Micah 5:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
יִתְּנֵ֔ם
Therefore will he give them up
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
עֵ֥ת
until the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
יָלָ֑דָה
hath brought forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#6
יָלָ֑דָה
hath brought forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
וְיֶ֣תֶר
then the remnant
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#8
אֶחָ֔יו
of his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
יְשׁוּב֖וּן
shall return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
בְּנֵ֥י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 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