Nahum 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲתֵֽיטְבִי֙
Art thou better
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#2
מִנֹּ֣א
No
no (i.e., thebes), the capital of upper egypt
#3
אָמ֔וֹן
than populous
a throng of people
#4
הַיֹּֽשְׁבָה֙
that was situate
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
בַּיְאֹרִ֔ים
among the rivers
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
#6
מַ֖יִם
that had the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
סָבִ֣יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#8
לָ֑הּ
H0
#9
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
חֵ֣יל
it whose rampart
an army; also (by analogy,) an intrenchment
#11
מִיָּ֖ם
was from the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#12
מִיָּ֖ם
was from the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#13
חוֹמָתָֽהּ׃
and her wall
a wall of protection

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection