Micah 6:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַתָּ֤ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תֹאכַל֙

H398

Thou shalt eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׂבָּ֔ע

H7646

but not be satisfied

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וְיֶשְׁחֲךָ֖

H3445

and thy casting down

hunger

בְּקִרְבֶּ֑ךָ

H7130

shall be in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְתַסֵּג֙

H5253

of thee and thou shalt take hold

to retreat

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְּפַלֵּ֖ט

H6403

and that which thou deliverest

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

#10

וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#11

תְּפַלֵּ֖ט

H6403

and that which thou deliverest

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

#12

לַחֶ֥רֶב

H2719

to the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#13

אֶתֵּֽן׃

H5414

will I give up

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?