Nahum 3:12

Authorized King James Version

All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּ֨ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מִבְצָרַ֔יִךְ
All thy strong holds
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#3
תְּאֵנִ֖ים
shall be like fig trees
the fig (tree or fruit)
#4
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
בִּכּוּרִ֑ים
with the firstripe figs
the first-fruits of the crop
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
יִנּ֕וֹעוּ
if they be shaken
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#8
וְנָפְל֖וּ
they shall even fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
פִּ֥י
into the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
אוֹכֵֽל׃
of the eater
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nahum. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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