Micah 1:5

Authorized King James Version

For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶ֣שַׁע

H6588

For the transgression

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

יַעֲקֹ֗ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זֹ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּבְחַטֹּ֖אות

H2403

is all this and for the sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִֽי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

פֶ֣שַׁע

H6588

For the transgression

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#10

יַעֲקֹ֗ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#11

הֲלוֹא֙

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן

H8111

is it not Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

#13

וּמִי֙

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#14

בָּמ֣וֹת

H1116

and what are the high places

an elevation

#15

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#16

הֲל֖וֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

are they not Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Micah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?