Nahum 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְצִוָּ֤ה

H6680

hath given a commandment

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עָלֶ֙יךָ֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִזָּרַ֥ע

H2232

be sown

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

מִשִּׁמְךָ֖

H8034

concerning thee that no more of thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

ע֑וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

מִבֵּ֨ית

H1004

out of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ

H430

of thy gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

אַכְרִ֨ית

H3772

will I cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#11

פֶּ֧סֶל

H6459

the graven image

an idol

#12

וּמַסֵּכָ֛ה

H4541

and the molten image

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

#13

אָשִׂ֥ים

H7760

I will make

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#14

קִבְרֶ֖ךָ

H6913

thy grave

a sepulcher

#15

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#16

קַלּֽוֹתָ׃

H7043

for thou art vile

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to Nahum's theological argument.

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?