Micah 6:5

Authorized King James Version

O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַמִּ֗י
O my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
זְכָר
remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#3
נָא֙
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
יָּעַ֗ץ
consulted
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#6
בָּלָק֙
now what Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#7
מֶ֣לֶךְ
king
a king
#8
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#9
וּמֶה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
עָנָ֥ה
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#11
אֹת֖וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בִּלְעָ֣ם
and what Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#13
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
בְּע֑וֹר
of Beor
beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam
#15
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הַשִּׁטִּים֙
him from Shittim
shittim, a place east of the jordan
#17
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל
unto Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
#19
לְמַ֕עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#20
דַּ֖עַת
that ye may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#21
צִדְק֥וֹת
the righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#22
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection