Nahum 3:17

Authorized King James Version

Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִנְּזָרַ֙יִךְ֙
Thy crowned
a prince
#2
כָּֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה
are as the locusts
a locust (from its rapid increase)
#3
וְטַפְסְרַ֖יִךְ
and thy captains
a military governor
#4
גֹּבָ֑י
as the great grasshoppers
the locust (from its grubbing as a larvae)
#5
גֹּבָ֑י
as the great grasshoppers
the locust (from its grubbing as a larvae)
#6
הַֽחוֹנִ֤ים
which camp
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#7
בַּגְּדֵרוֹת֙
in the hedges
enclosure (especially for flocks)
#8
בְּי֣וֹם
day
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
#9
קָרָ֔ה
in the cold
coolness
#10
שֶׁ֤מֶשׁ
but when the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#11
זָֽרְחָה֙
ariseth
properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
#12
וְנוֹדַ֔ד
they flee away
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
#13
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
נוֹדַ֥ע
is not known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
מְקוֹמ֖וֹ
and their place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#16
אַיָּֽם׃
where
where? hence how?

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

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