Micah 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
תִּתְגֹּדְדִ֣י
Now gather
to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)
#3
בַת
O daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#4
גְּד֔וּד
of troops
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
#5
מָצ֖וֹר
siege
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
#6
שָׂ֣ם
he hath laid
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#7
עָלֵ֑ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
בַּשֵּׁ֙בֶט֙
with a rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#9
יַכּ֣וּ
against us they shall smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַלְּחִ֔י
upon the cheek
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
#12
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
the judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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