Micah 5:3

KJV

Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will he give them up {H5414}, until the time {H6256} that she which travaileth {H3205} hath brought forth {H3205}: then the remnant {H3499} of his brethren {H251} shall return {H7725} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore he will give up [Isra'el] only until she who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of his kinsmen will return to the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel.

American Standard Version

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth: then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:3 is a pivotal prophetic declaration that describes a period of divine discipline and dispersion for Israel, a time when God would "give them up." This period of abandonment, however, is not indefinite but is specifically delimited by a significant event: the bringing forth of "she which travaileth," widely understood to refer to the birth of the Messiah. Following this crucial turning point, the prophecy promises a glorious restoration, where "the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel," signifying a spiritual and physical reunification and revival for God's chosen people in the Messianic age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:3 stands as a crucial link within a larger prophetic tapestry woven throughout Micah chapters 4 and 5. These chapters alternate between pronouncements of judgment and glorious promises of future restoration for Israel. Immediately preceding this verse, Micah 5:2 delivers the profound prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, identifying Him as the true Shepherd-King who will rule Israel. Verse 3 then elaborates on the immediate consequences of Israel's sin and God's sovereign plan, describing a period of divine allowance where Israel would be "given up" to their enemies and dispersion. This period of distress and absence of an ideal shepherd is presented as a necessary prelude, culminating in the pivotal event of the Messiah's birth, which serves as the divinely appointed turning point for Israel's fortunes and the catalyst for their ultimate restoration. The subsequent verses in [Micah 5](/micah/5 "Micah Chapter 5 - The Coming Ruler and Restoration") continue to detail the Messiah's reign and the security and triumph of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 750-700 BC), a tumultuous period for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant and terrifying force, threatening and eventually conquering Israel (722 BC) and besieging Judah. Judah itself was riddled with social injustice, idolatry, and moral decay, mirroring the sins that led to Israel's downfall. The prophecy of being "given up" directly speaks to the impending Babylonian exile (though Assyria was the immediate threat), a period when God would allow His people to suffer the consequences of their disobedience, leading to their dispersion among the nations. Culturally, the concept of "travail" or "birth pangs" was a common metaphor for intense suffering or a period of severe distress that precedes a new, often glorious, era (e.g., [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Birth Pangs of Judgment")). The promise of a "remnant" returning was a powerful message of hope to a people facing national catastrophe, assuring them that God would preserve a faithful core for His ultimate purposes, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Micah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, emphasizing that God's plan for Israel unfolds according to His perfect, predetermined schedule. The period of "giving them up" is not eternal but has a divinely appointed end, marked by the birth of the Messiah, demonstrating God's control over human history and His covenant faithfulness. Secondly, **Messianic Expectation** is central, as the phrase "she which travaileth hath brought forth" is widely interpreted as referring to the birth of the Messiah, the pivotal event that initiates Israel's restoration. This directly connects to the promise of a ruler from Bethlehem in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Bethlehem Prophecy"). Thirdly, the verse illustrates **Temporary Discipline and Ultimate Restoration**. The "giving them up" signifies a period of divine discipline or allowing Israel to suffer the consequences of their actions, leading to their dispersion. However, this is not a permanent abandonment but a prelude to a significant gathering of the "remnant," illustrating God's enduring love and commitment to His covenant people, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future"). Finally, the concept of **The Remnant of Israel** is crucial, referring to a faithful core of God's people preserved through judgment, who will ultimately experience God's promised blessings and reunification, a theme also discussed by Paul in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Gracious Remnant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give them up (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414. This primitive root means "to give," but with a broad range of applications including "to deliver (up)," "to commit," or "to allow." In the context of Micah 5:3, it signifies God's sovereign act of allowing Israel to be delivered into the hands of their enemies or to experience a period of dispersion and suffering as a consequence of their sin. It implies a temporary withdrawal of divine protection or favor, not a permanent abandonment, but a disciplinary measure within God's larger redemptive plan.
* **travaileth hath brought forth (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** H3205. This primitive root means "to bear young" or "to beget," and medically, "to act as midwife." It encompasses the entire process of childbirth, from "travailing" (labor) to "bringing forth" (delivery). In this verse, "she which travaileth hath brought forth" points definitively to the act of a birth. Given the preceding Messianic prophecy in Micah 5:2, this phrase is widely understood to refer to the birth of the Messiah, the singular event that marks the turning point for Israel's fortunes. It can also carry a secondary connotation of the "birth pangs" or intense suffering that precedes a new era.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _yether'_):** H3499. Properly, this word means "an overhanging" or "an excess," and by implication, "a remainder" or "residue." In prophetic literature, "remnant" refers to a preserved portion of God's people who survive judgment and remain faithful. Here, "the remnant of his brethren" refers to those Israelites who, through divine preservation and grace, will ultimately return to the fold of God's people, signifying a spiritual and physical restoration and reunification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will he give them up,"**: This clause indicates a divine decree of temporary abandonment or disciplinary judgment. "He" refers to God, who, in His sovereignty, will allow Israel to experience the consequences of their unfaithfulness, leading to their dispersion and suffering among the nations. This period is a direct result of their sin and a necessary part of God's redemptive plan to bring them to repentance and prepare them for future blessing.
* **"until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth:"**: This phrase establishes the divinely appointed limit and turning point for Israel's period of being "given up." The "she which travaileth" refers to the woman who gives birth, and in light of Micah 5:2, it is universally interpreted as a reference to the birth of the Messiah. His arrival marks the end of Israel's spiritual and national desolation and the beginning of their restoration. This signifies that God's discipline has a purpose and a predetermined end, tied to the advent of His ultimate Deliverer.
* **"then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel."**: This final clause describes the glorious outcome following the Messiah's birth. "The remnant of his brethren" refers to the scattered and preserved portion of the Jewish people. Their "return" signifies both a physical gathering from dispersion and a spiritual turning back to God and their covenant identity. The phrase "unto the children of Israel" emphasizes the reunification and re-establishment of the entire nation under the Messianic King, fulfilling God's ancient promises of restoration and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse foretells future events concerning Israel's discipline and restoration, all centered on the coming of the Messiah. The phrase "she which travaileth hath brought forth" is a potent example of **Symbolism**, representing not only the literal birth of the Messiah but also possibly the painful, "birth pangs" period of suffering that precedes a new spiritual and national era for Israel. The term "remnant" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's enduring faithfulness and His preservation of a faithful core of His people through judgment. Furthermore, the verse presents a clear **Contrast** between the initial state of being "given up" (representing judgment and dispersion) and the subsequent "return" of the remnant (representing restoration and blessing), highlighting God's redemptive arc in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:3 profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of Israel's persistent disobedience. It reveals that divine discipline, while painful, is always purposeful and temporary, designed to lead to ultimate restoration. The verse intricately weaves together themes of judgment, Messianic hope, and the ultimate gathering of God's people, demonstrating that the Messiah's advent is the pivotal event around which God's entire plan for Israel revolves. It speaks to the sovereignty of God, who orchestrates historical events—including periods of national suffering and dispersion—to bring about His redemptive purposes, culminating in the reign of His chosen King and the full restoration of His people. This prophetic insight provides a framework for understanding God's dealings with Israel throughout history and anticipates the glorious future promised in the New Covenant.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant According to Election")
* [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Fullness of the Gentiles and Israel's Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:3 offers profound hope and insight for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereign plan unfolds according to His perfect timing, even through periods of apparent abandonment or intense difficulty. For Israel, it speaks to their ultimate restoration and the pivotal role of the Messiah's first coming as the turning point in their history. For all believers, this verse reinforces the truth that God's promises are sure and will be fulfilled. We can trust that even in times of personal or collective distress, God is working towards a glorious culmination. Just as Israel's period of being "given up" had a divinely appointed end marked by the Messiah's birth, so too do our seasons of waiting, suffering, or discipline serve a greater purpose within God's redemptive narrative. This calls us to cultivate patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith, knowing that God is faithful to bring forth His purposes, ultimately leading to the full establishment of His kingdom and the gathering of His people, as depicted in the glorious vision of the [new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1-7 "Revelation 21:1-7 - The New Creation").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "giving up" of Israel as a temporary, purposeful discipline shape your view of suffering or difficult seasons in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the prophecy of "she which travaileth hath brought forth" strengthen your faith in God's perfect timing and His ability to bring about His promises?**
* **What does the concept of "the remnant" teach us about God's faithfulness and His preservation of His people through all circumstances?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to live with an expectant hope for God's future work in the world and in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Who is "she which travaileth" in Micah 5:3?**

