Micah 3:1

Authorized King James Version

And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֹמַ֗ר

H559

And I said

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְעוּ

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָא֙

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

רָאשֵׁ֣י

H7218

I pray you O heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

יַעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וּקְצִינֵ֖י

H7101

and ye princes

a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader

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

הֲל֣וֹא

H3808

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

#10

לָכֶ֔ם

#11

לָדַ֖עַת

H3045

Is it not for you to know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

H4941

judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Micah.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?