Nahum 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֹאַ֙יִךְ֙

H7200

And it shall come to pass that all they that look

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יִדּ֣וֹד

H5074

upon thee shall flee

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

מִמֵּ֔ךְ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְאָמַר֙

H559

from thee and say

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁדְּדָ֣ה

H7703

is laid waste

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

נִֽינְוֵ֔ה

H5210

Nineveh

nineveh, the capital of assyria

מִ֖י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#10

יָנ֣וּד

H5110

who will bemoan

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

#11

לָ֑הּ

#12

מֵאַ֛יִן

H370

her whence

where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)

#13

אֲבַקֵּ֥שׁ

H1245

shall I seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#14

מְנַחֲמִ֖ים

H5162

comforters

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#15

לָֽךְ׃

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?