Micah 3:2

Authorized King James Version

Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֹׂ֥נְאֵי
Who hate
to hate (personally)
#2
ט֖וֹב
the good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#3
וְאֹ֣הֲבֵי
and love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#4
רָ֑עה
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
גֹּזְלֵ֤י
who pluck off
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
#6
עוֹרָם֙
their skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#7
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וּשְׁאֵרָ֖ם
from off them and their flesh
flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
#9
מֵעַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עַצְמוֹתָֽם׃
from off their bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Micah.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection