Micah 5:13

KJV

Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy graven images {H6456} also will I cut off {H3772}, and thy standing images {H4676} out of the midst {H7130} of thee; and thou shalt no more worship {H7812} the work {H4639} of thine hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will cut off your carved images and standing-stones from among you; no longer will you worship what your own hands have made.

Berean Standard Bible

I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands.

American Standard Version

and I will cut off thy graven images and thy pillars out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thy hands;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:13 is a powerful prophetic declaration from the Lord, announcing His decisive action to eradicate all forms of idolatry from among His people. It foretells a future spiritual purification where "graven images" and "standing images"—representing the pervasive false worship of the time—will be utterly removed from Israel's midst, ensuring that the nation will no longer offer devotion to anything fashioned by human hands. This divine cleansing is presented as a necessary precursor to, or an integral part of, the full restoration and blessing promised to God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:13 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Micah 4-5) that oscillates between promises of future glory for Zion and pronouncements of divine judgment and purification. Immediately preceding this verse, Micah 5:7-9 describes a future remnant of Jacob who will be a powerful force among the nations, blessed by God. However, before this glorious future can be fully realized, a thorough cleansing is required. The verses following 5:13 (Micah 5:14-15) continue this theme of divine purging, promising the destruction of fortified cities, strongholds, and even the "witches' sorceries" and "soothsayers" (Micah 5:12), indicating a comprehensive removal of all elements that hinder true worship and trust in God. This specific verse, therefore, highlights idolatry as a primary obstacle that must be eliminated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Micah was delivered during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Micah 1:1), a period marked by significant spiritual decline in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Idolatry was rampant, deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric. Syncretism, the blending of Yahweh worship with the worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, was common. "Graven images" (Hebrew: *pesel*) referred to sculpted idols, often representing pagan gods, while "standing images" (Hebrew: *matstsêbâh*) were sacred pillars or stelae, frequently associated with Asherah poles or Baal worship, which were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:22](/deuteronomy/16-22 "Deuteronomy 16:22 - Prohibition of Standing Pillars")). These practices were not merely isolated acts but pervasive cultural norms that directly challenged God's exclusive claim to worship, as articulated in the [First](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") and [Second Commandments](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment").
* **Key Themes:** Micah 5:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Cleansing**, asserting God's active and sovereign initiative in purging His people of sin, particularly idolatry, which is seen as a betrayal of the covenant. This cleansing is not merely punitive but redemptive, paving the way for genuine restoration. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Absolute Monotheism and Exclusive Worship**, demanding that Yahweh alone be worshipped, and condemning the absurdity of worshipping "the work of thine hands." This echoes the foundational call of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). Finally, it speaks to the **Restoration of a Pure Remnant**, implying that the removal of idols is essential for the future, purified community that will truly serve the Lord, aligning with the hopeful vision presented in [Micah 4:1-5](/micah/4-1-5 "Micah 4:1-5 - The Future Glory of Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Graven images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** From the root meaning "to carve," this term (H6456) refers specifically to idols that are sculpted, carved, or hewn, typically from wood or stone. It denotes a physical representation of a deity made by human hands, which was a central object of pagan worship in the ancient Near East. The use of this term emphasizes the tangible, man-made nature of the objects of false worship that God promises to destroy.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root (H3772) means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." In this context, it signifies a decisive and complete destruction or eradication. While it can also imply making a covenant (by cutting flesh), here it conveys a forceful, definitive act of removal, emphasizing the divine resolve to utterly abolish idolatry. It is an act of judgment that leaves no remnant.
* **Worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This root (H7812) means "to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)." It describes the act of bowing down, prostrating oneself, or doing obeisance, which is the physical manifestation of reverence, submission, and adoration. The prohibition "thou shalt no more worship" means the cessation of all such acts of homage towards anything other than the true God, highlighting the exclusive nature of true worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy graven images also will I cut off":** This clause declares God's direct, active, and sovereign intervention to eliminate the sculpted idols that His people had embraced. The possessive "Thy" underscores that these idols had become deeply ingrained within the nation's life, implying a covenant violation. The phrase "will I cut off" emphasizes the divine initiative and the thoroughness of this promised eradication, signifying a complete removal of these objects of false worship.
* **"and thy standing images out of the midst of thee;":** This expands on the previous clause, adding another common form of idolatry—the sacred pillars or monuments often associated with pagan cults. The phrase "out of the midst of thee" highlights the pervasive nature of idolatry, indicating that these false worship sites were scattered throughout the land and deeply embedded within the community. God promises to cleanse the very heart of the nation from these spiritual pollutions.
* **"and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.":** This final clause articulates the ultimate consequence and goal of God's action: the cessation of all idolatrous worship. It explicitly defines idolatry as worshipping anything "the work of thine hands," powerfully underscoring the absurdity and offense of adoring creations rather than the Creator. This signifies a future state of spiritual purity where the people will offer exclusive devotion to the one true God, having been liberated from the bondage of man-made deities.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "graven images" and "standing images" are presented as two closely related forms of idolatry, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against all false worship. The phrase "the work of thine hands" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the "work" stands for the idols themselves, emphasizing their human origin and inherent powerlessness. This also serves as a stark **Irony**, highlighting the folly of worshipping something that one's own hands have fashioned, contrasting it sharply with the infinite power of the Creator. The declaration "will I cut off" is a direct, assertive statement of **Divine Agency**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as the active, sovereign force behind this purification. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Denunciation** against idolatry, promising its complete eradication as part of God's plan for His people's restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:13 articulates a profound theological truth: God's absolute intolerance for idolatry and His commitment to purifying His people for exclusive worship. This divine zeal for His own glory and for the spiritual well-being of His covenant community is a recurring theme throughout biblical history. Idolatry, in its essence, is a distortion of worship, a misplaced devotion that elevates created things or human constructs above the Creator. God's promise to "cut off" these idols signifies His active role in confronting anything that competes for the ultimate allegiance of His people, paving the way for genuine, unhindered communion with Him. This cleansing is not merely a punitive act but a redemptive one, designed to restore His people to their rightful relationship of singular devotion.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Isaiah 2:18-20](/isaiah/2-18-20 "Isaiah 2:18-20 - The Abolition of Idols")
* [Zechariah 13:2](/zechariah/13-2 "Zechariah 13:2 - Cleansing from Idols and False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:13 serves as a timeless challenge to examine the objects of our deepest devotion and trust. While literal "graven images" may be less prevalent in many contemporary societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry, at its core, is the act of valuing, trusting, or pursuing anything more than God. It manifests when we seek ultimate satisfaction, security, or identity in created things rather than in the Creator. This can take many forms: the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, or comfort; the worship of self, our accomplishments, or our image; the elevation of relationships, hobbies, or even good causes to a place that supplants God's rightful supremacy. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment, prompting us to identify the "works of our hands"—whether tangible or intangible—that we might be worshipping. God's promise to "cut off" idols is both a stern warning against the spiritual emptiness and danger of false worship and a comforting assurance that He desires to free us from these misplaced allegiances, enabling us to offer Him the undivided devotion that alone brings true life and fulfillment. Our deepest joy and purpose are found only when He is enthroned as the sole object of our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "graven images" or "standing images" in my life today that compete for my ultimate devotion and trust?**
* **In what ways do I "worship the work of my own hands," perhaps by placing undue reliance on my achievements, possessions, or even my own abilities?**
* **How does the promise of God's active "cutting off" of idols from His people encourage me to seek His help in purging idolatry from my own heart?**
* **What practical steps can I take to reorient my affections and priorities more fully towards God alone?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "graven images" and "standing images" in Micah 5:13?**

