Micah 7:14

Authorized King James Version

Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִרְע֥וּ
Feed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#2
עַמְּךָ֣
thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
בְשִׁבְטֶ֗ךָ
with thy rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#4
צֹ֚אן
the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#5
נַֽחֲלָתֶ֔ךָ
of thine heritage
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#6
שֹׁכְנִ֣י
which dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#7
לְבָדָ֔ד
solitarily
separate; adverb, separately
#8
יַ֖עַר
in the wood
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#9
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#10
כַּרְמֶ֑ל
of Carmel
karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine
#11
יִרְע֥וּ
Feed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#12
בָשָׁ֛ן
in Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#13
וְגִלְעָ֖ד
and Gilead
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#14
כִּימֵ֥י
as in the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
עוֹלָֽם׃
of old
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection