Micah 7:9

Authorized King James Version

I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זַ֤עַף

H2197

the indignation

anger

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶשָּׂ֔א

H5375

I will bear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָטָ֖אתִי

H2398

because I have sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

ל֑וֹ

עַד֩

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָרִ֤יב

H7378

against him until he plead

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

#10

רִיבִי֙

H7379

my cause

a contest (personal or legal)

#11

וְעָשָׂ֣ה

H6213

and execute

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

מִשְׁפָּטִ֔י

H4941

judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#13

יוֹצִיאֵ֣נִי

H3318

for me he will bring me forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

לָא֔וֹר

H216

to the light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

#15

אֶרְאֶ֖ה

H7200

and I shall behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#16

בְּצִדְקָתֽוֹ׃

H6666

his righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?