Nahum

Nahum front

Introduction to Nahum

General Introduction

Outline of the book of Nahum

1. Nahum introduces this book (1:1)
2. Yahweh will destroy his enemies (1:2–6)
3. Yahweh cares for his people and will destroy Nineveh (1:7-15)
4. Nahum describes how Nineveh will fall (2:1–3:19)

What is the book of Nahum about?

The book of Nahum contains prophecies about how Yahweh would judge and punish Nineveh.

Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian Empire was very powerful and cruel. It was conquering and absorbing the kingdoms all around it. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. They were threatening the southern kingdom of Judah. The audience of the book is the people of Judah. This book was to encourage their faith in God and to give them confidence that the Assyrians would be defeated.

How should the title of this book be translated?

“The Book of Nahum” or just “Nahum” is the traditional title of this book. Translators may choose to call it “The Prophecies of Nahum.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the book of Nahum?

The prophet Nahum spoke these prophecies, and either he or one of his disciples wrote them down. Nahum was a prophet from Elkosh, an unknown city, probably in Judah.

Nahum mentions the destruction of Thebes, a city in Egypt, as a past event, which happened about 663 B.C. He prophesied about the destruction of Nineveh, which happened in 612 B.C. Therefore, the book of Nahum was written sometime between 663 and 612 B.C. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Translation Issues

Personification

In this prophecy, Yahweh often addresses the people of Judah and the people of Nineveh as simply “Judah” and “Nineveh,” using the names of the nation and city to represent the people. He also uses verbs in the singular that describe the nation or city doing things that people do, such as Judah wearing a yoke and shackles 1:13 or celebrating festivals and fulfilling vows 1:15. He describes Nineveh as a soldier who guards walls, watches a road, and strengthens his loins 2:1, and also as a prostitute whom Yahweh will strip naked and cover with filth 3:4-6, and as a drunkard who hides himself 3:11. If it is not clear that these things describe the people as a whole, you could explain this in a footnote or use one of the ideas in personification.

Short, unconnected statements

In the descriptions of the battle for Nineveh, Nahum uses short statements that are not connected to the rest of the prophecy. For example, it is difficult to tell who “He” and “they” are in 2:5 or who is saying “Stop, stop” in 2:8. There is no explanation of who the statements of 2:10 apply to, “Empty and desolate and ruined! And the heart is melted, and a shaking of knees, and anguish {is} in all loins, and all of their faces gather beauty.” The statements of 3:1-3 are similar. The reason seems to be that Nahum is reproducing in his description the confusion and anguish and the overwhelming of the senses that occurs in battle. Try to reproduce this effect in your translation in a way that makes sense in your language.

Nahum 1

Nahum 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of the entire book (except for verse 1 of this chapter) farther to the right on the page than regular text to show that they are poetic prophecy. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Despite being divided into three chapters, this book consists of one long prophecy.

Outline of chapter 1

1. Nahum introduces this book (1:1)
2. Yahweh will destroy his enemies (1:2–6)
3. Yahweh cares for his people and will destroy Nineveh (1:7-15)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Yahweh’s anger against Nineveh

This prophecy should be read in reference to the book of Jonah. That book described how the people of Nineveh, Assyria’s capital city, repented when Jonah warned them that Yahweh was angry with them. The book of Nahum, written a little over one hundred years later than the book of Jonah, indicates that the Ninevites had returned to their evil ways and would soon be punished by God. Reading the two books together shows God’s mercy and patience and also his anger and judgment for cruelty, evil, and sin.

Complete destruction

At the time of Nahum’s prophecy, Assyria controlled almost the entire Near East. The Assyrians were terribly violent and cruel to the peoples that they conquered, including Israel. Because of this, Nahum prophesied that the Assyrians would be completely destroyed as a nation and as a people (1:14). This prophecy came true very suddenly in 612 B.C.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Direct Address

The audience for this book is the people of Judah. They are in danger of attack by the cruel and powerful nation of Assyria, represented in this book by its capital, Nineveh. This chapter begins by describing Yahweh’s anger at his enemies and his love for his people. Then Yahweh begins to address Nineveh directly in verse 9 and continues to do so in various places throughout the book. The people of Nineveh are not part of the audience of this book, however. The address to Nineveh is intended to show the people of Judah Yahweh’s attitude toward the people of Nineveh and their evil actions. This direct address is also to let the people of Judah know that Yahweh will destroy Nineveh. Yahweh also addresses Judah directly in verses 12, 13, and 15.

Nahum 1:1

The burden of

Quote: מַשָּׂ֖א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of a message as though it were a burden, that is, a heavy load to carry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The pronouncement about]

the Elkoshite

Quote: הָ⁠אֶלְקֹשִֽׁי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An Elkoshite is someone from a place called Elkosh. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [who lived at Elkosh]

Nahum 1:2

takes vengeance on his adversaries

Quote: נֹקֵ֤ם & לְ⁠צָרָ֔י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of vengeance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [avenges himself on his adversaries]

Yahweh {is} a jealous and avenging God; Yahweh {is} an avenger and master of wrath

Quote: אֵ֣ל קַנּ֤וֹא וְ⁠נֹקֵם֙ יְהוָ֔ה נֹקֵ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה וּ⁠בַ֣עַל חֵמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases in a way that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Yahweh is a jealous and avenging God; yes, Yahweh is an avenger and master of wrath]

and master of wrath

Quote: וּ⁠בַ֣עַל חֵמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, master of wrath is an expression that means that Yahweh is extremely angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and wrathful beyond human ability] or [and is supremely angry]

Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains against his enemies

Quote: נֹקֵ֤ם יְהוָה֙ לְ⁠צָרָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠נוֹטֵ֥ר ה֖וּא לְ⁠אֹיְבָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, indeed, he maintains against his enemies]

and he maintains against his enemies

Quote: וְ⁠נוֹטֵ֥ר ה֖וּא לְ⁠אֹיְבָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply wrath from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and he maintains wrath against his enemies]

Nahum 1:3

is} long of nostrils

Quote: אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֨יִם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, long of nostrils is an idiom that means “slow to become angry.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is patient] or [is slow to anger]

and great in power

Quote: ו⁠גדול־כֹּ֔חַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and very strong] or [and very mighty]

and to acquit he will not acquit

Quote: וְ⁠נַקֵּ֖ה לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

The author is repeating the verb acquit in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [he will certainly not leave the guilty unpunished] or [he surely does not clear the guilty]

Nahum 1:4

He rebukes

Quote: גּוֹעֵ֤ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author says that Yahweh rebukes the sea as if Yahweh were scolding the sea as one might scold a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He controls]

Bashan withers

Quote: אֻמְלַ֤ל בָּשָׁן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Nahum assumes that his readers will understand that Bashan refers to a region with which they would be familiar, and more specifically, refers to the plant life growing there. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [The plants growing at Bashan wither]

also Carmel

Quote: וְ⁠כַרְמֶ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Carmel is the name of a mountain with many plants. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could include an explanation. Alternate translation: [also the plants of Mount Carmel]

also Carmel

Quote: וְ⁠כַרְמֶ֔ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply “wither” from other parts of the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the plants growing on Mount Carmel wither]

Nahum 1:5

and the hills melt

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָע֖וֹת הִתְמֹגָ֑גוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The author is using extreme language of physical events to emphasize how powerful Yahweh is. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: [and the hills crumble]

the dwellers in it

Quote: יֹ֥שְׁבֵי בָֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply shake from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the dwellers in it shake before his face]

Nahum 1:6

To the face of his indignation, who can stand? And who can arise against the burning of his nose

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י זַעְמ⁠וֹ֙ מִ֣י יַֽעֲמ֔וֹד וּ⁠מִ֥י יָק֖וּם בַּ⁠חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and you may choose to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than And in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [To the face of his indignation, who can stand? I say again, who can arise against the burning of his nose]

To the face of

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, To the face of is an idiom that means “In the presence of.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [In the presence of] or [Confronted with] or [Before]

against the burning of his nose

Quote: בַּ⁠חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the burning of his nose is an idiom meaning that someone is angry. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [against his fierce anger]

To the face of his indignation, … His wrath is poured out like fire

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י זַעְמ⁠וֹ֙ & חֲמָת⁠וֹ֙ נִתְּכָ֣ה כָ⁠אֵ֔שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of indignation and wrath, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [When he is furious at someone … When he is wrathful, it is as though fire pours out from him]

To the face of his indignation, who can stand

Quote: לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י זַעְמ⁠וֹ֙ מִ֣י יַֽעֲמ֔וֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that no one can endure when Yahweh is angry. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [No one can endure when he is angry!]

And who can arise against the burning of his nose

Quote: וּ⁠מִ֥י יָק֖וּם בַּ⁠חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that no one can resist when Yahweh is angry. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [No one can resist his fierce anger!]

Nahum 1:7

for a stronghold

Quote: לְ⁠מָע֖וֹז (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply “he is” from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [for he is a stronghold]

in a day of trouble

Quote: בְּ⁠י֣וֹם צָרָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The author is using the possessive form to describe a day that is characterized by trouble. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this as a time when trouble happens. Alternate translation: [in a time when there is trouble]

those taking refuge in him

Quote: חֹ֥סֵי בֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of Yahweh as if he were a refuge, that is, a safe place to hide. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [those who come to him for protection]

Nahum 1:8

to its place

Quote: מְקוֹמָ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun its refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the city’s name here. Alternate translation: [to Nineveh’s place]

darkness will pursue his enemies

Quote: וְ⁠אֹיְבָ֖י⁠ו יְרַדֶּף־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here, darkness represents all kinds of bad things, and Nahum speaks of it as if it were a person pursuing his enemies. It means that Yahweh will not allow his enemies to escape their punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his enemies will not escape their punishment]

Nahum 1:9

What are you plotting against Yahweh

Quote: מַה־תְּחַשְּׁבוּ⁠ן֙ אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Nahum is using the question form to strongly communicate that it is useless to plot against Yahweh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Whatever you are plotting against Yahweh, it does not matter]

are you plotting

Quote: תְּחַשְּׁבוּ⁠ן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you refers to the Ninevites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the people’s name here. Alternate translation: [are you Ninevites plotting]

are you plotting

Quote: תְּחַשְּׁבוּ⁠ן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Here, you is plural. It refers to the Ninevites, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

trouble

Quote: צָרָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [troubling events]

will not rise up

Quote: לֹֽא־תָק֥וּם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The author is speaking of trouble as if it were a person who could rise up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will not happen] or [will not come upon you]

Nahum 1:10

like tangled thorn-bushes and like their drink being drunk, they are devoured

Quote: עַד־סִירִ֣ים סְבֻכִ֔ים וּ⁠כְ⁠סָבְאָ֖⁠ם סְבוּאִ֑ים אֻ֨כְּל֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that the Ninevites are like tangled thorn bushes and dried stubble in a fire and like the drink in their own hands, because all of these things are quickly consumed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [as tangled thorn bushes are in a fire and as a drink is in the hands of a Ninevite, they are quickly consumed]

and like their drink … they are devoured

Quote: וּ⁠כְ⁠סָבְאָ֖⁠ם & אֻ֨כְּל֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns their and they refer to the Ninevites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the people’s name here. Alternate translation: [and the Ninevites‘ drink … the Ninevites are devoured]

they are devoured

Quote: אֻ֨כְּל֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God will destroy them]

Nahum 1:11

From you

Quote: מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could add the city’s name here. Alternate translation: [From you, Nineveh]

From you

Quote: מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Here, you is singular. It refers to Nineveh, so use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

From you came out

Quote: מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ יָצָ֔א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Nahum has been referring to Nineveh in the third person, but now he addresses the city directly in the second person. He does this even though he knows that the people of Nineveh cannot hear him. He does this in order to more powerfully express his prophecy against the people of Nineveh to his audience, the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the transition here more clearly or add the name of the city. Alternate translation: [This is what I say to Nineveh: From you came out] or [From you, Nineveh, came out]

a plotter of evil … an advisor of wickedness

Quote: חֹשֵׁ֥ב & רָעָ֑ה יֹעֵ֖ץ בְּלִיָּֽעַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the clauses or connect them with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [a plotter of evil … indeed, an advisor of wickedness]

a plotter of evil … an advisor of wickedness

Quote: חֹשֵׁ֥ב & רָעָ֑ה יֹעֵ֖ץ בְּלִיָּֽעַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of evil and wickedness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [an evil plotter … a wicked advisor]

Nahum 1:12

they are full

Quote: שְׁלֵמִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the Ninevites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the people’s name here. Alternate translation: [the Ninevites are full]

they are full

Quote: שְׁלֵמִים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that they are full in strength. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [they are at full strength]

they have been sheared, and he has passed away

Quote: נָגֹ֖זּוּ וְ⁠עָבָ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [they will be sheared, and he will pass away]

they have been sheared

Quote: נָגֹ֖זּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that they are sheared like sheep. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [they have been sheared like sheep]

they have been sheared

Quote: נָגֹ֖זּוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God has sheared them]

and he has passed away

Quote: וְ⁠עָבָ֑ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

In this verse, the word he refers to the “plotter of evil” in verse 10. It is probable, however, that this person represents the many plotters of evil in Nineveh, and so he here refers to all of them as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [and those plotters have passed away]

Though I have afflicted you

Quote: וְ⁠עִ֨נִּתִ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you refers to the people of Judah. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the nation’s name here. Alternate translation: [Though I have afflicted you, Judah]

Nahum 1:13

his yoke

Quote: מֹטֵ֖⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

In this verse, the word his continues to refer to the “plotter of evil” in verse 10, who represents the many plotters of evil in Nineveh, and so, as in verse 12, his here refers to all of them as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: [their yoke]

his yoke

Quote: מֹטֵ֖⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of oppression as if it were a yoke that weighs down a work animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [their control over you]

from upon you, and your shackles

Quote: מֵֽ⁠עָלָ֑יִ⁠ךְ וּ⁠מוֹסְרֹתַ֖יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns you and your refer to the people of Judah. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the nation’s name here. Alternate translation: [from upon you, Judah, and your shackles] or [off of you, people of Judah, and your shackles]

and your shackles I will tear off

Quote: וּ⁠מוֹסְרֹתַ֖יִ⁠ךְ אֲנַתֵּֽק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of oppression as if it were shackles that bind a prisoner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and I will relieve your oppression]

Nahum 1:14

concerning you

Quote: עָלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you here refers to the people of Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the city’s name here. Alternate translation: [concerning you, Nineveh] or [concerning you, people of Nineveh]

One will not be sown from your name

Quote: לֹֽא־יִזָּרַ֥ע מִ⁠שִּׁמְ⁠ךָ֖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, sown from your name is an idiom that means “descendants who will carry on your name.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [There will not be descendants to carry on your name]

I will cut off

Quote: אַכְרִ֨ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of destroying something as if it were cut off. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I will eliminate]

Nahum 1:15

Behold

Quote: הִנֵּ֨ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is using the term Behold to: (1) tell his readers to actually look toward the mountains, from which a messenger will come. (2) focus his readers‘ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Listen] or [See]

the feet of a herald

Quote: רַגְלֵ֤י מְבַשֵּׂר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, feet represents the action that the herald does with his feet, that is, he is coming. Alternate translation: [a herald is coming]

Celebrate your celebrations

Quote: חָגִּ֧י & חַגַּ֖יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

Here, Celebrate your celebrations is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis.

O Judah

Quote: יְהוּדָ֛ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, Judah represents the people who live in Judah. Alternate translation: [people of Judah]

the wicked

Quote: בְּלִיַּ֖עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word wicked represents evil people in general, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: [wicked people]

he is completely cut off

Quote: כֻּלֹּ֥⁠ה נִכְרָֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of destroying someone as if they were cut off. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he is completely eliminated]

he is completely cut off

Quote: כֻּלֹּ֥⁠ה נִכְרָֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God has completely eliminated him]

he is completely cut off

Quote: כֻּלֹּ֥⁠ה נִכְרָֽת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun he refers to the wicked. If you have decided to use a plural form for wicked, you could use a plural pronoun here, or repeat your form for wicked. Alternate translation: [they are completely cut off] or [those wicked people are completely cut off]

Nahum 2

Nahum 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

If you have decided to set the text of this book into short lines of poetry, you will want to continue to do so in this chapter.

Despite being divided into three chapters, this book contains one long prophecy.

Outline of chapter 2

1. Description of the battle that destroys Nineveh (2:1-10)
2. Comparison of Nineveh to a lion’s den (2:11-13)

Translation Issues

Past and present for future

In this chapter, Nahum describes a battle for Nineveh in which the city is destroyed. He describes the battle and the resulting devastation of the city as though he is watching it happen, probably because God showed it to him in a vision (1:1). However, the actual battle and destruction did not happen until many years after Nahum spoke this prophecy. If it would be helpful in your translation, you could explain this in a footnote, or you could change the verbs to future so that your readers will know that Nahum was predicting something that would happen later; it was not happening at that time.

Extended metaphor

There is an extended metaphor in 2:11-13. In this metaphor, Yahweh compares Nineveh to a lion’s den and its inhabitants to lions who kill and devour their enemies. If this is unclear for your readers, you may want to provide an explanation in a footnote. (See: extended metaphor).

Nahum 2:1

A scatterer has come up against your face

Quote: עָלָ֥ה מֵפִ֛יץ עַל־פָּנַ֖יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Nahum turns from addressing Judah to addressing Nineveh. He does this even though he knows that the people of Nineveh cannot hear him. His purpose is to more powerfully express his prophecy against the people of Nineveh to his audience, the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the transition here more clearly or add the name of the city. Alternate translation: [To Nineveh, I say: A scatterer has come up against your face] or [A scatterer has come up against your face, Nineveh]

has come up

Quote: עָלָ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [will come up]

your face

Quote: פָּנַ֖יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun your refers to the Ninevites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the people’s name here. Alternate translation: [your face, Ninevites]

your face

Quote: פָּנַ֖יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, face represents the whole person. Alternate translation: [you]

greatly fortify {your} power

Quote: אַמֵּ֥ץ כֹּ֖חַ מְאֹֽד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [make yourself much more powerful]

strengthen {your} loins

Quote: חַזֵּ֣ק מָתְנַ֔יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, strengthen {your} loins is a common expression that means to prepare yourself to do something that is physically demanding, in this case, to fight. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [summon your strength] or [prepare yourself for battle]

Nahum 2:2

has restored

Quote: שָׁ֤ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [will restore]

Yahweh has restored the majesty of Jacob, indeed, the majesty of Israel

Quote: שָׁ֤ב יְהוָה֙ אֶת־גְּא֣וֹן יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ⁠גְא֖וֹן יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of majesty, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Yahweh has made Jacob great again; he has made Israel great as well]

the plunderers plundered them

Quote: בְקָקוּ⁠ם֙ בֹּֽקְקִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

Here, plunderers plundered is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis.

Nahum 2:3

his mighty men

Quote: גִּבֹּרֵ֜י⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun his refers to Yahweh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [Yahweh’s mighty men]

are clothed in scarlet

Quote: מְתֻלָּעִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out a word that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply a word for the clothing if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [are clothed in scarlet uniforms]

the chariot {flashes} with fire of

Quote: בְּ⁠אֵשׁ & הָ⁠רֶ֖כֶב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word chariot is singular in form, but it refers to all of the chariots as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [the chariots flash with fire of]

flashes} with fire of metal

Quote: בְּ⁠אֵשׁ־פְּלָד֥וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of metal as if it were fire because of how it gleams in the sunlight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [has metal that flashes like fire in the sunlight]

and the cypresses

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּרֹשִׁ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word cypresses represents spears made from shafts of cypress wood. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and the spears made with cypress shafts]

Nahum 2:4

race madly

Quote: יִתְהוֹלְל֣וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the chariots are rushing wildly and without control. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [rush wildly and uncontrollably]

like torches

Quote: כַּ⁠לַּפִּידִ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that the chariots are like torches because they shine brightly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [bright, like blazing torches]

they run like lightning

Quote: כַּ⁠בְּרָקִ֖ים יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that the chariots are like lightning because they move with great speed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [they flash quickly from one place to another like lightning]

Nahum 2:5

He calls

Quote: יִזְכֹּר֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun He could refer to: (1) Yahweh or Yahweh’s chosen commander, the “scatterer” from verse 1. Alternate translation: [The attacker calls] (2) The commander of Nineveh’s army. Alternate translation: [Nineveh’s commander calls]

to her city wall

Quote: חֽוֹמָתָ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun her refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [to Nineveh’s wall]

The siege-shelter is prepared

Quote: וְ⁠הֻכַ֖ן הַ⁠סֹּכֵֽךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like is prepared, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [They prepare the siege shelter]

Nahum 2:6

The gates of the rivers have been opened, and the palace has melted away

Quote: שַׁעֲרֵ֥י הַ⁠נְּהָר֖וֹת נִפְתָּ֑חוּ וְ⁠הַֽ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל נָמֽוֹג (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [The gates of the rivers will open, and the palace will melt away]

The gates of the rivers

Quote: שַׁעֲרֵ֥י הַ⁠נְּהָר֖וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

This refers to the gates that controlled the flow and direction of the river.

have been opened

Quote: נִפְתָּ֑חוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like have been opened, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [have opened] or [stand open]

and the palace has melted away

Quote: וְ⁠הַֽ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל נָמֽוֹג (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of the palace as if it could melt to express how the flood of water will destroy the palace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and the floodwaters have destroyed the palace]

Nahum 2:7

It is established

Quote: וְ⁠הֻצַּ֖ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God has established it]

she is taken into exile

Quote: גֻּלְּתָ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like she is taken, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [her enemies take her into exile]

she is led away

Quote: הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like she is led away, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [they lead her away]

she is taken into exile; she is led away, and her female servants

Quote: גֻּלְּתָ֣ה הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה וְ⁠אַמְהֹתֶ֗י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns she and her refer to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [Nineveh is taken into exile; Nineveh is led away, and Nineveh’s female servants]

she is taken into exile; she is led away, and her female servants

Quote: גֻּלְּתָ֣ה הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה וְ⁠אַמְהֹתֶ֗י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Nahum speaks of Nineveh as if the city were a woman who had female servants and who could be led away into exile. He also speaks of the female inhabitants of the city as if they served this woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the inhabitants of Nineveh are taken into exile; they are led away, and the women of Nineveh]

their hearts

Quote: לִבְבֵ⁠הֶֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hearts represents chests. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [their chests]

beating on their hearts

Quote: מְתֹפְפֹ֖ת עַל־לִבְבֵ⁠הֶֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

When people beat on their hearts or chests it was a symbolic action to show that they were sad. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [beating on their hearts in sadness]

Nahum 2:8

was} like a pool of water

Quote: כִ⁠בְרֵֽכַת־מַ֖יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that Nineveh was like a pool of water because it was calm and undisturbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [was undisturbed, like a smooth pool of water]

throughout her days

Quote: מִ֣⁠ימֵי הִ֑יא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, her days represents the time when Nineveh was a city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [during the time when Nineveh was a city]

now they

Quote: וְ⁠הֵ֣מָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the people of Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [now the people of Nineveh]

Stop, stop

Quote: עִמְד֥וּ עֲמֹ֖דוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the officials are the ones calling out to the people. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [The officials call out, “Stop, stop]

Nahum 2:9

Plunder silver, plunder gold, for there is no end to the supply; a wealth of all things of delight

Quote: בֹּ֥זּוּ כֶ֖סֶף בֹּ֣זּוּ זָהָ֑ב וְ⁠אֵ֥ין קֵ֨צֶה֙ לַ⁠תְּכוּנָ֔ה כָּבֹ֕ד מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל כְּלִ֥י חֶמְדָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these are the words of the attackers. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [The attackers say, “Plunder silver, plunder gold, for there is no end to the supply; a wealth of all things of delight”]

for there is no end to the supply

Quote: וְ⁠אֵ֥ין קֵ֨צֶה֙ לַ⁠תְּכוּנָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The author is using an exaggeration to emphasize how much wealth Nineveh had. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [for there is an abundance available]

things of delight

Quote: כְּלִ֥י חֶמְדָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

The author is using the possessive form to describe things that are characterized by delight. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could use an adjective. Alternate translation: [delightful things]

Nahum 2:10

Empty and desolate and ruined

Quote: בּוּקָ֥ה וּ⁠מְבוּקָ֖ה וּ⁠מְבֻלָּקָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [Nineveh is empty and desolate and ruined]

And the heart

Quote: וְ⁠לֵ֨ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word heart is singular in form, but it refers to each person’s heart as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [And everyone’s heart]

And the heart is melted

Quote: וְ⁠לֵ֨ב נָמֵ֜ס (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Nahum is speaking of a heart as if it could melt, using this expression to communicate how people have lost their courage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The people experience a loss of courage]

and anguish {is} in all loins

Quote: וְ⁠חַלְחָלָה֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מָתְנַ֔יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, loins represents the abdomen area where people feel strong emotions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [everyone feels anguish inside them]

gather beauty

Quote: קִבְּצ֥וּ פָארֽוּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Nahum is using the term beauty to mean paleness by association with the way pale skin was considered beautiful in that culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [become pale]

Nahum 2:11

Where {now} {is} the lions’ den and that feeding place for the young lions, where the lion walked, the lioness there, the cubs of the lion, and nothing made {them} afraid

Quote: אַיֵּה֙ מְע֣וֹן אֲרָי֔וֹת וּ⁠מִרְעֶ֥ה ה֖וּא לַ⁠כְּפִרִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָלַךְ֩ אַרְיֵ֨ה לָבִ֥יא שָׁ֛ם גּ֥וּר אַרְיֵ֖ה וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that this place is gone. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [That lions’ den, that feeding place for the young lions, where the lion walked, the lioness there, and the cubs of the lion, where nothing made them afraid—that place is gone!]

is} the lions’ den

Quote: מְע֣וֹן אֲרָי֔וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor

Here through verse 13 Nahum uses an extended metaphor in which he speaks of the people of Nineveh as though they were lions, and of their victims as though they were the lion’s prey. See the discussion in the chapter introduction.

the lioness there

Quote: לָבִ֥יא שָׁ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the lioness also walked there]

the cubs of the lion

Quote: גּ֥וּר אַרְיֵ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [the cubs of the lion also walked there]

Nahum 2:12

tearing enough

Quote: טֹרֵף֙ בְּ⁠דֵ֣י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [tearing enough prey]

and strangling

Quote: וּ⁠מְחַנֵּ֖ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and strangling victims]

he filled his caves with prey, his dens with torn carcasses

Quote: וַ⁠יְמַלֵּא־טֶ֣רֶף חֹרָ֔י⁠ו וּ⁠מְעֹֽנֹתָ֖י⁠ו טְרֵפָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [he filled his caves with prey, that is, his dens with torn carcasses]

his dens

Quote: וּ⁠מְעֹֽנֹתָ֖י⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [he filled his dens]

Nahum 2:13

Behold me, against you

Quote: הִנְ⁠נִ֣י אֵלַ֗יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [Behold, I am against you]

Behold me, against you

Quote: הִנְ⁠נִ֣י אֵלַ֗יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Listen carefully—I am against you]

the declaration of

Quote: נְאֻם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [this is the declaration of]

her chariot

Quote: רִכְבָּ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun her refers to the city of Nineveh. Since Yahweh is speaking directly to the city of Nineveh in the rest of the verse, it may be more natural in your language to continue using direct address here. Alternate translation: [your chariot]

her chariot

Quote: רִכְבָּ֔⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the word chariot is singular in form, but it refers to all of the chariots as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [her chariots] or [your chariots]

the sword will devour

Quote: תֹּ֣אכַל חָ֑רֶב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking of the sword as if it could devour like an animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [soldiers will kill]

I will cut off

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֤י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase I will cut off is an expression that means that Yahweh will take it away. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [I will take away]

Nahum 3

Nahum 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

If you have decided to set the text of this book into short lines of poetry, you will want to continue to do so in this chapter.

Despite being divided into three chapters, the book contains one long prophecy.

Outline of chapter 3

1. Woe to Nineveh (3:1-3)
2. Nineveh the prostitute (3:4–7)
3. The example of Thebes (3:8-11)
4. The destruction of Nineveh is sure (3:12–19)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The Locusts in 3:15–17

Locust attacks occurred often in the ancient Near East. A locust is a kind of grasshopper that would come in countless numbers. There would be so many that they would darken the sky like a black cloud that blocked the sunlight. They often came after a long period of no rain. They came down on whatever crops were surviving in the fields and stripped them bare. The locusts could not be stopped, and they caused terrible damage. For this reason, locust invasions served as a powerful image of overwhelming military attacks in the Old Testament.

Translation Issue

There is an extended metaphor in 3:4-7. In this metaphor, Yahweh compares Nineveh to a prostitute who brings men under her control by charm and witchcraft. Both prostitution and witchcraft were associated with idol worship, and in the Bible, prostitution is used as a metaphor for idol worship. Just as a prostitute is not faithful to a husband, people who worship idols are not faithful to the only true God, the one who deserves worship. Nineveh was a very powerful and prosperous city, and thus,it was attractive to others to adopt Nineveh’s ways and to worship Nineveh’s gods. If this is unclear for your readers, you may want to provide an explanation in a footnote. (See: extended metaphor).

Nahum 3:1

to the city of bloodshed

Quote: עִ֣יר דָּמִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The phrase the city of bloodshed represents the murderous people in Nineveh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to the murderous people in Nineveh]

All of it {is} lies

Quote: כֻּלָּ֗⁠הּ כַּ֤חַשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, lies represents lying people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [It is full of lying people]

Nahum 3:2

a whip … a rattling wheel and a galloping horse and a bounding chariot

Quote: שׁ֔וֹט & רַ֣עַשׁ אוֹפָ֑ן וְ⁠ס֣וּס דֹּהֵ֔ר וּ⁠מֶרְכָּבָ֖ה מְרַקֵּדָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words whip, wheel, horse, and chariot are singular in form, but each refers to multiple items as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [whips … rattling wheels and galloping horses and bounding chariots]

Nahum 3:3

A charging horseman and a flash of a sword and a gleam of a spear

Quote: פָּרָ֣שׁ מַעֲלֶ֗ה וְ⁠לַ֤הַב חֶ֨רֶב֙ וּ⁠בְרַ֣ק חֲנִ֔ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

In this verse, the words horseman, sword, and spear are singular in form, but each refers to multiple items as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Alternate translation: [The charging horsemen and flashing swords and gleaming spears]

A charging horseman and a flash of a sword and a gleam of a spear

Quote: פָּרָ֣שׁ מַעֲלֶ֗ה וְ⁠לַ֤הַב חֶ֨רֶב֙ וּ⁠בְרַ֣ק חֲנִ֔ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [There are charging horsemen and flashing swords and gleaming spears]

There is no end to the dead bodies

Quote: וְ⁠אֵ֥ין קֵ֨צֶה֙ לַ⁠גְּוִיָּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The author is using an exaggeration to emphasize how many bodies there are. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The dead bodies are endless] or [The dead bodies never stop]

they stumble over

Quote: וְכָשְׁל֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the attackers. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [the attackers stumble over]

their dead bodies

Quote: בִּ⁠גְוִיָּתָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun their refers to the Ninevites. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [the Ninevites’ dead bodies]

Nahum 3:4

harlotries of the prostitute

Quote: זְנוּנֵ֣י זוֹנָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor

From here through verse 7, Nahum uses an extended metaphor in which he speaks of the people of Nineveh as though they were a prostitute who is also a witch. See the discussion in the chapter introduction.

From the many

Quote: מֵ⁠רֹב֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [This is happening from the many]

and peoples

Quote: וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּח֖וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and she sells peoples]

Nahum 3:5

Behold me, against you

Quote: הִנְ⁠נִ֣י אֵלַ֗יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. See how you translated this in 2:13. Alternate translation: [Listen carefully—I am against you]

against you

Quote: אֵלַ֗יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you refers to Nineveh, which Yahweh has been describing as a prostitute. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [against you, Nineveh the prostitute]

the declaration of

Quote: נְאֻם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [this is the declaration of]

and the kingdoms your shame

Quote: וּ⁠מַמְלָכ֖וֹת קְלוֹנֵֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and I will show the kingdoms your shame]

your shame

Quote: קְלוֹנֵֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of shame, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how shameful you are]

Nahum 3:6

on you

Quote: עָלַ֛יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you refers to Nineveh, which Yahweh described as a prostitute in 3:4. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [on you, Nineveh the prostitute]

I will throw filth on you

Quote: וְ⁠הִשְׁלַכְתִּ֥י עָלַ֛יִ⁠ךְ שִׁקֻּצִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The word translated as filth refers to all kinds of garbage. Throwing garbage on a person was a sign of strong contempt. Alternate translation: [I will show utter contempt for you]

Nahum 3:7

Nineveh is destroyed

Quote: שָׁדְּדָ֣ה נִֽינְוֵ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like is destroyed, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Attackers have destroyed Nineveh]

Nineveh is destroyed

Quote: שָׁדְּדָ֣ה נִֽינְוֵ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [Nineveh will be destroyed]

who will sympathize with her

Quote: מִ֖י יָנ֣וּד לָ֑⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that no one will sympathize with Nineveh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [no one will sympathize with her!]

