Micah 6:6

Authorized King James Version

Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּמָּה֙
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
הַאֲקַדְּמֶ֣נּוּ
H6923
Wherewith shall I come before
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אִכַּ֖ף
H3721
and bow
to curve
#5
לֵאלֹהֵ֣י
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
מָר֑וֹם
H4791
myself before the high
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#7
הַאֲקַדְּמֶ֣נּוּ
H6923
Wherewith shall I come before
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
#8
בְעוֹל֔וֹת
H5930
him with burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#9
בַּעֲגָלִ֖ים
H5695
with calves
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#10
בְּנֵ֥י
H1121
old
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
שָׁנָֽה׃
H8141
of a year
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection