Nahum 2:8

Authorized King James Version

But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִינְוֵ֥ה
But Nineveh
nineveh, the capital of assyria
#2
כִבְרֵֽכַת
like a pool
a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)
#3
מַ֖יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#4
מִ֣ימֵי
is of old
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
הִ֑יא
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
#6
וְהֵ֣מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#7
נָסִ֔ים
yet they shall flee away
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#8
עֲמֹ֖דוּ
Stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#9
עֲמֹ֖דוּ
Stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
מַפְנֶֽה׃
shall they cry but none shall look back
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nahum.

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