Nahum 1:2

Authorized King James Version

God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#2
קַנּ֤וֹא
is jealous
jealous or angry
#3
נֹקֵ֤ם
revengeth
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
#4
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
נֹקֵ֤ם
revengeth
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
#6
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וּבַ֣עַל
and is furious
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#8
חֵמָ֑ה
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#9
נֹקֵ֤ם
revengeth
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
#10
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
לְצָרָ֔יו
on his adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)
#12
וְנוֹטֵ֥ר
and he reserveth
to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)
#13
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
לְאֹיְבָֽיו׃
wrath for his enemies
hating; an adversary

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