Nahum 1:9

Authorized King James Version

What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תְּחַשְּׁבוּן֙
What do ye imagine
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
כָּלָ֖ה
an utter end
a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction
#6
ה֣וּא
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
#7
עֹשֶׂ֑ה
he will make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תָק֥וּם
shall not rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#10
פַּעֲמַ֖יִם
the second time
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#11
צָרָֽה׃
affliction
transitively, a female rival

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection