Micah 1:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָמַ֤סּוּ
shall be molten
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
#2
הֶֽהָרִים֙
And the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#3
תַּחְתָּ֔יו
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#4
וְהָעֲמָקִ֖ים
under him and the valleys
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#5
יִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ
shall be cleft
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#6
כַּדּוֹנַג֙
as wax
wax
#7
מִפְּנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
הָאֵ֔שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
כְּמַ֖יִם
and as the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
מֻגָּרִ֥ים
that are poured
to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over
#11
בְּמוֹרָֽד׃
down a steep place
a descent; as architecture, an ornamental appendage, perhaps a festoon

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection