Nahum 1:5

Authorized King James Version

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָרִים֙

H2022

The mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

רָעֲשׁ֣וּ

H7493

quake

to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְהַגְּבָע֖וֹת

H1389

at him and the hills

a hillock

הִתְמֹגָ֑גוּ

H4127

melt

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

וַתִּשָּׂ֤א

H5375

is burned

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

and the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִפָּנָ֔יו

H6440

at his presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְתֵבֵ֖ל

H8398

yea the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

#10

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

י֥וֹשְׁבֵי

H3427

and all that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#12

בָֽהּ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation 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?