And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

MICAH 5:7KJV
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Micah 5:7 (KJV)

What does Micah 5:7 mean?

Micah 5:7 describes how the remaining people of Jacob—meaning the Israelites who survive hardship—will be among many nations like dew or rain from the LORD, bringing quiet blessing that does not depend on human effort. The verse uses the image of dew and showers to show that this remnant will have a gentle, life-giving influence wherever they are scattered.

Micah, a prophet speaking to the people of Israel during a time of threat and uncertainty, is giving hope that even after judgment and scattering, God’s people will still have a purpose among other nations. The verse emphasizes that their positive effect, like dew and rain, comes from God and not from human planning or control.

The Hebrew behind Micah 5:7

  • "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit): This word means those who are left over or survive after disaster. In Micah 5:7, it highlights that not all will be lost—some will remain to fulfill God’s purpose.
  • "dew" (טַל, tal): Dew in the ancient world was a sign of blessing and refreshment, especially in dry climates. The comparison suggests that the remnant will quietly sustain and bless others.
  • "showers" (רְבִיבִים, revivim): This word refers to abundant rain, which is essential for growth. The use of both dew and showers stresses that the remnant’s presence will be both gentle and abundant in its benefits.
  • "tarrieth not for man" (יְקַוֶּה־לְאִישׁ, yeqaveh le'ish): This phrase means that the dew and rain do not wait for human permission or timing. The blessing comes directly from God, not from human effort.

Why Micah 5:7 matters

  • Micah 5:7 clarifies that God’s people can still be a source of blessing even when they are scattered and seemingly powerless, countering the idea that influence only comes from strength or numbers.
  • The verse shifts focus from human achievement to God’s initiative, reminding readers that true blessing and positive influence often come quietly and unexpectedly.
  • In the wider context of Micah, this verse reassures a troubled community that their story is not over; even in exile or weakness, they have a role in God’s plan for the world.

Where else these words appear

“showers” Hebrew H7241 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
  • Psalms 65:10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
  • Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.

“dew” Hebrew H2919 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • Proverbs 3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

“grass” Hebrew H6212 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Exodus 10:15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
  • Psalms 104:14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

“waiteth” Hebrew H3176 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 8:12 And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.
  • Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
  • Psalms 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.