From where can I find a comforter for you

Quote: מֵ⁠אַ֛יִן אֲבַקֵּ֥שׁ מְנַחֲמִ֖ים לָֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that no one will comfort Nineveh. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [I cannot find anyone to comfort you!]

Nahum 3:8

Are you better than Thebes, situated on the Nile River, water all around her, whose defense {was} the sea, water her wall

Quote: הֲ⁠תֵֽיטְבִי֙ מִ⁠נֹּ֣א אָמ֔וֹן הַ⁠יֹּֽשְׁבָה֙ בַּ⁠יְאֹרִ֔ים מַ֖יִם סָבִ֣יב לָ֑⁠הּ אֲשֶׁר־חֵ֣יל יָ֔ם מִ⁠יָּ֖ם חוֹמָתָֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that Nineveh is not better than Thebes. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You are not better than Thebes, which was situated on the Nile River, with water all around her, whose defense was the sea, with water as her wall!]

than Thebes

Quote: מִ⁠נֹּ֣א אָמ֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Thebes refers to the powerful capital city of ancient Egypt in North Africa. It was conquered by Assyria in 663 B.C. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could describe it in a footnote.

whose defense {was} the sea, water her wall

Quote: אֲשֶׁר־חֵ֣יל יָ֔ם מִ⁠יָּ֖ם חוֹמָתָֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [whose defense was the sea, that is, water was her wall]

water her wall

Quote: מִ⁠יָּ֖ם חוֹמָתָֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of water as if it were a wall because it protected the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [protected by water like a wall]

water her wall

Quote: מִ⁠יָּ֖ם חוֹמָתָֽ⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [whose wall was water]

Nahum 3:9

were} her strength

Quote: עָצְמָ֛⁠ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of strength, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [made her strong]

and there was no end

Quote: וְ⁠אֵ֣ין קֵ֑צֶה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and there was no end to that strength]

and there was no end

Quote: וְ⁠אֵ֣ין קֵ֑צֶה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The author is using an exaggeration to emphasize how much strength Egypt and Cush provided to Thebes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and their strength seemed limitless]

Put

Quote: פּ֣וּט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Put was a region in North Africa, probably bordering the Mediterranean Sea west of Egypt. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [the region of Put]

and Libya

Quote: וְ⁠לוּבִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Libya refers to a region in North Africa west of Egypt that contained several related kingdoms. If your readers would not be familiar with this place, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [and the kingdoms of Libya]

among your allies

Quote: בְּ⁠עֶזְרָתֵֽ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun your refers to Thebes. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name or continue with a third-person pronoun. Alternate translation: [among Thebes‘ allies] or [among her allies]

Nahum 3:10

she as an exile

Quote: הִ֗יא לַ⁠גֹּלָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun she refers to the people of Thebes. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [Thebes as an exile] or [the people of Thebes as exiles]

her great ones

Quote: גְּדוֹלֶ֖י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The author is using the adjective great as a noun to mean important people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [her important people]

her young children were dashed in pieces

Quote: עֹלָלֶ֛י⁠הָ יְרֻטְּשׁ֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like were dashed in pieces, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [her enemies dashed her young children in pieces]

at the head of every street

Quote: בְּ⁠רֹ֣אשׁ כָּל־חוּצ֑וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, head of every street is an idiom that means “every intersection of streets.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have that meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [at every intersection]

they cast

Quote: יַדּ֣וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they refers to the enemies of Thebes. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [the enemies of Thebes cast]

and all her great ones were bound

Quote: וְ⁠כָל־גְּדוֹלֶ֖י⁠הָ רֻתְּק֥וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like were bound, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and her enemies bound all her great ones]

Nahum 3:11

You

Quote: אַ֣תְּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun You refers to the people of the city of Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [You, Nineveh]

will become drunk

Quote: תִּשְׁכְּרִ֔י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of the people being drunk to express how they will stagger and be confused when their enemies attack them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [stagger around in confusion]

you will be hidden

Quote: תְּהִ֖י נַֽעֲלָמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like be hidden, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [you will hide yourself]

Nahum 3:12

All of your fortresses {are} fig trees with first fruits

Quote: כָּ֨ל־מִבְצָרַ֔יִ⁠ךְ תְּאֵנִ֖ים עִם־בִּכּוּרִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of fortresses as if they were fig trees with first fruits because they will be easy to capture, just as ripe figs are easy to pick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [All of your fortresses will be as easy to capture as ripe figs are to pick]

Nahum 3:13

Behold

Quote: הִנֵּ֨ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Listen carefully]

your people

Quote: עַמֵּ֤⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun your refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [your people, Nineveh]

are} women

Quote: נָשִׁים֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of people as if they were women because women did not have the physical strength or training to be a soldier and so, would not be able to defend the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [are weak and unable to fight] or [are ineffective] or [are powerless]

opening have been opened

Quote: פָּת֥וֹחַ נִפְתְּח֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Nahum is repeating forms of the verb open here in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [have been opened wide]

have been opened … has devoured

Quote: נִפְתְּח֖וּ & אָכְלָ֥ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

The author uses the past tense here in order to refer to something that will certainly happen in the future. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: [will be opened … will devour]

your bars

Quote: בְּרִיחָֽיִ⁠ך (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these bars are the wooden beams that secure the gates. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [the wooden beams that secure your gates]

Nahum 3:14

Draw siege water for yourself

Quote: מֵ֤י מָצוֹר֙ שַֽׁאֲבִי־לָ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The phrase siege water refers to water that is stored to last through a time when enemies surround a city, separating the people in the city from their normal source of water. If your readers would not be familiar with this concept, you could explain the idea. Alternate translation: [Draw water to store for when enemies surround the city]

for yourself

Quote: לָ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun yourself refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the name. Alternate translation: [for yourself, Nineveh]

the brick mold

Quote: מַלְבֵּֽן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The phrase brick mold represents brick molds in general, not one particular mold. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: [the brick molds]

