Nahum 3:11

Authorized King James Version

Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אַ֣תְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
תִּשְׁכְּרִ֔י
Thou also shalt be drunken
to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence
#4
תְּהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
נַֽעֲלָמָ֑ה
thou shalt be hid
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
#6
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#7
אַ֛תְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
תְּבַקְשִׁ֥י
thou also shalt seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#9
מָע֖וֹז
strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#10
מֵאוֹיֵֽב׃
because of the enemy
hating; an adversary

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nahum Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection