What does Micah 4:10 mean?
"Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies." - Micah 4:10
Micah 4:10 (KJV) states, "Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies."
This verse from the book of Micah is a lamentation and a prophecy for the people of Zion, also known as Jerusalem. The prophet Micah is calling on the people to prepare for the pain and suffering that they will endure as a result of their disobedience to God. The imagery of a woman in labor is used to illustrate the intensity of the upcoming trials, emphasizing the inevitability and inescapability of their suffering. The daughter of Zion is urged to endure the pain and hardship, to go out of the city and dwell in the field, and ultimately to be taken into captivity in Babylon where they will be delivered and redeemed by the Lord.
The theme of suffering and redemption is central to this passage. The people of Zion are being warned of the consequences of their disobedience and are called to endure the pain and hardship that will come as a result. This idea of suffering as a consequence of sin is a common theme throughout the Bible, and in this particular verse, it is a reminder of the justice and righteousness of God. However, there is also a message of hope in this passage. Despite the impending suffering, there is a promise of deliverance and redemption from the hand of their enemies. This reflects the mercy and compassion of God, offering a ray of hope and restoration even in the midst of despair.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. Micah was a prophet who lived during a tumultuous time in the history of Israel and Judah. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings who were known for their unfaithfulness to God and the oppression and mistreatment of their people. Micah's prophecies addressed the social injustice, moral decay, and spiritual apostasy that plagued the nation. In this particular passage, Micah is warning the people of the impending Babylonian captivity, a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. The captivity in Babylon was a devastating and traumatic event for the people of Zion, and this prophecy served as a warning and a call to repentance.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and layered. The imagery of a woman in labor is a powerful symbol of pain, struggle, and ultimately, new life. It represents the suffering and anguish that the people of Zion will endure, but also the promise of new beginnings and redemption. The city of Zion, which was a symbol of God's presence and protection, is contrasted with the open field and Babylon, representing exile and captivity. This contrast highlights the loss of security and the displacement that the people will experience. However, the promise of deliverance and redemption in Babylon conveys the enduring faithfulness and grace of God, even in the midst of exile and suffering.
In conclusion, Micah 4:10 (KJV) is a poignant and evocative passage that addresses the theme of suffering and redemption in the context of the impending Babylonian captivity. It serves as a warning to the people of Zion, calling them to prepare for the pain and hardship that will come as a result of their disobedience. Despite the despair and desolation, there is a promise of deliverance and redemption, offering hope and restoration. The rich symbolism and powerful imagery in this verse convey the depth of the prophet's message and the enduring faithfulness of God.
Have questions about Micah 4:10?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Micah 4:10 Artwork
Micah 4:10 - "Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies."
"Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies." - Micah 4:10
Micah 3:10 - "They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity."
Micah 6:10 - "¶ Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?"
Micah 1:10 - "¶ Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust."
Micah 2:10 - "Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction."
"They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity." - Micah 3:10
Micah 4:4 - "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it."
Micah 4:12 - "But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor."
![Micah 4:4
[4]Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the Lord Almighty has spoken.](https://media.bible.art/8a86fa9e-f417-42fe-bc29-f62f431781f4-thumbnail.jpg)
Micah 4:4 [4]Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:6 - "In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;"
Micah 1:4 - "And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place."
Micah 5:10 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:"
"¶ Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?" - Micah 6:10
Judges 18:4 - "And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest."
Micah 4:5 - "For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever."
Micah 4:11 - "¶ Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion."
Micah 7:4 - "The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity."
Micah 4:9 - "Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail."
Micah 6:4 - "For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."
Micah 3:4 - "Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings."
Micah 5:4 - "¶ And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth."
Micah 4:8 - "¶ And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem."
Micah 4:1 - "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it."
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it." - Micah 4:1
Judges 17:10 - "And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in."
Micah 4:7 - "And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever."
"¶ Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust." - Micah 1:10
Micah 7:10 - "Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets."
"Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction." - Micah 2:10