King James Version

What Does Micah 2:5 Mean?

Micah 2:5 in the King James Version says “Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.” — study this verse from Micah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.”

Micah 2:5 · KJV

Context

3

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.

4

In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields. a doleful: Heb. a lamentation of lamentations turning: or, instead of restoring

5

Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.

6

Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. Prophesy ye: or, Prophesy not as they prophesy: Heb. Drop, etc

7

O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? straitened: or, shortened? uprightly: Heb. upright?

Read Micah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD (לָכֵן לֹא־יִהְיֶה לְךָ מַשְׁלִיךְ חֶבֶל בְּגוֹרָל בִּקְהַל יְהוָה, lakhen lo-yihyeh lekha mashlikh chevel be-goral bi-qehal YHWH). מַשְׁלִיךְ חֶבֶל (mashlikh chevel, casting a measuring cord) refers to land redistribution by lot—the method used when Israel originally received Canaan (Numbers 26:55-56; Joshua 18:10). בְּגוֹרָל (be-goral, by lot) was how families received inheritance allotments.

The judgment: oppressors will have no descendants participating in future land redistribution. They seized others' inheritances; their own lineage will be cut off. They won't participate in קְהַל יְהוָה (qehal YHWH, the assembly/congregation of Yahweh)—the covenant community. This echoes Deuteronomy's warnings: covenant violators and their descendants would be excluded from Israel's assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1-8).

The threat carries weight because family continuity and land inheritance defined Israelite identity. To have no one casting lots means complete family extinction or permanent exile—you and your descendants are excluded from covenant restoration. This ultimate penalty demonstrates sin's devastating multigenerational consequences. Yet Scripture also promises gracious restoration for repentant remnants—the New Covenant includes Gentiles and restores outcasts (Acts 10; Ephesians 2:11-22). God's judgment is severe but His mercy endures for those who return (Isaiah 55:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The original land distribution under Joshua established family inheritances that defined Israelite identity for centuries (Joshua 13-21). The Jubilee system ensured land returned to original families every 50 years (Leviticus 25:8-28), preventing permanent dispossession. Yet the wealthy circumvented these protections, accumulating massive estates while peasant families lost ancestral land.

Micah prophesies that oppressors' families will be excluded from any future restoration land distribution. When exiles returned under Ezra and Nehemiah (538 BC onward), they redistributed land. Those whose families had been judged and cut off wouldn't participate. This wasn't arbitrary vindictiveness but covenant justice—persistent oppressors and their unrepentant descendants forfeit covenant privileges. The principle extends to spiritual inheritance: "The wicked shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). Covenant participation requires covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does exclusion from future land distribution represent losing not just property but covenant identity and community belonging?
  2. What does this verse teach about sin's multigenerational consequences—that unrepentant oppression can affect descendants?
  3. In what ways does the New Covenant offer hope to those excluded from earthly inheritances through adoption into God's family?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לָכֵן֙1 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לֹֽא2 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה3 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֔4 of 9
H0
מַשְׁלִ֥יךְ5 of 9

“Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

חֶ֖בֶל6 of 9

“a cord”

H2256

ruin

בְּגוֹרָ֑ל7 of 9

“by lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

בִּקְהַ֖ל8 of 9

“in the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Micah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Micah 2:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Micah 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:8Joshua 18:4Joshua 18:10Deuteronomy 23:8Deuteronomy 23:2Nehemiah 7:61

Test Your Knowledge

Micah 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMicah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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