Micah 1:8

Authorized King James Version

Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
זֹאת֙
this (often used adverb)
#3
אֶסְפְּדָ֣ה
Therefore I will wail
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
#4
וְאֵילִ֔ילָה
and howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#5
אֵילְכָ֥ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
שׁיֹלָ֖ל
stripped
nude (especially bare-foot); by implication, captive
#7
וְעָר֑וֹם
and naked
nude, either partially or totally
#8
אֶעֱשֶׂ֤ה
I will make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
מִסְפֵּד֙
a wailing
a lamentation
#10
כַּתַּנִּ֔ים
like the dragons
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#11
וְאֵ֖בֶל
H60
and mourning
lamentation
#12
כִּבְנ֥וֹת
as the owls
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
יַעֲנָֽה׃
owl

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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