Old Testament
Micah 5:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will wipe out witchcraft from your hands, and you will have no more fortune-tellers.
Compare translations
And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:
What Micah 5:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Micah 5:12, God promises to eliminate witchcraft and fortune-telling practices among His people. This verse highlights God's desire for His followers to rely on Him rather than seeking guidance from occult practices. Witchcraft and soothsaying were common in ancient cultures, often seen as ways to gain knowledge or control over the future. By cutting these practices off, God emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Him alone. The removal of these practices signifies a return to true worship and reliance on divine guidance rather than human or supernatural manipulation. This verse serves as a reminder that God desires purity in worship and a complete dependence on His wisdom and direction, steering clear of any practices that could lead His people away from Him.
How to apply Micah 5:12 to your life
In today's context, this verse encourages us to evaluate where we seek guidance in our lives. Are we relying on God for direction, or are we tempted to turn to worldly practices? We should commit to seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture, avoiding any influences that detract from our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Micah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Micah 5:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Micah 5:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Micah
- Author
- Micah the prophet
- Written
- Around 735-700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Micah 5:12 mean?
Micah 5:12 means that God will remove witchcraft and fortune-telling from His people, emphasizing the importance of relying on Him for guidance instead of seeking knowledge through occult practices.
What is the meaning of witchcraft in Micah 5:12?
In Micah 5:12, witchcraft refers to practices that involve supernatural powers to gain knowledge or control, which God condemns as He desires His followers to trust in Him alone.
How does Micah 5:12 apply to today?
Micah 5:12 applies today by encouraging individuals to assess where they seek guidance, urging them to rely on God through prayer and scripture rather than turning to worldly or occult influences.
Why does God want to cut off soothsayers in Micah 5:12?
God wants to cut off soothsayers in Micah 5:12 to ensure that His people focus on Him for wisdom and direction, rather than being misled by false practices that can lead them away from true faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.