Nahum 1:12

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֣ה׀
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
H559
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
שְׁלֵמִים֙
H8003
Though they be quiet
complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly
#6
וְכֵ֣ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
רַבִּ֔ים
H7227
and likewise many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
וְכֵ֥ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
נָג֖וֹזּוּ
H1494
yet thus shall they be cut down
to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
#10
וְעָבָ֑ר
H5674
when he shall pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#11
אֲעַנֵּ֖ךְ
H6031
Though I have afflicted
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#12
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אֲעַנֵּ֖ךְ
H6031
Though I have afflicted
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#14
עֽוֹד׃
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nahum. 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 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 Nahum 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