Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. New Living Translation But they do not know the LORD’s thoughts or understand his plan. These nations don’t know that he is gathering them together to be beaten and trampled like sheaves of grain on a threshing floor. English Standard Version But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor. Berean Standard Bible But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Berean Literal Bible And they do not know the thoughts of YHWH, and they do not understand His counsel, how He gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, Nor do they understand His counsel; For He will gather them like sheaves to the threshing floor. New American Standard Bible “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, And they do not understand His plan; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. NASB 1995 “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, And they do not understand His purpose; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. NASB 1977 “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, And they do not understand His purpose; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Legacy Standard Bible But they do not know the thoughts of Yahweh, And they do not understand His counsel; For He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Amplified Bible “But they (Gentile nations) do not know the thoughts of the LORD, Nor do they understand His purpose and plan; For He has gathered them (Gentiles) like sheaves to the threshing floor [for destruction]. Berean Annotated Bible But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD {YHWH} or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Christian Standard Bible But they do not know the LORD’s intentions or understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Holman Christian Standard Bible But they do not know the LORD’s intentions or understand His plan, that He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. American Standard Version But they know not the thoughts of Jehovah, neither understand they his counsel; for he hath gathered them as the sheaves to the threshing-floor. Contemporary English Version But they don't know that I, the LORD, have gathered them here to grind them like grain. English Revised Version But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he hath gathered them as the sheaves to the threshingfloor. GOD'S WORD® Translation They don't know the thoughts of the LORD or understand his plan. He will bring them together like cut grain on the threshing floor. Good News Translation But these nations do not know what is in the LORD's mind. They do not realize that they have been gathered together to be punished in the same way that grain is brought in to be threshed. International Standard Version But they don't know the thoughts of the LORD, and they don't understand his tactics, for he will gather them like harvested grain to his threshing floor. NET Bible But they do not know what the LORD is planning; they do not understand his strategy. He has gathered them like stalks of grain to be threshed at the threshing floor. New Heart English Bible But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, neither do they understand his counsel; for he has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor. Webster's Bible Translation But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he will gather them as sheaves into the floor. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. World English Bible But they don’t know the thoughts of Yahweh, neither do they understand his counsel; for he has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey have not known the thoughts of YHWH, "" Nor have they understood His counsel, "" For He has gathered them as a sheaf [into] a threshing-floor. Berean Literal Bible And they do not know the thoughts of YHWH, and they do not understand His counsel, how He gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Young's Literal Translation They have not known the thoughts of Jehovah, Nor have they understood His counsel, For He hath gathered them as a sheaf into a threshing-floor. Smith's Literal Translation And they knew not the purposes of Jehovah, and they understood not his counsel for he gathered them as sheaves of the threshing-floor. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut they have not known the thoughts of the Lord, and have not understood his counsel: because he hath gathered them together as the hay of the floor. Catholic Public Domain Version But they have not known the thoughts of the Lord, and they have not understood his counsel. For he has gathered them together like hay on a threshing floor. New American Bible But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, nor understand his plan: He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. New Revised Standard Version But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither do they understand his counsel; for he shall gather them as sheaves into the threshing floor. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But they have not known the reasonings of LORD JEHOVAH, and they have not understood his thoughts, for he gathered them as the ears of corn of a threshing floor OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, Neither understand they His counsel; For He hath gathered them as the sheaves to the threshing-floor. Brenton Septuagint Translation But they know not the thought of the Lord, and have not understood his counsel: for he has gathered them as sheaves of the floor. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Restoration of Zion…11But now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.” 12But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. 13Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.… Cross References But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD Romans 11:33-34 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” 1 Corinthians 2:11 For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. or understand His plan, Isaiah 46:10-11 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ / I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. for He has gathered them Joel 3:2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations as they divided up My land. Zephaniah 3:8 Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. Isaiah 66:18 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. like sheaves to the threshing floor. Amos 2:13 Behold, I am about to crush you in your place as with a cart full of grain. Jeremiah 51:33 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.” Isaiah 21:10 O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Isaiah 10:7 But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. Psalm 33:10-11 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. Isaiah 29:14 Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” Treasury of Scripture 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. they know. Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Romans 11:33,34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! … for he shall. Isaiah 21:10 O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you. Joel 3:12,13 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about… Zechariah 14:1-3 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee… Jump to Previous Able Counsel Floor Gather Gathered Gathers Grain Minds Plan Purpose Sheaf Sheaves Stems Thoughts Threshing Threshing-Floor Understand UnderstoodJump to Next Able Counsel Floor Gather Gathered Gathers Grain Minds Plan Purpose Sheaf Sheaves Stems Thoughts Threshing Threshing-Floor Understand UnderstoodMicah 4 1. The glory,5. and the peace of Christ's kingdom. 6. The restoration, 11. and victory of the church. But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD This phrase highlights the omniscience of God, contrasting human understanding with divine wisdom. In the biblical context, the nations surrounding Israel often acted in ways that seemed wise to them but were ultimately futile against God's sovereign plans. This echoes Isaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than those of humans. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and the need for reliance on divine revelation. or understand His plan for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe central figure in this verse, representing God's sovereignty and omniscience. His thoughts and plans are beyond human understanding. 2. The Nations Implicit in the context, these are the enemies of Israel who are gathered against God's people, unaware of God's ultimate plan. 3. Micah The prophet delivering God's message to Israel, providing insight into God's plans and purposes. 4. Sheaves A metaphor for the nations gathered for judgment, symbolizing how God will deal with them. 5. Threshing Floor A place of separation and judgment, where grain is separated from chaff, symbolizing God's judgment and purification process. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. His plans are perfect and will ultimately prevail. Trust in God's Plan Even when we do not understand God's ways, we are called to trust in His wisdom and timing. Judgment and Purification Understand that God's judgment is a process of purification, separating what is valuable from what is not. Humility Before God Acknowledge our limited understanding and approach God with humility, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Hope in God's Justice Take comfort in knowing that God will bring justice and righteousness, gathering and dealing with the nations according to His perfect plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Micah 4:12?2. How does Micah 4:12 reveal God's sovereignty over the nations' plans? 3. What does "they do not know the thoughts of the LORD" teach us? 4. How can we align our plans with God's will as seen in Micah 4:12? 5. Compare Micah 4:12 with Proverbs 19:21 on God's purpose prevailing. 6. How can understanding God's plans in Micah 4:12 strengthen our faith today? 7. What does Micah 4:12 reveal about God's sovereignty over nations? 8. How does Micah 4:12 challenge our understanding of divine justice? 9. In what ways does Micah 4:12 reflect God's hidden plans? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Micah 4? 11. What defines theological reflection? 12. Why did Jesus resolutely head to Jerusalem? 13. What defines a threshing floor? 14. How can Micah 4:1-2 predict a future peace on an actual mountain when no archeological evidence supports such a global gathering place? What Does Micah 4:12 Mean But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD• Micah pictures the nations surrounding Jerusalem with confidence, yet completely clueless about God’s intentions. Psalm 2:1-4 shows the same blindness as “the kings of the earth take their stand… The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts rise infinitely above human calculations, while Proverbs 19:21 notes, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • When believers face opposition, it is reassuring to remember that apparent chaos never surprises God. He alone sees every angle, every motive, every end. or understand His plan • “Plan” here is deliberate; God is not reacting, He is orchestrating. Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20 that what they meant for evil, “God intended for good.” The same principle stands in Micah’s day. • In Acts 4:27-28 the early church declares that even the conspiracy against Jesus happened “to do what Your hand and plan had predestined.” • God’s plan in Micah includes both judgment and restoration. Zechariah 14:2-3 parallels this: the nations gather against Jerusalem, yet the LORD fights for His people. for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor • The harvest image flips the scene. What looks like Israel trapped is actually the nations bundled for judgment. Jeremiah 51:33 says Babylon will be “threshed,” and Isaiah 41:15 depicts Israel as God’s threshing sledge. • Threshing separates grain from chaff—echoed by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:12: Christ will “gather His wheat… but burn up the chaff.” • In Revelation 14:14-20 the sickle imagery climaxes God’s final harvest. Micah hints at that day, assuring the faithful that evil never gets the last word. summary Micah 4:12 pulls back the curtain: worldly powers plot, but they are ignorant of God’s higher purpose. His sovereign plan gathers those same powers for judgment, just as a farmer bundles sheaves for threshing. For God’s people, the verse shifts fear to confidence—reminding us that every headline, every threat, ultimately serves the Lord’s redemptive agenda. (12) They know not the thoughts of the Lord.--As a commentary upon this passage, we may compare the message of God with reference to the haughty thoughts of Sennacherib. Then the Lord declared that the Assyrian king was but His instrument in all he had done; so that when he presumed to arrogate to himself the glory of his victories, the Lord revoked his commission: "I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou carnest." And so it came to pass.Verse 12. - But the enemies who came to exult over Zion do not know God's design while blindly working it out. God's people are not to be destroyed, but their adversaries. They know not the thoughts of the Lord. The heathen, who were the instruments of God's wrath against his people, knew nothing of his purpose in thus afflicting them, nor perceived that they themselves were drawn together for punishment. He shall gather (hath gathered) them as the sheaves into the floor. Their blindness is proved by their not perceiving till too late that God has brought them together before Jerusalem, as sheaves are brought into the threshing floor, in order to be broken up and destroyed (comp. Isaiah 21:10; Jeremiah 51:23). The metaphor is carried on in the next verse. Various are the explanations of the prophet's reference in this prophecy. Many commentators see in it a reference to the destruction of the army of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35); others discern a defeat of the Scythians after the return from captivity; others, again, place it in the times of the Maccabees; and others interpret it of the defeat of the mystical adversaries of God's Church adumbrated in Ezekiel 38; Zechariah 12; and Revelation 20. But the prophet has not one definite event in view, but looks forward to the general conflict between the powers of the world and the Church, of which the historical events and material enemies were the types. Certain historical circumstances may exactly suit the prediction, but they do not exhaust it. And indeed we do wrong to seek for minute and definite fulfilment of particular predictions. Such utterances are often conditional and are modified by subsequent circumstances. The prophets are concerned with great moral truths and the righteous government of the world, and are not always to be interpreted with literal exactness.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But theyוְהֵ֗מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They do not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָֽדְעוּ֙ (yā·ḏə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know the thoughts מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת (maḥ·šə·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel or וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no understand הֵבִ֖ינוּ (hê·ḇî·nū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand His plan: עֲצָת֑וֹ (‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction He has gathered them קִבְּצָ֖ם (qib·bə·ṣām) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 6908: To gather, collect like sheaves כֶּעָמִ֥יר (ke·‘ā·mîr) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5995: A swath, row of fallen grain to the threshing floor. גֹּֽרְנָה׃ (gō·rə·nāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1637: A threshing-floor, open area Links Micah 4:12 NIVMicah 4:12 NLT Micah 4:12 ESV Micah 4:12 NASB Micah 4:12 KJV Micah 4:12 BibleApps.com Micah 4:12 Biblia Paralela Micah 4:12 Chinese Bible Micah 4:12 French Bible Micah 4:12 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Micah 4:12 But they don't know the thoughts (Mc Mic. 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