Micah 6:15

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִזְרַ֖ע

H2232

Thou shalt sow

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

תִקְצ֑וֹר

H7114

but thou shalt not reap

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

אַתָּ֤ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִדְרֹֽךְ

H1869

thou shalt tread

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

זַ֙יִת֙

H2132

the olives

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

וְלֹא

H3808

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

תָס֣וּךְ

H5480

but thou shalt not anoint

properly, to smear over (with oil), i.e., anoint

#10

שֶׁ֔מֶן

H8081

thee with oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

#11

וְתִיר֖וֹשׁ

H8492

and sweet wine

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

#12

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#13

תִשְׁתֶּה

H8354

but shalt not drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#14

יָּֽיִן׃

H3196

wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 does this verse's literary context within Micah chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?