Micah 7:17 kjv — They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afra…

King James Version

"They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee."

— Micah 7:17, King James Version

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Micah 7:17 in Other Translations

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Micah 7 — Context

14

Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

15

According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.

16

The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

17

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee.

18

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

20

Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

Micah 7:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Micah 7:17 say?
Micah 7:17 in the King James Version reads: “They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee.”
Where is Micah 7:17 in the Bible?
Micah 7:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Micah, chapter 7, verse 17.
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 7:17.
What translation should I read Micah 7:17 in?
Micah 7:17 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 7:17?
Micah 7:17 reads (KJV): “They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee.” 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.
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