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Micah 3:3

Micah 3:3 in Multiple Translations

You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.”

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

Like meat they take the flesh of my people for their food, skinning them and crushing their bones, yes, cutting them up as if for the pot, like flesh inside the cooking-pot.

You eat the flesh of my people, you strip off their skin, you break their bones. You chop them up like meat for the saucepan, like flesh for the cooking pot.”

And they eate also the flesh of my people, and flay off their skinne from them, and they breake their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

And who have eaten the flesh of My people, And their skin from off them have stript, And their bones they have broken, And they have spread [them] out as in a pot, And as flesh in the midst of a caldron.

who also eat the flesh of my people, and peel their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as meat within the cauldron.

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

Who have eaten the flesh of my people, and have flayed their skin from off them: and have broken, and chopped their bones as for the kettle, and as flesh in the midst of the pot.

It is as though you chop them into pieces like [SIM] meat to be cooked in a pot.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Micah 3:3

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 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָכְלוּ֮ שְׁאֵ֣ר עַמִּ/י֒ וְ/עוֹרָ/ם֙ מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם הִפְשִׁ֔יטוּ וְ/אֶת עַצְמֹֽתֵי/הֶ֖ם פִּצֵּ֑חוּ וּ/פָרְשׂוּ֙ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ/סִּ֔יר וּ/כְ/בָשָׂ֖ר בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ קַלָּֽחַת
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Conj | Rel
אָכְלוּ֮ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שְׁאֵ֣ר shᵉʼêr H7607 flesh N-ms
עַמִּ/י֒ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
וְ/עוֹרָ/ם֙ ʻôwr H5785 skin Conj | N-ms | Suff
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff
הִפְשִׁ֔יטוּ pâshaṭ H6584 to strip V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
עַצְמֹֽתֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻetsem H6106 bone N-fp | Suff
פִּצֵּ֑חוּ pâtsach H6476 to break out V-Piel-Perf-3cp
וּ/פָרְשׂוּ֙ pâras H6566 to spread Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
בַּ/סִּ֔יר çîyr H5518 pot Prep | N-cs
וּ/כְ/בָשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 flesh Conj | Prep | N-ms
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms
קַלָּֽחַת qallachath H7037 caldron N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Micah 3:3

וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָכְלוּ֮ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
שְׁאֵ֣ר shᵉʼêr H7607 "flesh" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means flesh or body, and can also refer to food or relatives by blood. It appears in various forms, including in Genesis and Leviticus. The KJV translates it as body, flesh, or kin.
Definition: 1) flesh, food, body, near kin, near kinswoman 1a) flesh 1a1) as food 1a2) for physical power (fig) 1b) flesh relation, blood relation 1c) self Also means: sha.a.rah (שַׁאֲרָה "kinswomen" H7608)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman, -swoman), near (nigh) (of kin). See also: Exodus 21:10; Psalms 73:26; Psalms 78:20.
עַמִּ/י֒ 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.
וְ/עוֹרָ/ם֙ ʻôwr H5785 "skin" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הִפְשִׁ֔יטוּ pâshaṭ H6584 "to strip" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
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.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַצְמֹֽתֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻetsem H6106 "bone" N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
פִּצֵּ֑חוּ pâtsach H6476 "to break out" V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This word describes breaking out in joyful sound, like music or singing. It's used in the Bible to describe happy noises, like celebration or praise.
Definition: 1) to cause to break or burst forth, break forth with, break out 1a) (Qal) to break out, break forthwith 1b) (Piel) to break up
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: break (forth, forth into joy), make a loud noise. See also: Psalms 98:4; Isaiah 52:9; Isaiah 14:7.
וּ/פָרְשׂוּ֙ pâras H6566 "to spread" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/סִּ֔יר çîyr H5518 "pot" Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
וּ/כְ/בָשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
קַלָּֽחַת qallachath H7037 "caldron" N-fs
This word is a type of large pot used for cooking, similar to a kettle. In the book of 2 Chronicles, a caldron is used to cook food for the priests. It was a common household item in biblical times.
Definition: caldron, pot, kettle
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: caldron. See also: 1 Samuel 2:14; Micah 3:3.

Study Notes — Micah 3:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 14:4 Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.
2 Ezekiel 11:6–7 You have multiplied those you killed in this city and filled its streets with the dead. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: The slain you have laid within this city are the meat, and the city is the pot; but I will remove you from it.
3 Ezekiel 11:3 They are saying, ‘Is not the time near to build houses? The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat.’
4 Zephaniah 3:3 Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.

Micah 3:3 Summary

Micah 3:3 is a powerful and disturbing verse that talks about how some leaders in Israel were treating God's people very badly, exploiting and oppressing them for their own gain. This verse uses strong imagery, like 'eating the flesh' and 'chopping them up like meat', to convey the horror of their actions, similar to what is described in Isaiah 58:6-7. It's a reminder that God sees and cares about how we treat others, and that we will be held accountable for our actions, as stated in Romans 14:12. We can learn from this verse by being more mindful of how we treat others and making sure we are not contributing to their suffering or oppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'eat the flesh' of God's people in Micah 3:3?

In this context, 'eating the flesh' is a metaphor for exploiting and oppressing others, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Micah 3:2, where it says 'You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones.' This is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 24:12, where love grows cold due to increased wickedness.

Is Micah 3:3 talking about literal cannibalism?

No, Micah 3:3 is not referring to literal cannibalism, but rather a figurative expression of the cruel treatment of God's people by their leaders, as seen in Ezekiel 22:25, where God condemns the princes of Israel for their violent and oppressive ways.

What is the significance of the 'cooking pot' and 'cauldron' in Micah 3:3?

The 'cooking pot' and 'cauldron' are used to illustrate the idea that the leaders are treating God's people like mere objects to be consumed and destroyed, much like the pots used in the sacrifices described in 2 Chronicles 35:13.

How does Micah 3:3 relate to the rest of the chapter?

Micah 3:3 is part of a larger condemnation of the leaders of Israel for their corruption and oppression, as seen in Micah 3:1-4, and serves as a warning of the consequences of their actions, as stated in Micah 3:4, where it says that God will not answer their cries for help.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I might be 'eating the flesh' of others, through my words or actions, without even realizing it?
  2. How can I be more mindful of the ways in which I treat others, and make sure that I am not contributing to their suffering or oppression?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to show more compassion and empathy towards others, as commanded in Matthew 22:39?
  4. How can I use my position or influence to help protect and care for those who are being exploited or oppressed, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9?

Gill's Exposition on Micah 3:3

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skins from off them,.... Like cannibals, flay them alive, and then eat their flesh: this signifies, as before, devouring their substance, only

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Micah 3:3

Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Micah 3:3

Eat; maintain themselves and their followers, nay, live in luxury and excess, revelling in banquets and feasts, as the word is many times used, . The flesh; the estates, goods, and livelihood of their subjects, neighbours, and brethren. My people; whom I have chosen, maintained, and allotted an inheritance unto, of whom I once said, Who toucheth them toucheth the apple of mine eye, . Flay their skin from off them; with barbarous cruelty and unheard-of injustice strip off (as butchers strip the sheep they kill) the very skin; or as hunters, which having taken the prey, wearied and worried first by their dogs, do strip off the skin to sell, and eat the flesh in feasts and riotous banquetings. They break their bones; an allusion to wolves, boars, or lions, which devour the flesh, tear the skin, and break the bones of the innocent, weak, and defenseless lambs or sheep; thus our prophet tells these rulers plainly what they were, did, and how barbarously cruel and wicked. Chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron: these bloody murderers, princes, and chieftains are here compared to cooks, and the subjects, weak neighbours, are compared to the bare bones which the cook doth by his art prepare for the pot, and to the flesh cut small for the caldron, that all might be boiled and extracted out to make pottage, and delicious broths or jellies: thus the great ones used the meaner sort, who lived under their jurisdiction. Possibly the prophet may aim at the bloody, cruel, and devouring times under Shallum, &c., or to that reported of Menahem, , when probably much of this was done according to the very letter.

Trapp's Commentary on Micah 3:3

Micah 3:3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.Ver. 3. Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skins, &c.] He still proceeds in the allegory, the better to argue and aggravate their extreme cruelty. Money, saith the heathen, is a man’ s flesh, blood, life, all. Of this, when the people were pilled and polled by their cruel princes, who are here compared to butchers and cooks, they are looked upon as not only excoriated, but excarnified, and even exossated, and laid for dead; for mortis habet vices quae trahitur vita genitibus. It is a lifeless life that many poor people live for want of necessaries. Such savage shepherds Ezekiel inveighs against, that not only shear their sheep, but hold them and suck their blood, Ezekiel 34:1-10. Atqui pastoris est pecus tondere, non deglubere, non carnem et ossa concidere. (Tiber. ap. Sueton.). Chop them in pieces, as for the pot, &c.] Making no more bones of undoing them and their families than to eat a meal’ s meat when hungry; yea, nourishing their hearts therewith, "as in a day of slaughter," or good cheer, James 5:5.

Ellicott's Commentary on Micah 3:3

(2, 3) Who hate the good.—The judges, instead of fulfilling the obligations of their office, whereby they should be “for the people to God-ward,” perpetrated the most flagrant cruelty upon them. Micah compares it to the process of preparing food, in which every part of the animal, even to the bones, is utilised. So the judges robbed the people until there was nothing left to them.

Whedon's Commentary on Micah 3:3

Outrages committed by civil rulers, Micah 3:1-4.The denunciation in Micah 3:1-4, is addressed to the nobles, called “heads” and “princes” or “magistrates” (compare Isaiah 1:10).

Sermons on Micah 3:3

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Psalms 51-60 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God having the ability to record and playback every scene of our lives. He compares this to the experience of watching old home

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