Answer: While some interpretations consider "she which travaileth" to refer to the nation of Israel experiencing "birth pangs" of suffering before a new era, the most widely accepted and biblically consistent interpretation, especially given the immediate context of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Prophecy of Bethlehem"), is that it refers to the birth of the Messiah. The preceding verse explicitly prophesies the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem. Therefore, "she which travaileth hath brought forth" points to the actual birth of Jesus Christ, which serves as the pivotal turning point for Israel's period of being "given up" and the catalyst for their ultimate restoration.

**What does it mean that God will "give them up"?**

Answer: To "give them up" signifies a period of divine discipline and allowing Israel to suffer the consequences of their disobedience. It does not imply a permanent abandonment by God, but rather a temporary withdrawal of His immediate protection and favor, leading to their dispersion among the nations and subjection to foreign powers. This was a direct result of their unfaithfulness to the covenant and served as a means of correction and purification, ultimately intended to bring them back to Him. This concept is seen elsewhere in scripture, such as when God "gave them up" to their own desires in [Romans 1:24](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24 - God Gives Them Up to Impurity").

**Who are "the remnant of his brethren" that shall return?**

Answer: "The remnant of his brethren" refers to a faithful and preserved portion of the Jewish people who will survive through periods of judgment and dispersion. The concept of a "remnant" is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, signifying that while many may fall away or be scattered due to sin, God, in His sovereign grace, always preserves a core group for His ultimate redemptive purposes. In Micah 5:3, this remnant will "return unto the children of Israel," signifying both a physical gathering from their dispersion and a spiritual turning back to God and their covenant identity, leading to the reunification and restoration of the nation under the Messiah's rule. This echoes the promise of a future ingathering found in passages like [Jeremiah 31:7-9](/jeremiah/31-7-9 "Jeremiah 31:7-9 - The Return of the Remnant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "she which travaileth hath brought forth" is directly realized in the miraculous birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Bethlehem Prophecy") and recorded in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1-6 "Matthew 2:1-6 - The Magi and Herod")). His arrival marked the end of Israel's long period of being "given up" to spiritual darkness and foreign domination, initiating the dawn of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the true Shepherd-King, came to gather the scattered "remnant of his brethren." He Himself declared His mission to seek and save the lost sheep of Israel ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus Sent to the Lost Sheep of Israel")), and through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He made possible the spiritual "return" of both Jew and Gentile to God. His church, comprised of believers from every nation, represents the spiritual "children of Israel" by faith, fulfilling the promise of a unified people under His headship ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")). Ultimately, Christ's second coming will bring about the full and final physical restoration of Israel, when "all Israel will be saved" ([Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - All Israel Will Be Saved")), perfectly aligning with Micah's vision of the remnant's return.

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

Revelation 12:1

¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

Revelation 12:2

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Micah 4:7

And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

Romans 9:27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Romans 9:28

For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

Hosea 11:8

¶ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.