Micah 5:8

Authorized King James Version

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֩
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
שְׁאֵרִ֨ית
H7611
And the remnant
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
#3
יַעֲקֹ֜ב
H3290
of Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#4
בַּגּוֹיִ֗ם
H1471
shall be among the Gentiles
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
בְּקֶ֙רֶב֙
H7130
in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#6
עַמִּ֣ים
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
רַבִּ֔ים
H7227
of many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
כְּאַרְיֵה֙
H738
as a lion
a lion
#9
בְּבַהֲמ֣וֹת
H929
among the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#10
יַ֔עַר
H3293
of the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#11
כִּכְפִ֖יר
H3715
as a young lion
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
#12
בְּעֶדְרֵי
H5739
among the flocks
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#13
צֹ֑אן
H6629
of sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#16
עָבַ֛ר
H5674
who if he go through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#17
וְרָמַ֥ס
H7429
both treadeth down
to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)
#18
וְטָרַ֖ף
H2963
and teareth in pieces
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#19
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#20
מַצִּֽיל׃
H5337
and none can deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection