Micah 2:11

Authorized King James Version

If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לוּ
If
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
#2
אִ֞ישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
walking
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
ר֙וּחַ֙
in the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#5
וָשֶׁ֣קֶר
and falsehood
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#6
כִּזֵּ֔ב
do lie
to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively
#7
מַטִּ֖יף
he shall even be the prophet
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
#8
לְךָ֔
H0
#9
לַיַּ֖יִן
unto thee of wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#10
וְלַשֵּׁכָ֑ר
and of strong drink
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
#11
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
מַטִּ֖יף
he shall even be the prophet
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
#13
הָעָ֥ם
of this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection