Micah 6:1

Authorized King James Version

Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְתִשְׁמַ֥עְנָה

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָ֕א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

ye now what the LORD

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

אֹמֵ֑ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

ק֚וּם

H6965

Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

רִ֣יב

H7378

contend

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#10

הֶהָרִ֔ים

H2022

thou before the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#11

וְתִשְׁמַ֥עְנָה

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#12

הַגְּבָע֖וֹת

H1389

and let the hills

a hillock

#13

קוֹלֶֽךָ׃

H6963

thy voice

a voice or sound

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?