Answer: "Graven images" (Hebrew: *pᵉçîyl*, H6456) refers to idols that were carved or sculpted, typically from wood, stone, or metal. These were physical representations of pagan deities. "Standing images" (Hebrew: *matstsêbâh*, H4676) refers to sacred pillars or monuments, which, while sometimes used innocently (e.g., [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar")), were frequently associated with the worship of Canaanite gods like Baal and Asherah, often serving as cultic symbols or altars. In Micah 5:13, both terms represent the pervasive and forbidden idolatry that had deeply corrupted Israel's worship, directly violating God's commands against making and worshipping images ([Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment")). God's promise to "cut off" both signifies a comprehensive eradication of all forms of false worship.

**Does this prophecy mean that literal idols will be completely absent from the world in the future?**

Answer: While Micah 5:13 speaks of a future time when idols will be "cut off" from God's people, its primary fulfillment is spiritual and covenantal, focusing on the purification of Israel. Historically, after the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people largely abandoned overt idolatry. The ultimate fulfillment, however, points to the spiritual reality brought about by Christ, where true believers are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")) and to turn from idols to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols")). While literal idols may persist in some parts of the world, the prophecy fundamentally addresses the removal of idolatry from the hearts and practices of God's covenant people, ensuring their exclusive devotion to Him. It anticipates a time when the true Israel (the church) will be free from such spiritual bondage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:13, with its powerful declaration of God's intent to eradicate idolatry, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "cutting off" of graven and standing images, and the cessation of worshipping "the work of thine hands," points to the spiritual cleansing and new covenant reality inaugurated by Christ. In the Old Testament, physical idols represented a turning away from the living God; in the New Testament, Jesus reveals that true idolatry is anything that replaces God in the heart's affections and allegiance. Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ enables believers to truly "worship the Father in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), freeing them from the spiritual bondage of worshipping created things or self. The call to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to put to death "covetousness, which is idolatry" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")) demonstrates that Christ's work provides the power for believers to overcome all forms of idolatry—whether overt or subtle—and to offer their lives as living sacrifices of worship to God alone ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")). Thus, the promised purification in Micah finds its spiritual consummation in the new creation in Christ, where believers are empowered to live lives of singular devotion to the one true God.

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

Ezekiel 6:9

And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Hosea 14:8

¶ Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Isaiah 17:7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 17:8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.