Nahum 3:14

Authorized King James Version

Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵ֤י
thee waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#2
מָצוֹר֙
for the siege
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness
#3
שַֽׁאֲבִי
Draw
to bale up water
#4
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#5
הַחֲזִ֥יקִי
fortify
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#6
מִבְצָרָ֑יִךְ
thy strong holds
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#7
בֹּ֧אִי
go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
בַטִּ֛יט
into clay
mud or clay; figuratively, calamity
#9
וְרִמְסִ֥י
and tread
to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)
#10
בַחֹ֖מֶר
the morter
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
#11
הַחֲזִ֥יקִי
fortify
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#12
מַלְבֵּֽן׃
the brickkiln
a brickkiln

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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