Nahum 1:6

Authorized King James Version

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִפְנֵ֤י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#2
זַעְמוֹ֙
his indignation
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
#3
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#4
יַֽעֲמ֔וֹד
Who can stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
וּמִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
יָק֖וּם
and who can abide
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#7
בַּחֲר֣וֹן
in the fierceness
a burning of anger
#8
אַפּ֑וֹ
of his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#9
חֲמָתוֹ֙
his fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#10
נִתְּכָ֣ה
is poured out
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
#11
כָאֵ֔שׁ
like fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְהַצֻּרִ֖ים
and the rocks
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#13
נִתְּצ֥וּ
are thrown down
to tear down
#14
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection