Micah 6:7

Authorized King James Version

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיִרְצֶ֤ה
be pleased
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#2
יְהוָה֙
Will the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
בְּאַלְפֵ֣י
with thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#4
אֵילִ֔ים
of rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#5
בְּרִֽבְב֖וֹת
or with ten thousands
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
#6
נַֽחֲלֵי
of rivers
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#7
שָׁ֑מֶן
of oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#8
הַאֶתֵּ֤ן
shall I give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
בְּכוֹרִי֙
my firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#10
פִּשְׁעִ֔י
for my transgression
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#11
פְּרִ֥י
the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#12
בִטְנִ֖י
of my body
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#13
חַטַּ֥את
for the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#14
נַפְשִֽׁי׃
of my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection