Introduction to Micah 3:1: Addressing the Leaders of Yisra’el
Micah 3:1 opens a sharp rebuke directed at the leaders of Yisra’el. The prophet confronts the רָאשֵׁי יַעֲקֹב (“chiefs of Yaʿaqov”) and קְצִינֵי בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל (“rulers of the house of Yisra’el”), not with mere accusation, but with a biting rhetorical question: הֲלֹ֣וא לָכֶ֔ם לָדַ֖עַת אֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּט. This question—structured around the infinitive construct with the lamed preposition—expresses moral obligation and assumed responsibility. In this article, we examine how Hebrew constructs moral expectations through syntax and how this impacts prophetic rhetoric.
וָאֹמַ֗ר שִׁמְעוּ־נָא֙ רָאשֵׁ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּקְצִינֵ֖י בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל הֲלֹ֣וא לָכֶ֔ם לָדַ֖עַת אֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
Analysis of the Infinitive Obligation Construction
1. הֲלֹ֣וא – “Is it not…?”
- Interrogative particle expressing rhetorical affirmation
- Common in prophetic rebuke: assumes the answer is “yes”
הֲלֹ֣וא introduces a rhetorical question with an implied rebuke. It expects agreement, like “Surely…” or “Is it not the case that…?” This softens no blow—instead, it underscores accountability.
2. לָכֶ֔ם לָדַ֖עַת – “for you to know”
- לָכֶ֔ם – Preposition לְ + 2mp suffix (“to/for you [pl.]”)
- לָדַ֖עַת – Infinitive construct of יָדַע with preposition לְ (“to know”)
This is a double-lamed infinitive construction—a rare but powerful form. Grammatically, the preposition ל with the infinitive indicates purpose, duty, or natural function. When used with לָכֶם, it conveys a clear moral expectation: “It is your responsibility to know.” This construction expresses oughtness—not only can they know justice, they should.
3. אֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּט – “justice”
- הַמִּשְׁפָּט – Definite noun from root שׁ־פ־ט (“judgment, justice”)
- אֶת – Marks definite direct object of the infinitive verb
Micah is not asking whether they understand jurisprudence in general. The word הַמִּשְׁפָּט refers to divinely sanctioned justice—the ethical standards YHWH has given. The placement of אֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּט at the end gives emphasis: this is the very thing they were meant to uphold.
Syntax and Rhetoric: How Hebrew Frames Moral Duty
- Infinitive + ל + pronoun: A classic way to express what someone is supposed to do. Compare: לִשְׁמֹר (“to guard”), לַעֲשֹׂות (“to do”), etc.
- Rhetorical Function: This syntax is confrontational, assuming guilt by highlighting an unmet obligation.
- Implied Irony: The leaders of justice do not know justice. Hebrew exposes this by asking a question that should not need to be asked.
Calling Leaders to Account: The Prophetic Weight of לָכֶם לָדַעַת
Micah 3:1 is a stunning example of how Biblical Hebrew syntax intensifies prophetic force. The infinitive construct with the preposition ל places the duty to know justice squarely on the shoulders of those in power. By framing it in a rhetorical question, the prophet invites the audience to indict themselves: “Isn’t it your job to know justice?” The grammar doesn’t just communicate content—it lays bare moral failure. For leaders, to not know justice is more than ignorance—it is betrayal.
