Micah 2:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֣ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
הִנְנִ֥י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#6
חֹשֵׁ֛ב
do I devise
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֥ה
Behold against this family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#9
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#10
רָעָ֖ה
an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#11
אֲ֠שֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
תָמִ֨ישׁוּ
from which ye shall not remove
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
#14
מִשָּׁ֜ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
צַוְּארֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם
your necks
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
#16
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
תֵֽלְכוּ֙
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
רוֹמָ֔ה
haughtily
elation, i.e., (adverbially) proudly
#19
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
עֵ֥ת
for this time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#21
רָעָ֖ה
an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#22
הִֽיא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection