Micah 3:7

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבֹ֣שׁוּ

H954

be ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

הַחֹזִ֗ים

H2374

Then shall the seers

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

וְחָֽפְרוּ֙

H2659

confounded

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

הַקֹּ֣סְמִ֔ים

H7080

and the diviners

properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine

וְעָט֥וּ

H5844

yea they shall all cover

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שָׂפָ֖ם

H8222

their lips

the beard (as a lippiece)

כֻּלָּ֑ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

מַעֲנֵ֖ה

H4617

for there is no answer

a reply (favorable or contradictory)

#12

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Micah chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?