Nahum 3:15

Fire will devour you there

Quote: שָׁ֚ם תֹּאכְלֵ֣⁠ךְ אֵ֔שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun you in this verse refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could add the name. Alternate translation: [Fire will devour you there, Nineveh]

will cut you off

Quote: תַּכְרִיתֵ֣⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is using the phrase the sword will cut you off to mean “the sword will end your life.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will end your life]

as the creeping locust

Quote: כַּ⁠יָּ֑לֶק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [as completely as the creeping locust devours plants]

as the creeping locust

Quote: כַּ⁠יֶּ֔לֶק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [as the creeping locust multiplies itself]

as the swarming locust

Quote: כָּ⁠אַרְבֶּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [as the swarming locust multiplies itself]

Nahum 3:16

You have multiplied

Quote: הִרְבֵּית֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun You refers to Nineveh. If this is not clear for your readers, you could add the name. Alternate translation: [You, Nineveh, have multiplied]

more than the stars of the heavens

Quote: מִ⁠כּוֹכְבֵ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

The author is using an extreme comparison to emphasize how many merchants Nineveh has. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: [to a very great number]

a locust stripped and flew away

Quote: יֶ֥לֶק פָּשַׁ֖ט וַ⁠יָּעֹֽף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that the merchants will be like locusts because they will take everything valuable and leave, as locusts do, and they will do this suddenly, as locusts strip off their skin and fly away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [they will be like locusts that strip the land and themselves and then fly away]

stripped

Quote: פָּשַׁ֖ט (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, stripped seems to have a double meaning. It can refer to the locust stripping itself of its outer skin, which releases its wings so that it can fly, but it also can refer to stripping a land or city of its valuable things. If possible, use a term that could have either meaning.

Nahum 3:17

Your guards {are} like the locust, and your generals, like a swarm of locusts

Quote: מִנְּזָרַ֨יִ⁠ךְ֙ כָּֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה וְ⁠טַפְסְרַ֖יִ⁠ךְ כְּ⁠ג֣וֹב גֹּבָ֑י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The author is saying that the guards and generals are like locusts because they are unreliable and disloyal, just as locusts fly away when conditions change. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [Your guards and generals are as unreliable and disloyal as locusts]

Your guards {are} like the locust, and your generals, like a swarm of locusts

Quote: מִנְּזָרַ֨יִ⁠ךְ֙ כָּֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה וְ⁠טַפְסְרַ֖יִ⁠ךְ כְּ⁠ג֣וֹב גֹּבָ֑י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases as in the UST, or connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Your guards {are} like the locust, indeed, your generals, like a swarm of locusts]

and your generals, like a swarm of locusts

Quote: וְ⁠טַפְסְרַ֖יִ⁠ךְ כְּ⁠ג֣וֹב גֹּבָ֑י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The author is leaving out a word that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply this word if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and your generals are like a swarm of locusts]

and it flies away … its place

Quote: וְ⁠נוֹדַ֔ד & מְקוֹמ֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronouns it and its here refer to the locust swarm. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural forms to refer to the locusts. Alternate translation: [and they fly away and their place]

Nahum 3:18

King of Assyria, your shepherds are asleep

Quote: נָמ֤וּ רֹעֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ אַשּׁ֔וּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Nahum has been addressing the people of Nineveh, which is the capital city of the nation of Assyria, but now he addresses the king who rules in Nineveh. He does this even though he knows that the king cannot hear him, in order to more powerfully express his prophecy against the people of Assyria and its leaders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could introduce this more clearly and put the rest of this address (through verse 19) in quote marks. Alternate translation: [This is what I would say to the king of Assyria: “Your shepherds are asleep]

your shepherds are asleep; your nobles are lying down

Quote: נָמ֤וּ רֹעֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ & יִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ אַדִּירֶ֑י⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [your shepherds are asleep; that is, your nobles are lying down]

your shepherds

Quote: רֹעֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of shepherds as if they were leaders because they guide and protect people as shepherds guide and protect sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your leaders]

are asleep; … are lying down

Quote: נָמ֤וּ & יִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

The author is referring to death in a polite way by using the phrases asleep and lying down. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more normal polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [have died … are dead]

Your people are scattered

Quote: נָפֹ֧שׁוּ עַמְּ⁠ךָ֛ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form like are scattered, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Enemies have scattered your people]

Nahum 3:19

There is no relief for your destruction

Quote: אֵין־כֵּהָ֣ה לְ⁠שִׁבְרֶ֔⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of relief and destruction, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [No one can help you when you are destroyed]

Your wound is severe

Quote: נַחְלָ֖ה מַכָּתֶ֑⁠ךָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The author is speaking of Nineveh as though it were a person with a deadly wound. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The end of your kingdom is very soon]

hearing the news of you

Quote: שֹׁמְעֵ֣י שִׁמְעֲ⁠ךָ֗ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

Here, hearing the news is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object, both of which come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis.

will clap {their} hands

Quote: תָּ֤קְעוּ כַף֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

People clap their hands as a symbolic action to show that they are joyful. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: [will clap their hands with joy]

For upon whom has not come your endless evil

Quote: כִּ֗י עַל־מִ֛י לֹֽא־עָבְרָ֥ה רָעָתְ⁠ךָ֖ תָּמִֽיד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author is using the question form to emphasize that Nineveh has done evil to everyone. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [For you have done endless evil to everyone!]

your endless evil

Quote: רָעָתְ⁠ךָ֖ תָּמִֽיד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Nahum is using an exaggeration to emphasize how much evil Nineveh and her king did to people of other nations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your great abundance of evil deeds]