Nahum 3:19

Authorized King James Version

There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
כֵּהָ֣ה
H3545
There is no healing
properly, a weakening; figuratively, alleviation, i.e., cure
#3
לְשִׁבְרֶ֔ךָ
H7667
of thy bruise
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#4
נַחְלָ֖ה
H2470
is grievous
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
#5
מַכָּתֶ֑ךָ
H4347
thy wound
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#6
כֹּ֣ל׀
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
שֹׁמְעֵ֣י
H8085
all that hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
שִׁמְעֲךָ֗
H8088
the bruit
something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience
#9
תָּ֤קְעוּ
H8628
of thee shall clap
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#10
כַף֙
H3709
the hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#11
עָלֶ֔יךָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כִּ֗י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
מִ֛י
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#15
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
עָבְרָ֥ה
H5674
passed
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#17
רָעָתְךָ֖
H7451
over thee for upon whom hath not thy wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#18
תָּמִֽיד׃
H8548
continually
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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

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