Micah 4:9

Authorized King James Version

Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
לָ֥מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
תָרִ֖יעִי
Now why dost thou cry
to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)
#4
רֵ֑עַ
out aloud
a crash (of thunder), noise (of war), shout (of joy)
#5
הֲמֶ֣לֶךְ
is there no king
a king
#6
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
בָּ֗ךְ
H0
#8
אִֽם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
יוֹעֲצֵךְ֙
in thee is thy counsellor
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#10
אָבָ֔ד
H6
perished
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#11
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
הֶחֱזִיקֵ֥ךְ
have taken
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#13
חִ֖יל
for pangs
a throe (expectant of childbirth)
#14
כַּיּוֹלֵדָֽה׃
thee as a woman in travail
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection