King James Version

What Does Micah 5:13 Mean?

Micah 5:13 in the King James Version says “Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship ...” — study this verse from Micah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. standing: or, statues”

Micah 5:13 · KJV

Context

11

And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds:

12

And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:

13

Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. standing: or, statues

14

And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities . cities: or, enemies

15

And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. God targets idolatry directly. "Graven images" (פְּסִילֶיךָ, pesilekha) are carved idols—statues, figurines representing false gods. "Standing images" (מַצֵּבוֹתֶיךָ, matzevotekha) were sacred pillars or obelisks erected at pagan worship sites. Both violate the second commandment: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image" (Exodus 20:4). The phrase "work of thine hands" (מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶיךָ, ma'aseh yadekha) exposes idolatry's absurdity: humans create gods, then worship their own creations.

Isaiah 44:9-20 satirizes idol-making: a craftsman cuts wood, uses part for fire to warm himself and bake bread, then carves the remainder into a god and bows before it, saying "Deliver me; for thou art my god." The prophet concludes: "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside." Psalm 115:4-8 mocks idols: "They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not." Those who make them become like them—spiritually deaf, blind, and mute.

In Messiah's kingdom, idolatry is eradicated. Not merely external images but heart idols—anything displacing God as ultimate. Colossians 3:5 identifies covetousness as idolatry. Augustine observed humanity is incurably religious: we either worship the Creator or created things (Romans 1:25). The gospel transforms worshipers: we cease bowing to what we've made and worship the One who made us. True worship requires God's self-revelation in Christ, not human imagination projecting deity onto material objects.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's idolatry began early: the golden calf (Exodus 32), Baal worship under the judges (Judges 2:11-13), Jeroboam's golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30), Ahab and Jezebel's Baal temples (1 Kings 16:31-33), Manasseh's idols in the temple itself (2 Kings 21:7). Despite prophetic warnings, idolatry persisted until the Babylonian exile (586 BC). Ironically, exile cured Israel's idolatry—post-exilic Jews never again worshiped idols. By Jesus's time, Jewish opposition to idolatry was fierce (hence conflict with Rome's emperor worship). Yet Jesus identified a subtler idolatry: Pharisees worshiped tradition, rich young rulers worshiped wealth, crowds sought Jesus for bread, not truth (John 6:26). The human heart constantly manufactures idols. Christian history shows idolatry mutating: medieval veneration of relics, prosperity gospel's worship of wealth, cultural Christianity's nationalism. Every generation must heed: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

Reflection Questions

  1. What "graven images" or "standing images" (material possessions, status symbols, ideologies) function as idols in your life, displacing God from rightful supremacy?
  2. How does recognizing that you worship "the work of your hands" expose the futility of trusting anything you've created or achieved for security and identity?
  3. What practical steps can you take to identify and dismantle heart idols, ensuring God alone receives your ultimate allegiance and affection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהִכְרַתִּ֧י1 of 9

“also will I cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

פְסִילֶ֛יךָ2 of 9

“Thy graven images”

H6456

an idol

וּמַצֵּבוֹתֶ֖יךָ3 of 9

“and thy standing images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

מִקִּרְבֶּ֑ךָ4 of 9

“out of the midst”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְלֹֽא5 of 9
H3808

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

תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה6 of 9

“of thee and thou shalt no more worship”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

ע֖וֹד7 of 9
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה8 of 9

“the work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדֶֽיךָ׃9 of 9

“of thine hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 6:9Ezekiel 36:25Zechariah 13:2Hosea 14:8Ezekiel 37:23Hosea 14:3

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