Micah 5:13

Authorized King James Version

Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִכְרַתִּ֧י
H3772
also will I cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#2
פְסִילֶ֛יךָ
H6456
Thy graven images
an idol
#3
וּמַצֵּבוֹתֶ֖יךָ
H4676
and thy standing images
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
#4
מִקִּרְבֶּ֑ךָ
H7130
out of the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#5
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה
H7812
of thee and thou shalt no more worship
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#7
ע֖וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#8
לְמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
H4639
the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#9
יָדֶֽיךָ׃
H3027
of thine hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection