Micah 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children; enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קָרְחִ֣י
Make thee bald
to depilate
#2
וָגֹ֔זִּי
and poll
to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
בְּנֵ֖י
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
תַּעֲנוּגָ֑יִךְ
thee for thy delicate
luxury
#6
הַרְחִ֤בִי
enlarge
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
#7
קָרְחָתֵךְ֙
thy baldness
baldness
#8
כַּנֶּ֔שֶׁר
as the eagle
the eagle (or other large bird of prey)
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
גָל֖וּ
for they are gone into captivity
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#11
מִמֵּֽךְ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Micah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Micah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection