Nahum 3:4

Authorized King James Version

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵרֹב֙
Because of the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#2
בִּזְנוּנֶ֔יהָ
of the whoredoms
adultery; figuratively, idolatry
#3
זוֹנָ֔ה
harlot
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#4
ט֥וֹבַת
of the wellfavoured
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
חֵ֖ן
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
#6
בַּעֲלַ֣ת
the mistress
a mistress
#7
בִּכְשָׁפֶֽיהָ׃
of witchcrafts
magic
#8
הַמֹּכֶ֤רֶת
that selleth
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#9
גּוֹיִם֙
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
בִּזְנוּנֶ֔יהָ
of the whoredoms
adultery; figuratively, idolatry
#11
וּמִשְׁפָּח֖וֹת
and families
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#12
בִּכְשָׁפֶֽיהָ׃
of witchcrafts
magic

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nahum, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection