Micah 5:4

Authorized King James Version

And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָמַ֗ד

H5975

And he shall stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְרָעָה֙

H7462

and feed

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בְּעֹ֣ז

H5797

in the strength

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּגְא֕וֹן

H1347

in the majesty

the same as h1346

שֵׁ֖ם

H8034

of the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֑יו

H430

his God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְיָשָׁ֕בוּ

H3427

and they shall abide

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

עַתָּ֥ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#12

יִגְדַּ֖ל

H1431

for now shall he be great

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#13

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#14

אַפְסֵי

H657

unto the ends

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

#15

אָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Micah chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?