Micah 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
מִגְדַּל
And thou O tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#3
עֵ֗דֶר
of the flock
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#4
עֹ֛פֶל
the strong hold
a tumor
#5
לְבַ֥ת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
צִיּ֖וֹן
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#7
עָדֶ֣יךָ
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#8
תֵּאתֶ֑ה
unto thee shall it come
to arrive
#9
וּבָאָ֗ה
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
הַמֶּמְשָׁלָה֙
dominion
rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler
#11
הָרִ֣אשֹׁנָ֔ה
even the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#12
מַמְלֶ֖כֶת
the kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#13
לְבַ֥ת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Micah. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Micah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection