Nahum 2:12

Authorized King James Version

The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַרְיֵ֤ה
H738
The lion
a lion
#2
טֹרֵף֙
H2963
did tear in pieces
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#3
בְּדֵ֣י
H1767
enough
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
#4
גֹֽרוֹתָ֔יו
H1484
for his whelps
a cub (as still abiding in the lair), especially of the lion
#5
וּמְחַנֵּ֖ק
H2614
and strangled
to be narrow; by implication, to throttle, or (reflexive) to choke oneself to death (by a rope)
#6
לְלִבְאֹתָ֑יו
H3833
for his lionesses
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
#7
וַיְמַלֵּא
H4390
and filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#8
טֶ֣רֶף
H2964
with prey
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
#9
חֹרָ֔יו
H2356
his holes
a cavity, socket, den
#10
וּמְעֹֽנֹתָ֖יו
H4585
and his dens
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
#11
טְרֵפָֽה׃
H2966
with ravin
prey, i.e., flocks devoured by animals

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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