Micah 4:1

Authorized King James Version

But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּאַחֲרִ֣ית
But in the last
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
#3
הַיָּמִ֗ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
יִ֠הְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
הֶהָרִ֔ים
it shall come to pass that the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
נָכוֹן֙
shall be established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#9
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
in the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
הֶהָרִ֔ים
it shall come to pass that the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#11
וְנִשָּׂ֥א
and it shall be exalted
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#12
ה֖וּא
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
#13
מִגְּבָע֑וֹת
above the hills
a hillock
#14
וְנָהֲר֥וּ
shall flow
to sparkle, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful
#15
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
עַמִּֽים׃
and people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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

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