Micah 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
בִּגְלַלְכֶ֔ם
for your sake
a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of
#3
צִיּ֖וֹן
Therefore shall Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#4
שָׂדֶ֣ה
as a field
a field (as flat)
#5
תֵֽחָרֵ֑שׁ
be plowed
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#6
וִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
עִיִּ֣ין
shall become heaps
a ruin (as if overturned)
#8
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
וְהַ֥ר
and the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
הַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
לְבָמ֥וֹת
as the high places
an elevation
#12
יָֽעַר׃
of the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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