **Preparation for a Righteous Kingdom**, a society under God's rule, free from the pollutions that had plagued Israel and Judah throughout their history, thereby paving the way for the Messianic era described earlier in [Micah 5](/micah/5 "Micah Chapter 5 - The Coming Ruler and Purification").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root signifies a decisive and often violent severance, destruction, or consumption. While it can also mean "to covenant" (by cutting flesh and passing between pieces, as in a covenant ceremony), in this context, it denotes a complete and final eradication. God's action is absolute, ensuring these practices are utterly removed.
* **witchcrafts (Hebrew, _kesheph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to whisper a spell," this term refers to magic, sorcery, or enchantments. It encompasses practices aimed at manipulating events, people, or spirits through illicit means, often involving incantations or potions. It represents a direct challenge to God's omnipotence and a forbidden attempt to gain power or influence outside of His divine will.
* **soothsayers (Hebrew, _ʻânan'_):** This word comes from a root meaning "to cover" or "to cloud over," and figuratively, "to act covertly" or "to practice magic." It specifically refers to those who practice divination, fortune-telling, or prognostication, often by observing omens, clouds, or other natural phenomena. These individuals claim to reveal hidden knowledge or predict the future, thereby usurping God's unique role as the revealer of truth and the controller of destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand":** This clause emphasizes God's direct and active intervention. The phrase "out of thine hand" is significant, indicating that these practices were not merely present in the land but were actively engaged in by the people of Israel and Judah. God promises to remove the very means and capacity for His people to practice sorcery, signifying a thorough purification that addresses both the external presence of evil and the internal inclination towards it.
* **"and thou shalt have no [more] soothsayers":** This second clause reinforces the complete eradication of divination. It points to the removal of the practitioners themselves, ensuring that there will be no one left to engage in fortune-telling or omen-observing. The repetition of the theme, using different but related terms, underscores the comprehensive nature of God's cleansing work against all forms of occult activity.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:12 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as God promises a complete and utter eradication of witchcrafts and soothsayers, signifying not just a reduction but an absolute removal. This emphasizes the severity of these practices in God's eyes and the thoroughness of His judgment and purification. The phrase "I will cut off" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human action (cutting) to God, which vividly portrays His decisive and active role in this cleansing process. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the forbidden practices of the occult with the implied expectation of exclusive reliance on God. By removing these illicit sources of power and knowledge, God highlights His own singular authority and the necessity for His people to seek Him alone for guidance and strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:12 is a profound statement on God's holiness, His demand for exclusive worship, and His absolute rejection of spiritual syncretism. It teaches that true faith necessitates a complete turning away from all forms of illicit spiritual power and knowledge, recognizing God alone as the ultimate source of truth, wisdom, and authority. The presence of witchcraft and soothsaying represents a fundamental betrayal of the covenant, a seeking of power and guidance from demonic or humanly devised sources rather than from the Creator. God's promise to "cut off" these practices is an act of covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to purify His people and restore them to a state of unadulterated devotion, preparing them to be a holy nation set apart for His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:12 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to purity and exclusive reliance on God. While overt forms of witchcraft and soothsaying may seem distant to many in contemporary society, the underlying temptation to seek guidance, power, or comfort from sources other than God persists. This can manifest in subtle but equally dangerous ways: an over-reliance on horoscopes, mediums, or psychic readings; superstitious beliefs that attribute power to objects or rituals apart from God; or even an uncritical adoption of New Age philosophies that promise self-empowerment or hidden knowledge outside of biblical truth. The verse challenges us to examine our lives for any areas where we might be seeking answers or security apart from God's revealed Word and His Holy Spirit. It calls us to a life of complete dependence on God, trusting in His Word for guidance, seeking His will through prayer and obedience, and discerning spiritual truth from deception. God's people are to be holy and set apart, rejecting all practices that defile or diminish His unique sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be tempted to seek guidance or power from sources other than God in my daily life?**
* **How does my reliance on God's Word and prayer compare to my engagement with popular culture's spiritual trends?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more exclusive trust in God as my sole source of truth and wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does God condemn witchcraft and soothsaying so strongly?**

Answer: God condemns witchcraft and soothsaying so strongly because these practices represent a direct affront to His exclusive sovereignty and holiness. They involve seeking knowledge, power, or guidance from sources other than God, often through demonic influence or human manipulation. This is an act of spiritual rebellion and idolatry, as it places trust in created things or malevolent spirits rather than in the Creator. The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids such practices as "abominations to the Lord" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")), because they lead people away from true worship and into spiritual deception, ultimately hindering a genuine relationship with Him.

**Are there modern equivalents of "witchcrafts" or "soothsayers" that Christians should be aware of?**

Answer: Yes, while the forms may evolve, the underlying principles of seeking illicit knowledge or power outside of God remain. Modern equivalents can include:
1. **Divination:** Reliance on horoscopes, astrology, tarot cards, psychic readings, mediums, or spiritualists.
2. **Manipulation of Spiritual Forces:** Engaging in New Age practices, certain forms of "manifestation" or "energy work" that attempt to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain without reference to God's will.
3. **Forbidden Knowledge:** Seeking secret knowledge or hidden wisdom through non-biblical channels, often promising immediate solutions or insights apart from God's revealed truth in Scripture.
4. **Superstition:** Attributing power to charms, rituals, or objects apart from God's grace and providence.
Christians are called to discern spiritual truth and to rely solely on God's Word and the Holy Spirit for guidance, as warned in passages like [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Empty Deception").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:12, with its promise of God cutting off witchcrafts and soothsayers, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies God's purification and establishes a kingdom free from all spiritual darkness. As the true Prophet, Jesus reveals God's truth fully and definitively, rendering all other forms of soothsaying and divination obsolete. He is the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Furthermore, Christ, through His atoning death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual powers and authorities, including those that empower witchcraft and sorcery ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His victory on the cross broke the dominion of sin and spiritual bondage, enabling His followers to live in freedom from such dark influences. The early church's response to the Gospel, as seen in [Acts 19:18-20](/acts/19-18-20 "Acts 19:18-20 - Conversion in Ephesus"), where converts publicly burned their magic books, vividly illustrates this Christ-centered fulfillment: true conversion leads to a radical renunciation of all occult practices and an exclusive allegiance to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and delivers us from the power of darkness ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:12

For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Isaiah 2:20

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Isaiah 2:18

And the idols he shall utterly abolish.