NAM front intro x7kl 0 # Introduction to Nahum<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of Nahum<br><br>1. Nahum introduces this book (1:1)<br>1. Yahweh will destroy his enemies (1:2-15)<br>1. Nahum describes how Nineveh will fall (2:1–3:19)<br><br>#### What is the Book of Nahum about?<br><br>The Book of Nahum contains prophecies about how Yahweh would judge and punish Nineveh.<br><br>Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. They were threatening the southern kingdom of Judah. The book gave Judah hope that the Assyrians would be defeated.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>"The Book of Nahum" or just "Nahum" is the traditional title of this book. Translators may choose to call it "The Sayings of Nahum." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of Nahum?<br><br>The prophet Nahum probably wrote this book. He was a prophet from Elkosh, an unknown city probably in Judah.<br><br>Nahum wrote before Nineveh fell in about 612 B.C. Nahum also mentions the destruction of Thebes, a city in Egypt, which happened about 663 B.C. Therefore, the Book of Nahum was written sometime between 663 and 612 B.C. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### What is the importance of the descriptions of locusts in 3:15–17?<br><br>Locust attacks occurred often in the ancient Near East. Certain kinds of grasshoppers 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 of their leaves. The locusts could not be stopped and caused terrible damage. For this reason, locust attacks served as a powerful image of military attacks in the Old Testament.<br><br>The original language of the Old Testament used various names for locusts. It is uncertain whether these names refer to different kinds of locusts or to the same kind of locust in different stages of growth. For this reason, versions of the Bible differ in how they translate these terms.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### What emotions were present in the various speakers in the Book of Nahum?<br><br>When Nahum spoke to the Israelites, he wanted to comfort them.<br><br>When Nahum and Yahweh spoke against the Ninevites, they often mocked them. This manner of speech was similar to speech in the ancient Near East when conquerors laughed at their victims.<br><br>It is important for translators to present both emotions of comfort and of mockery when translating this book.<br>
NAM 01 intro fa8i 0 # Nahum 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>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 because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, this book consists of one long prophecy.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Yahweh's anger against Nineveh<br>This prophecy should be read in reference to the book of Jonah. That book described how the people of Niniveh, Assyria's capital city, repented when Jonah warned them that Yahweh was angry at them. The book of Nahum, written a little over one hundred years later than when Jonah was set, indicates that the Ninevites would be punished by God, but only after he had used them for his own purposes. These actions of Yahweh, although described as vengeance or anger, do not have the same sinful quality as they usually do with humans. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>##### Complete destruction<br>At that time, Assyria controlled almost the entire Near East. Nahum prophesied that the Assyrians would be so completely destroyed as a nation that they would no longer even be a people group. This prophecy came true very suddenly.<br>
NAM 01 01 wy4y figs-parallelism 0 General Information: Nahum describes the destruction of Nineveh in poetry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 01 01 na47 figs-explicit 0 The declaration about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite These words are an introduction to the entire book. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "This is the book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite, which gives a declaration about Nineveh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 01 01 q626 translate-names 0 Elkoshite A person from the village of Elkosh (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
NAM 01 02 z2vj figs-metaphor 0 General Information: Nahum begins to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people. The vision is full of metaphorical language and uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 01 02 krb6 0 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
NAM 01 02 z8hx 0 full of wrath "very angry"
NAM 01 02 a6fz 0 he continues his anger for "continues to be angry with"
NAM 01 03 t8dj 0 slow to anger "slow to become angry"
NAM 01 03 e2y8 figs-litotes 0 he will not allow the wicked to go unpunished This emphatic negative statement can be translated positively. Alternate translation: "he will always be sure to punish the wicked" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
NAM 01 03 du22 figs-explicit 0 Yahweh makes his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet The biblical writers often associated Yahweh's presence with powerful storms. Here Yahweh rides in strong storm winds and his feet are creating clouds by kicking up dust as he is coming to judge the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 01 03 l5ed 0 the dust of his feet "the dust that his feet kick up"
NAM 01 04 lh7c 0 General Information: Nahum continues to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people.
NAM 01 04 n6m5 figs-explicit 0 Bashan is weak, and Carmel also; the flowers of Lebanon are weak The word translated as "weak" can also mean "wither" or "dry out." Bashan was known for its good pastureland where people tended sheep and cattle, "Carmel" refers to Mount Carmel, which was known for its tree orchards, and the snow from the mountains in Lebanon kept that place fertile. Since Yahweh dries up all the rivers and causes drought, these fertile places will no longer be fertile. Alternate translation: "The fields of Bashan wither, the trees of Mount Carmel die, and the flowers of Lebanon fade" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 01 05 cg1v figs-metaphor 0 the hills melt Possible meanings are 1) the earthquake causing the hills to crumble to pieces is spoken of as if the hills were melting or 2) the water from the storms coursing down the hills and causing them to erode is spoken of as if the hills were melting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 05 f3dl 0 the earth collapses Possible meanings are 1) the mountains and hills collapse or 2) the entire ground begins to move with violent motions.
NAM 01 05 w6mf figs-ellipsis 0 the world and all people who live in it Here the word "world" refers to the inhabited places on the earth. The verb for this phrase is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "the world shakes and all the people who live in it collapse" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
NAM 01 06 f6ms 0 General Information: Nahum continues to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people.
NAM 01 06 pb6q figs-parallelism 0 Who can stand before his wrath? Who can resist the fierceness of his anger? These two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing. They can be translated with statements. Alternate translation: "No one can stand before his wrath! No one can resist the fierceness of his anger!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 01 06 s5dd 0 fierceness of his anger "intensity of his anger" or "amount of his anger"
NAM 01 06 b6tk figs-metaphor 0 His wrath is poured out like fire Nahum speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a liquid that he pours out and which burns like fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He pours out his wrath like fire" or "He expresses his fierce anger" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 06 s5l3 figs-activepassive 0 the rocks are broken apart by him This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he breaks apart the rocks" or "he causes the rocks to break apart" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 01 07 vrf3 figs-metaphor 0 a stronghold ... those who take refuge in him Nahum speaks of Yahweh as if he were a place where people can be safe from those who wish to harm them, and of those who trust Yahweh to protect them as if they were taking refuge inside that safe place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 07 z4wh 0 in the day of trouble "in times of trouble" or "when troubles happen." The word "day" here refers to a general period of time.
NAM 01 08 uz38 figs-idiom 0 he will make a full end to his enemies The idiom "make a full end" refers to causing his enemies to die. Alternate translation: "he will completely destroy his enemies" or "he will kill all his enemies" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
NAM 01 08 b39g figs-metaphor 0 with an overwhelming flood Nahum speaks of Yahweh destroying his enemies in such a way that they will be powerless to avoid death as if Yahweh caused them to drown in a great flood of water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 08 n11u figs-metonymy 0 he will pursue them into darkness Here the word "darkness" represents the place of the dead, which is characterized as a dark place. Nahum speaks of Yahweh killing his enemies as if he were chasing them into this dark place. Alternate translation: "he will cause all his enemies to die" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 09 mz66 0 General Information: Nahum tells the people of Nineveh how Yahweh will deal with them.
NAM 01 09 c1lk figs-rquestion 0 What are you people plotting against Yahweh? This rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of making evil plans against Yahweh. Alternate translation: "It is futile for you people to plot against Yahweh" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 01 09 v6h3 figs-idiom 0 He will make a full end to it The idiom "make a full end" refers to causing something to exist no longer. Alternate translation: "He will completely stop what you do" or "He will cause your plotting to fail" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
NAM 01 09 d3wc figs-metonymy 0 trouble will not rise up a second time Possible meanings are 1) "trouble" is a metonym for the punishment that Yahweh will inflict upon the people. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not have to punish you a second time" or 2) "trouble" refers to the trouble that the people cause by plotting against Yahweh. Alternate translation: "you will not cause trouble a second time" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 01 10 fkc6 figs-metaphor 0 they will become tangled up like thornbushes Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) the people who plot against Yahweh will not be able to free themselves from the trouble that Yahweh will bring upon them, like a person who is tangled up in thornbushes cannot easily free himself or 2) just as thornbushes burn more quickly when they are tangled together, Yahweh will quickly destroy those who plot against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 10 ip7l figs-metaphor 0 they will be saturated in their own drink Nahum speaks of those who plot against Yahweh suffering the consequences of their plans as if they were completely drunk with alcohol. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 10 x8il figs-metaphor 0 they will be completely devoured by fire like dry stubble Nahum speaks of Yahweh completely destroying those who plot against him as if fire would burn them up like fire burns up dry stubble. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fire will completely devour them like it devours dry stubble" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 01 10 tg7c figs-metaphor 0 devoured by fire Nahum speaks of fire burning something completely as if the fire were devouring that thing. Alternate translation: "burned up by fire" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 11 ee38 0 promoted wickedness encouraged people to do wicked things
NAM 01 12 p1bp 0 General Information: Yahweh speaks to the Israelites about Nineveh.
NAM 01 12 uyz9 0 Even if they are at their full strength and full numbers This refers to the Assyrians or to the people of Nineveh.
NAM 01 12 p6cc figs-metaphor 0 they will nevertheless be sheared Yahweh speaks of destroying the people of Nineveh as if the were sheep that he will shear. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will nevertheless shear them" or "I will nevertheless destroy them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 01 13 qfl7 figs-metaphor 0 Now will I break that people's yoke from off you; I will break your chains Yahweh speaks of freeing Judah from Assyrian oppression as if he were breaking the yoke and chains that the Assyrians had placed on them. Alternate translation: "Now I will free you from that people and they will no longer oppress you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 01 14 en7t figs-metaphor 0 I will cut off the carved figures and the cast metal figures from the houses of your gods Yahweh speaks of destroying the Assyrian idols as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word "house" is a metonym for the temples in which the people worshiped these idols. Alternate translation: "I will destroy the carved figures and the cast metal figures that are in the temples of your gods" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 01 14 s2bh figs-explicit 0 I will dig your graves It is implied that Yahweh will also bury them in the graves that he digs for them. Alternate translation: "I will dig your graves and bury you in them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 01 15 n617 figs-synecdoche 0 on the mountains there are the feet of someone who is bringing good news Here the word "feet" represent the person who is running in order to declare a message. Alternate translation: "on the mountains there is someone who is bringing good news" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
NAM 01 15 l31d 0 wicked one ... he Nahum refers to the people of Nineveh as though they were one person.
NAM 01 15 ink2 figs-metaphor 0 he is completely cut off Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh being completely destroyed as if they had been cut off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he is completely destroyed" or "Yahweh has completely destroyed him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 intro m3yl 0 # Nahum 02 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>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 chapter 1) farther to the right on the page than regular text because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, this book contains one long prophecy.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Complete destruction<br>At that time, Assyria controlled almost the entire Near East. Nahum prophesied that the Assyrians would be so completely destroyed as a nation that they would no longer even be a people group. This prophecy came true and did so very suddenly. At times, this chapter is very violent in describing the destruction of Assyria, and this violence should not be toned down through the use of euphemism.<br>
NAM 02 01 c5dg writing-poetry 0 General Information: Nahum often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. Here he begins to describe the destruction of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 02 01 xj69 figs-metaphor 0 The one who will dash you to pieces The word "you" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. Alternate translation: "The one who will destroy you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 02 01 m6by 0 The one who will dash you The person who is "the one" is not clear, so translate using a general term. Alternate translation: "Someone who will break you"
NAM 02 01 ahz9 figs-idiom 0 is coming up against you The idiom to "come against" means to attack. Alternate translation: "is preparing to attack you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
NAM 02 01 v7ei figs-irony 0 Man the city walls, guard the roads, make yourselves strong, assemble your armies Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh. He tells them to prepare for battle, although he knows that the enemy will destroy the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
NAM 02 01 cpd7 figs-explicit 0 Man the city walls Nineveh had a large, thick wall surrounding it. This refers to placing soldiers on the top of the wall in order to fight off attackers. This can be translated with a more general phrase if necessary. Alternate translation: "Man the fortifications" or "Prepare the defenses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 02 01 zt4z 0 guard the roads This refers to having soldiers watch the roads leading to the city so that they can keep track of the enemy's approach.
NAM 02 01 l226 figs-idiom 0 make yourselves strong This is an idiom that means to prepare oneself for action. Here it applies to military action. Alternate translation: "prepare yourselves for battle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
NAM 02 02 u4fb figs-metonymy 0 For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of Jacob, like the majesty of Israel The words "Jacob" and "Israel" are metonyms for the people who are descended from Jacob. Possible meanings are 1) the word "Jacob" refers to the southern kingdom and the word "Israel" refers to the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of Judah, as he promised to restore the majesty of Israel" or 2) both "Jacob" and "Israel" refer to the nation as a whole, included both northern and southern kingdoms and the two lines are parallel. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of all Israel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 02 02 wmm6 0 the plunderers people who steal things by force, usually in war
NAM 02 02 i6w3 figs-metaphor 0 destroyed their vine branches Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the Assyrians taking away Israel's possessions by force is spoken of as if Israel were a vine whose branches the Assyrians had stripped bare. Alternate translation: "robbed them of all of their possession, like one would strip bare vine branches" or 2) the words "vine branches" are a synecdoche for the agricultural fields throughout the nation. Alternate translation: "destroyed their fields of crops" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
NAM 02 03 sal2 0 The shields of his mighty men are red Possible meanings are 1) the shields appear red as the light from the sun reflects upon their metal surfaces or 2) the shields are covered with leather that has been dyed red.
NAM 02 03 tt35 0 his mighty men the soldiers of the one "who will dash" Nineveh "to pieces" ([Nahum 2:1](../02/01.md)).
NAM 02 03 shs8 0 the chariots flash with their metal This likely refers to the light from the sun reflecting upon the metal chariots.
NAM 02 03 i6a3 figs-activepassive 0 on the day that they are made ready This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the soldiers have made them ready" or "when the soldiers have prepared them to attack" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 03 jtg2 figs-activepassive 0 the cypress spears are waved in the air This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the soldiers wave their cypress spears in the air" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 03 b24s translate-unknown 0 cypress a type of tree whose wood is good for weapons (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
NAM 02 04 l7yi 0 The chariots speed through the streets "The soldiers drive the chariots wildly through the streets"
NAM 02 04 m4y1 figs-simile 0 They look like torches Nahum compares the way that the light from the sun reflects upon the chariots with torches whose fire gives light. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 02 04 vee1 figs-simile 0 they run like lightning Nahum compares the way that the light from the sun reflects upon the chariots, and the quickness with which the chariots move, with lightning that flashes quickly in the sky. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 02 05 c6g1 figs-metaphor 0 The one who will dash you to pieces The word "you" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. See how you translated this in [Nahum 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "The one who will destroy you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 02 05 frd3 figs-abstractnouns 0 in their march The word "march" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as they march" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
NAM 02 05 s3zw figs-activepassive 0 The large shield is made ready to protect these attackers This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The attackers make ready the large shield to protect themselves" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 05 t834 0 The large shield This refers to a large cover that those who besieged a city would set up over themselves and their battering rams to protect themselves against the arrows and other projectiles with which the people in the city would attack them.
NAM 02 06 l4xl figs-activepassive 0 The gates at the rivers are forced open This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy forces open the gates at the rivers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 06 bi3c 0 The gates at the rivers This refers to the gates that controlled the flow and direction of the river.
NAM 02 07 v7es figs-activepassive 0 Huzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken away This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The enemy strips Huzzab of her clothes and takes her away" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 02 07 x5zy translate-unknown 0 Huzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken away The exact meaning of the word "Huzzab" is uncertain. Two possible meanings are 1) it is the name of a queen in Nineveh and the sentence means that the attacking soldiers have stripped her of her clothes in order to humiliate her and then have carried her off into captivity or 2) it is the name of an idol and the sentence means that the attackers have stripped the gold and silver off the idol and have carried it away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 02 07 wzf8 0 her female servants moan like doves The moaning sounds that the female servants make sound like the sounds that doves make.
NAM 02 07 c3va 0 her female servants If the word "Huzzab" refers to a queen, then this phrase refers to the young women who attended her. If the word "Huzzab" refers to an idol, then this phrase refers to the young women who worked as temple prostitutes.
NAM 02 07 ya8w translate-symaction 0 beating on their breasts Beating one's breast was a gesture used to express great mourning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
NAM 02 08 awl5 figs-simile 0 Nineveh is like a leaking pool of water, with its people fleeing away like rushing water Nahum compares the way that the people flee from the city of Nineveh with the way that water gushes from a reservoir of water when the dam has been broken. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 02 09 e4pv figs-apostrophe 0 Take the silver plunder ... Nineveh's beautiful things It is not clear who is speaking here. This may be an apostrophe in which Nahum gives directions to the attackers, or the attackers may be speaking and giving directions to one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
NAM 02 09 t4z8 0 Take the silver plunder, take the gold plunder The word "plunder" means things stolen by force, usually in war. Alternate translation: "Take the silver as plunder, take the gold as plunder" or "Take the silver, take the gold"
NAM 02 09 tli3 figs-hyperbole 0 there is no end to it The words "no end" are an exaggeration to express that there is a great amount of something. Alternate translation: "there is so much of it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 02 09 sn5k figs-ellipsis 0 to the splendor of all Nineveh's beautiful things This phrase refers to the silver, gold, and other treasures in Nineveh. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "there is no end to the splendor of all Nineveh's beautiful treasures" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
NAM 02 10 dib5 figs-metaphor 0 Everyone's heart melts Nahum speaks of the people losing courage as if their hearts melt like wax. Alternate translation: "Everyone loses courage" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 02 10 haf9 0 everyone's knees strike together This describes a physical response to great fear. The people's legs shake so badly that their knees knock together and they are unable to walk or run.
NAM 02 11 as2e figs-metaphor 0 General Information: In these verses, Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were a group of lions, and of the city Nineveh as if it were their den. The metaphor speaks of the way in which the Assyrians would conquer other people and take their possessions as their own as if they were lions hunting prey and bringing the dead animals back to their den. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 02 11 n3ki figs-rquestion 0 Where now is the lions' den ... afraid of nothing? Nahum uses this rhetorical question to mock Nineveh, which has been destroyed. Alternate translation: "The lions' den is nowhere to be found ... afraid of nothing." or "Look at what has become of the lions' den ... afraid of nothing!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 02 12 f91d figs-explicit 0 he strangled victims "he choked victims." This is probably a reference to the way that lions usually kill their prey, by biting its throat. Alternate translation: "he killed his victims" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 02 12 f3cw figs-parallelism 0 filled his cave with victims, his dens with torn carcasses These two phrases are saying the same thing in different ways. The verb may be supplied for the second phrase. Alternate translation: "filled his cave with victims, and filled his dens with torn carcasses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
NAM 02 13 hg33 0 See "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."
NAM 02 13 mzs1 figs-metonymy 0 the sword will devour your young lions Here the word "sword" is a metonym for soldiers who attack with swords and is spoken of as if it were a person who eats its victims. Nahum also continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as if they were lions. Alternate translation: "attackers will kill your people with swords" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 02 13 qg4y figs-metaphor 0 I will cut off your prey from your land Yahweh speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were lions who preyed upon the nations. Possible meanings are 1) the word "prey" is a metonym for the things that they have taken from those upon whom they preyed, and Yahweh speaks of taking those things away from them as if it were cutting off their prey. Alternate translation: "I will take away from your land all the things that you took from others" or 2) Yahweh speaks of the nations whom the people of Nineveh had plundered as if they were Nineveh's prey, and preventing Nineveh from plundering any more nations as if he were cutting off their prey. Alternate translation: "I will stop you from preying upon any other nation" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 02 13 vf1s figs-activepassive 0 the voices of your messengers will be heard no more This likely refers to the messengers that the Assyrians sent out to other nations to demand surrender or payment of tribute. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever hear the voices of your messengers again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 intro k8ee 0 # Nahum 03 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>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 chapter 1) farther to the right on the page than regular text because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, the book contains one long prophecy.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Euphemism<br>This chapter speaks about the evils of the Assyrians in violent ways. It is important to avoiding toning down this language through the use of euphemism, if at all possible. Although there is some hyperbole, the reader should not assume that the author intends this writing to be taken as completely hyperbolic. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br>
NAM 03 01 kar1 writing-poetry 0 General Information: Nahum often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. Here he continues to describe the destruction of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 03 01 ki6n figs-metonymy 0 the city full of blood Here the word "blood" represents bloodshed and refers to the people who have committed murder. Alternate translation: "the city full of murderers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 01 b6sa figs-metonymy 0 It is all full of lies Here the word "lies" is a metonym for those who tell lies. Alternate translation: "It is full of liars" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 02 n52r 0 the noise of whips and the sound of rattling wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariots These phrases describe the sound of chariots rushing through the streets as their drivers use their whips on the horses.
NAM 03 03 isx6 figs-parallelism 0 heaps of corpses, great piles of bodies These two phrases mean basically the same thing and indicate that there were so many dead bodies that the attackers piled them in heaps. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 03 03 xle9 0 corpses bodies of people who have died
NAM 03 03 k9um figs-hyperbole 0 There is no end to the bodies The words "no end" are an exaggeration for the great number of bodies that the attackers piled into heaps. Alternate translation: "There are too many bodies to count" or "There are a great number of bodies" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 03 04 x2uc figs-metaphor 0 the lustful actions of the beautiful prostitute Nahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a prostitute who seduces men with her beauty. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 04 zv4s figs-metaphor 0 the expert in witchcraft Nahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a witch who casts a spells on others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 04 b3x1 figs-explicit 0 who sells nations through her prostitution, and peoples through her acts of witchcraft Here the word "sells" implies that the people of Nineveh cause other nations and peoples to become slaves. Nineveh uses her beauty, power, and influence to make others her slaves. Alternate translation: "who by her prostitution and witchcraft causes the people of other nations to become her slaves" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 03 05 u83r 0 See "Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
NAM 03 05 x2lm figs-metaphor 0 I will raise up your skirt over your face and show your private parts to the nations This refers to the practice of publicly humiliating prostitutes by stripping them naked in front of the community. This continues the metaphor of Yahweh speaking of the city of Nineveh as if it were a prostitute. Alternate translation: "I will publicly humiliate you, as one would humiliate a prostitute by raising up her skirt over her face and showing her private parts to all the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 05 qx5d figs-ellipsis 0 your shame to the kingdoms This phrase explains the purpose of lifting up Nineveh's skirt. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "I will show your shame to the kingdoms" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
NAM 03 06 s894 translate-symaction 0 I will throw disgusting filth on you The words "disgusting filth" refer to all kinds of garbage. Throwing garbage at a person was a sign of strong contempt. Alternate translation: "I will show my contempt for you, like a person would throw disgusting filth at another" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
NAM 03 07 wgg3 figs-rquestion 0 who will weep for her? The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: "no one will weep for her." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 03 07 ysl2 figs-rquestion 0 Where can I find anyone to comfort you? Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there will be no one who will be able to comfort Nineveh. Alternate translation: "There will be no one to comfort you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 03 08 v76u figs-metonymy 0 General Information: Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 08 ii6k figs-rquestion 0 are you better than Thebes ... itself? Nahum asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer that it anticipates. Alternate translation: "you are not better than Thebes ... itself." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
NAM 03 08 c7qr translate-names 0 Thebes This was the former capital of Egypt, which the Assyrians had conquered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
NAM 03 08 w92b 0 that was built on the Nile River "that was situated by the Nile River"
NAM 03 08 a2y2 figs-metaphor 0 whose defense was the ocean, whose wall was the sea itself These two phrases share similar meanings. The words "ocean" and "sea" both refer to the Nile River, which ran near the city. Nahum speaks of the Nile as if it were the wall that protected the city. Alternate translation: "which had the Nile river as its defenses, as some cities have a wall for theirs" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
NAM 03 09 ega5 0 Cush and Egypt were her strength "Ethiopia and Egypt strengthened her" or "Cush and Egypt were her allies"
NAM 03 09 knv4 figs-hyperbole 0 there was no end to it The word "it" refers to the "strength" that Cush and Egypt gave to Thebes. That there was no end to it is a hyperbole that expresses the great amount of strength. Alternate translation: "their strength was very great" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 03 09 c9nd translate-names 0 Put and Libya These are the names of places in northern Africa that were close to Thebes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
NAM 03 10 h5f5 figs-metonymy 0 General Information: Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 10 jt2a figs-metonymy 0 Yet Thebes was carried away The word "Thebes" represents the people who lived in Thebes. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yet those who attacked Thebes carried the people away" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 10 h6s7 figs-metonymy 0 she went into captivity The word "she" refers to Thebes and represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "they went into captivity" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 10 jht3 figs-activepassive 0 her young children were dashed in pieces This is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "enemy soldiers dashed her young children to pieces" or "enemy soldiers beat her young children to death" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 10 h7t9 figs-metaphor 0 at the head of every street The beginning of a street is spoken of as if it were the head. Also, "every" is a generalization that means many places all over the city. Alternate translation: "on every street corner" or "in the streets all over the city" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 03 10 hyc8 figs-activepassive 0 all her great men were bound in chains This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they bound all her great men in chains" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 11 esd7 figs-metaphor 0 You also will become drunk Here the word "You" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh suffering and dying in battle as if they had become drunk from drinking too much wine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 12 kbf7 figs-metonymy 0 General Information: Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 12 lb3t figs-explicit 0 All your fortresses Possible meanings for the word "fortresses" are 1) it refers to Nineveh's fortifications, such as the wall that surrounded the city Alternate translation: "All of your fortifications" or "All of your defenses" or 2) it refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyria's borders and prevented enemy armies from attacking Nineveh. Alternate translation: "All of your fortified cities" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 03 12 uf4q figs-simile 0 All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the earliest ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater Nahum compares the ease with which the attackers will conquer Nineveh with the ease with which a person can cause ripe figs to fall from a tree. Alternate translation: "Your enemies will destroy your fortresses as easily as a person can shake a fig tree and eat the first ripe figs that fall" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 03 12 c8tt figs-explicit 0 the earliest ripe figs This refers to the figs that would ripen first on the tree. These figs fell from the tree easily, so that a person only had to shake the tree to make them fall. Figs that ripened later would require a person to climb the tree and pick them by hand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
NAM 03 12 w2un figs-activepassive 0 if they are shaken "if the trees are shaken." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if a person shakes the trees" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 12 k7ym figs-hyperbole 0 they fall into the mouth of the eater "the figs fall into the mouth of the eater." This is an exaggeration. By saying that the figs fall from the tree into the mouth of the one who eats it, Nahum emphasizes that the figs are ready to eat immediately. Alternate translation: "a person can eat the fig immediately" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 03 13 le29 figs-metaphor 0 the people among you are women In this ancient culture, women were not warriors for a number of reasons, including their being generally weaker physically than men. Here Nahum speaks of Nineveh's warriors losing their strength and courage to fight as if the people in the city were all women. Alternate translation: "your people are all like women who are weak and cannot defend themselves" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 13 cv1a figs-activepassive 0 the gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemies This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the gates of your land are wide open to your enemies" or "someone has opened wide to your enemies the gates of your land" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
NAM 03 13 sc8s figs-metaphor 0 the gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemies Possible meanings are 1) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the Nineveh's defenses, then "the gates of your land" refers to the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate translation: "the gates of your city are wide open for your enemies to attack" or 2) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyria's borders, then "the gates of your land" is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate translation: "your land is defenseless before your enemies because they have destroyed the cities that protected your borders" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 13 ea7i figs-metaphor 0 fire has devoured their bars Possible meanings are 1) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the Nineveh's defenses, then "their bars" refers to the bars that locked the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate translation: "fire has destroyed the bars that lock your city gates" or 2) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyria's borders, then "their bars" is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were locked gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate translation: "the cities on your borders can no longer protect you, just as gates can no longer protect a city when fire has destroyed their bars" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 13 i4p2 figs-metaphor 0 fire has devoured Nahum speaks of fire burning up and destroying as if fire were eating. Alternate translation: "fire has destroyed" or "fire has burned up" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 14 g9i1 figs-metonymy 0 General Information: Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 14 w932 figs-irony 0 Go draw water for the siege ... pick up the molds for the bricks Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh. He tells them to prepare for battle and to repair the walls, although he knows that the enemy will destroy the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
NAM 03 14 d5xh 0 strengthen your fortresses "repair the fortifications"
NAM 03 14 tja5 0 go into the clay and tread the mortar; pick up the molds for the bricks These phrases refer to making mud bricks that they will use to repair the city's wall.
NAM 03 15 x9p7 figs-metaphor 0 Fire will devour you there Nahum speaks of fire burning and destroying as if it were eating. Alternate translation: "Fire will destroy you there" or "Your enemies will burn you with fire there" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 15 f3iu figs-metonymy 0 the sword will destroy you Here the word "sword" is a metonym for the enemies who will attack with swords. Alternate translation: "your enemies will kill you with their swords" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 15 cwk4 figs-personification 0 It will devour you as young locusts devour everything The word "It" refers to the "sword," which is personified as eating those whom it kills. The soldiers using their swords to kill everyone in Nineveh is compared with the way that a swarm of locusts eats every plant in its path. Alternate translation: "Your enemies' swords will kill all of you, just as easily as a swarm of locusts devours everything in its path" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 03 15 mx6w 0 Make yourselves as many as the young locusts, as many as the full-grown locusts These words begin a new paragraph where Nahum compares the number of people in Nineveh with the large number of locusts in a swarm.
NAM 03 16 h3mk figs-metonymy 0 General Information: Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
NAM 03 16 f5ml figs-hyperbole 0 You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars in the heavens This exaggeration emphasizes the great number of merchants who lived and worked in Nineveh. Alternate translation: "It is as if you have more merchants than there are stars in the sky" or "You have more merchants than anyone could count" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
NAM 03 16 jax3 figs-simile 0 they are like young locusts: they plunder the land and then fly away Nahum compares the way that these merchants, who have made their profit by selling their goods in Nineveh, will flee from the city when the battle begins with the way that locusts fly away after they have eaten all of the plants in their path. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 03 17 g39b figs-simile 0 your generals are like swarms of them that camp in the walls on a cold day. But when the sun rises they fly away Nahum compares the way that the officials in Nineveh will flee when the battle starts with the way that locusts will remain still while it is cold, but will fly away when the sun rises and the air becomes warm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
NAM 03 17 t77f 0 to no one knows where "and no one knows where they have gone"
NAM 03 18 mzz1 figs-parallelism 0 your shepherds are asleep; your rulers are lying down resting These two lines share similar meanings. Nahum speaks of the leaders of Assyria as if they were shepherd who are to care for their sheep. He speaks of the shepherds and rulers dying as if they had fallen asleep. Alternate translation: "your leaders who are like shepherds are dead; your rulers are all dead" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 18 r6bi figs-metaphor 0 Your people are scattered on the mountains Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were sheep that scatter after the shepherds have died. Alternate translation: "Your people are scattered like sheep on the mountains" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 19 ik24 figs-metaphor 0 No healing is possible for your wounds. Your wounds are severe Nahum speaks of the certainty of the destruction of Nineveh and the defeat of its king as if the king had suffered an incurable wound. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
NAM 03 19 eje9 figs-abstractnouns 0 No healing is possible for your wounds The word "healing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "No one is able to heal your wounds" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
NAM 03 19 ac74 figs-rquestion 0 Who has escaped your constant wickedness? This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. All of the nations that were near Assyria had suffered because of Assyria's constant wickedness. Alternate translation: "No one has escaped your constant wickedness." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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