Micah 2:8
Micah 2:8 in Multiple Translations
But of late My people have risen up like an enemy: You strip off the splendid robe from unsuspecting passersby like men returning from battle.
Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
But of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye strip the robe from off the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
As for you, you have become haters of those who were at peace with you: you take the clothing of those who go by without fear, and make them prisoners of war.
Lately my people have risen up against me like an enemy. You steal the coats off the backs of those passing by, men returning from war who expect to be safe in their homeland.
But hee that was yesterday my people, is risen vp on the other side, as against an enemie: they spoyle the beautifull garment from them that passe by peaceably, as though they returned from the warre.
And yesterday My people for an enemy doth raise himself up, From the outer garment the honourable ornament ye strip off, From the confident passers by, Ye who are turning back from war.
But lately my people have risen up as an enemy. You strip the robe and clothing from those who pass by without a care, returning from battle.
Even of late my people hath risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse to war.
But my people, on the contrary, are risen up as an enemy: you have taken away the cloak off from the coat: and them that passed harmless you have turned to war.
But Yahweh says, “Recently my people have been acting toward me like an enemy. When soldiers return from fighting against their enemies, you rich people refuse to return the coats of those poor soldiers who have borrowed money from you and given you their coats to guarantee that they will pay back the money that they borrowed from you. It is as though you are waiting to forcefully take their coats off their backs!
Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 2:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Micah 2:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶתְמ֗וּל
עַמִּ/י֙
לְ/אוֹיֵ֣ב
יְקוֹמֵ֔ם
מִ/מּ֣וּל
שַׂלְמָ֔ה
אֶ֖דֶר
תַּפְשִׁט֑וּ/ן
מֵ/עֹבְרִ֣ים
בֶּ֔טַח
שׁוּבֵ֖י
מִלְחָמָֽה
וְ/אֶתְמ֗וּל
ʼethmôwl
H865
previously
Conj | Adv
עַמִּ/י֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לְ/אוֹיֵ֣ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Prep | V-Qal
יְקוֹמֵ֔ם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-o-Imperf-3ms
מִ/מּ֣וּל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep | Prep
שַׂלְמָ֔ה
salmâh
H8008
garment
N-fs
אֶ֖דֶר
ʼeder
H145
robe
N-ms
תַּפְשִׁט֑וּ/ן
pâshaṭ
H6584
to strip
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
מֵ/עֹבְרִ֣ים
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal
בֶּ֔טַח
beṭach
H983
security
N-ms
שׁוּבֵ֖י
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Inf-c
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 2:8
וְ/אֶתְמ֗וּל
ʼethmôwl
H865
"previously"
Conj | Adv
This word refers to a time in the past, such as yesterday or formerly. It is used to describe events that happened before the present time, and can also mean recently or of old.
Definition: 1) yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1b) formerly (fig.) 1c) from yesterday, already (in phrase) 2) (TWOT +) before, before that time, before the time, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that) time, [phrase] heretofore, of late (old), [phrase] times past, yester(day). See also: 1 Samuel 4:7; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 90:4.
עַמִּ/י֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְ/אוֹיֵ֣ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Prep | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
יְקוֹמֵ֔ם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-o-Imperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מִ/מּ֣וּל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep | Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
שַׂלְמָ֔ה
salmâh
H8008
"garment"
N-fs
A salmah is a garment or outer clothing in Hebrew, often translated as 'clothes' or 'raiment' in the Bible.
Definition: 1) garment, outer garment, wrapper, mantle 1a) garment, outer garment
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: clothes, garment, raiment. See also: Exodus 22:8; 1 Kings 11:29; Psalms 104:2.
אֶ֖דֶר
ʼeder
H145
"robe"
N-ms
The word eder means robe or mantle, and is also used to describe glory or splendor, as seen in Bible translations where it is rendered as goodly or robe.
Definition: 1) glory, magnificence 2) mantle, cloak (as wide)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: goodly, robe. See also: Micah 2:8; Zechariah 11:13.
תַּפְשִׁט֑וּ/ן
pâshaṭ
H6584
"to strip"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
מֵ/עֹבְרִ֣ים
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בֶּ֔טַח
beṭach
H983
"security"
N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.
שׁוּבֵ֖י
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Micah 2:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Micah 2:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Micah 2:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 2:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 2:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Micah 2:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 2:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 2:8
- Cambridge Bible on Micah 2:8
- Barnes' Notes on Micah 2:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Micah 2:8
- Sermons on Micah 2:8
Context — Reproof of False Prophets
6“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.”
7Should it be said, O house of Jacob, “Is the Spirit of the LORD impatient? Are these the things He does?” Do not My words bring good to him who walks uprightly?
8But of late My people have risen up like an enemy: You strip off the splendid robe from unsuspecting passersby like men returning from battle.
9You drive the women of My people from their pleasant homes. You take away My blessing from their children forever. 10Arise and depart, for this is not your place of rest, because its defilement brings destruction— a grievous destruction!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 120:6–7 | Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 20:19 | I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” |
| 3 | Isaiah 9:21 | Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 4 | Psalms 55:20 | My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 28:5–8 | So the LORD his God delivered Ahaz into the hand of the king of Aram, who attacked him and took many captives to Damascus. Ahaz was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force. For in one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed 120,000 valiant men in Judah. This happened because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the son of the king, Azrikam the governor of the palace, and Elkanah the second to the king. Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria. |
Micah 2:8 Summary
[Micah 2:8 is a sad verse because it says that God's people have started acting like enemies to each other, taking advantage of those who are weak or unsuspecting, which is the opposite of what God wants us to do, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4. Instead of loving and serving each other, they are acting selfishly and hurting one another. This is not what God intended for His people, as stated in Jeremiah 31:3, and it's a reminder that we need to examine our own hearts and actions to make sure we are treating others with kindness and respect, as taught in Galatians 5:13-14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's people to rise up like an enemy?
In Micah 2:8, God's people are acting like enemies because they are oppressing and robbing one another, rather than loving and serving each other, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
Why are the people stripping off the splendid robe from unsuspecting passersby?
The people are taking advantage of the vulnerable, much like the Israelites were warned not to do in Exodus 22:21-24, and instead of being a blessing, they are bringing shame and harm to others, as seen in Proverbs 28:10.
How does this verse relate to the idea of being a light to the world?
As followers of God, we are called to be a light to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16, but in Micah 2:8, God's people are instead acting in darkness and selfishness, highlighting the need for repentance and a return to living out God's commands in love and service to others.
What is the significance of the comparison to men returning from battle?
The comparison to men returning from battle in Micah 2:8 emphasizes the idea that God's people are acting like conquerors, taking spoil and plunder from their own brothers and sisters, rather than treating them with kindness and respect, as taught in Romans 12:10 and Hebrews 13:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that I am not taking advantage of others, but instead serving and loving them as God commands?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to those around me, rather than a source of harm or oppression?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting like an enemy to God or to others, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
- How can I practically live out the command to 'love my neighbor as myself' in my daily interactions with others, as taught in Mark 12:31?
Gill's Exposition on Micah 2:8
Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy,.... Or "yesterday" (o); meaning a very little while before this prophecy, the people of Israel, those of the ten tribes, who were the people of God by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 2:8
Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 2:8
This verse to me seems to be designed as a proof of the perverseness and iniquity of this people, and consequently a justifying of God, and his prophet, threatening severity against them: they flattered themselves, and were angry with the prophet; but God doth in these words convince them that they could not with reason expect better tidings. For from a long time since they have revolted from me, and of late they have renewed, with addition of new violence to their old. All of them have risen up, and acted hostilities among themselves; Israel against Judah, and Judah against Israel, and of late the ten tribes have conspired against one another, subjects against their kings, and great ones against the meaner sort; all places’ are full of the sins and woeful effects of civil seditions, and the treasonable practices of violent men. Ye pull off the robe with the garment, you strip those to their skin, take away their clothes, and leave them naked, that pass by securely; that in peace, and fearing no evil, go about their private affairs, as men averse from war; disliking such rebellious, bloody, and oppressive-courses, and wishing every one might enjoy his right without plunderings, sequestrations, confiscations, and decimations, for not being of their party. All which we may easily believe attended the factious and rebellious times which succeeded after Jeroboam’ s death, briefly mentioned , &c., which read with this verse, and diligently consider how it paints out those times of Israel’ s sinning.
Trapp's Commentary on Micah 2:8
Micah 2:8 Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.Ver. 8. Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy] Heb. yesterday, no longer ago; to all their former flagitious practices they have now newly added this of execrable rapine and robbery, which is still fresh, and as it were flagrant in mine eyes. Although the truth is, that God looketh upon former sins as presently committed, for as there is no beginning of eternity, so neither is there any succession. But let men take heed how they heap up sin, lest they heap up wrath, for although God may bear with people for one or two backslidings, yet when once it comes to three transgressions and to four, he will not turn away the punishment, Amos 1:2; and one new sin may set many old to work in the conscience, making it like Ezekiel’ s scroll, wherein was written "lamentations, and mourning, and woe," Ezekiel 2:10. "Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the Lord," 2 Kings 9:26. The word signifieth last night, though it were done some while before. See the word yesterday so used by the apostle Hebraizing with his Hebrews, Hebrews 13:8. Some read the text thus, He that was yesterday my people is risen up on the other side as against an enemy, viz. raging against God and ranging against all men, biting all they came near, as mad dogs. See Isaiah 9:21 1 Thessalonians 2:12; they please not God, but rise up in rebellion against him, and are contrary to all men, being rather Ishmaelites than Israelites, Genesis 16:12; and therefore not rightly named the house of Jacob (that plain man, Genesis 25:27, without welt or guard, guile or gall), nor could the word of the Lord do good unto them so long as their deeds were evil, and they "loved darkness rather than light," John 3:19. To pull off the robe with the garment] Robbing and pillaging passengers with greatest inhumanity; not leaving them a rag to cover them or a cross to bless them with, as the proverb is.
This was common in Scotland and Africa, saith Dameus here. It was in England also, till the days of King Alfred, who first divided the land into shires, and then the subjects into tenths or tithings; every one of which severally should give bond for the good bearing of each other. By this course men were not careful only of their own actions, but had an eye to all the nine, for which they stood bound, as the nine had over each. Insomuch that a poor girl might travel safely with a bag of gold in her hand, and none dared meddle with her.
Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 2:8
(8) Ye pull off the robe.—Micah dwells upon the continued rapacity of the people. They robbed the quiet inoffensive traveller of both outer and inner garment; they took away both “cloke” and “coat.” (Comp. Matthew 5:40; Luke 6:29.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Micah 2:8
Verse 8. My people is risen up as an enemy] Ye are not only opposed to me, but ye are enemies to each other. Ye rob and spoil each other. Ye plunder the peaceable passenger; depriving him both of his upper and under garment; ye pull off the robe from those who, far from being spoilers themselves, are averse from war.
Cambridge Bible on Micah 2:8
8–10. Parallel to Micah 2:1-58. Even of late my people, &c.] Rather, But of late, &c. The divine speaker states the cause of His enforced deviation from His natural course of action. Man has misused His gift of free will: God’s people has of late been taking a hostile attitude. Towards whom? Not immediately against Jehovah, whom indeed they cannot cease to recognize as their national deity, but against those who are under His most immediate care—the poor and needy. (The rendering and even the reading of this verse is very doubtful, but the above explanation probably gives the general sense. One difficulty is that in this verse, according to the received text, the phrase ‘my people’ means the oppressive grandees, whereas in Micah 2:9 it is applied to the oppressed poor; comp. Isaiah 3:15.) ye pull off the robe with the garment, &c.] Rather, clean away from the garment.
The ‘robe’ is the spreading mantle; the ‘garment’ is the so-called ‘upper garment.’ The former would of course be the most valuable article of apparel; the richest mantles were imported from Babylon (Joshua 7:21).—It is probably not vulgar robbery which is here denounced, but a remorseless use of the rights of a creditor (contrary to the spirit of Exo 22:26-27).
Barnes' Notes on Micah 2:8
Even of late - (Literally, yesterday.) Jerome: “He imputeth not past sins, but those recent and, as it were, of yesterday.” “My people is risen up vehemently”.
Whedon's Commentary on Micah 2:8
Micah 2:8-9 contain a picture of the corruption and oppression found on every hand. Of late — Literally, yesterday. This is certainly not equivalent to “long ago,” but points to the recent past.
Sermons on Micah 2:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Church in Bondage by James Robison | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word and recognizing His authority. He explains that God is coming forth from His place to judge and co |