Micah 5:2 web — But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be…

World English Bible

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

— Micah 5:2, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Micah 5:2 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

  • ASV

    “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. ”

  • NET

    “A King Will Come and a Remnant Will Prosper(5:1) As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah– from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.”

  • DRB

    “And thou Bethlehem Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel: and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity.”

  • BBE

    “And you, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, the least among the families of Judah, out of you one will come to me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose going out has been purposed from time past, from the eternal days.”

  • KJVA

    “But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Micah 5 — Context

1

Now you shall gather yourself in troops, daughter of troops. He has laid siege against us. They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.

2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

3

Therefore he will abandon them until the time that she who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of his brothers will return to the children of Israel.

4

He shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh his God: and they will live, for then he will be great to the ends of the earth.

5

He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land, and when he marches through our fortresses, then we will raise against him seven shepherds, and eight leaders of men.

Micah 5:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Micah 5:2 say?
Micah 5:2 in the World English Bible reads: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
Where is Micah 5:2 in the Bible?
Micah 5:2 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Micah, chapter 5, verse 2.
Who wrote Micah?
Micah is traditionally attributed to Micah of Moresheth. It was written c. 735–700 BC.
What is the book of Micah about?
Micah pronounces judgment on the corruption of leaders, prophets, and priests, but also points beyond it — to a ruler who will come from Bethlehem and shepherd God's flock. His famous summary of true religion still defines covenant life.
What are the major themes of Micah?
Micah explores themes including Justice, Mercy, Humility, Bethlehem, Coming Ruler. These themes shape the meaning and context of Micah 5:2.
What translation should I read Micah 5:2 in?
Micah 5:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Micah 5:2?
Micah 5:2 reads (WEB): “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2