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2front:introx7kl0# Introduction to Nahum\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Nahum\n\n1. Nahum introduces this book (1:1)\n1. Yahweh will destroy his enemies (1:215)\n1. Nahum describes how Nineveh will fall (2:13:19)\n\n### What is the Book of Nahum about?\n\nThe Book of Nahum contains prophecies about how Yahweh would judge and punish Nineveh.\n\nNineveh 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.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\n“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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Nahum?\n\nThe prophet Nahum probably wrote this book. He was a prophet from Elkosh, an unknown city probably in Judah.\n\nNahum 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What is the importance of the descriptions of locusts in 3:1517?\n\nLocust 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### What emotions were present in the various speakers in the Book of Nahum?\n\nWhen Nahum spoke to the Israelites, he wanted to comfort them.\n\nWhen 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.\n\nIt is important for translators to present both emotions of comfort and of mockery when translating this book.
31:introfa8i0# Nahum 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\nDespite being divided into three chapters, this book consists of one long prophecy.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Yahwehs anger against Nineveh\nThis prophecy should be read in reference to the book of Jonah. That book described how the people of Niniveh, Assyrias 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n### Complete destruction\n\nAt 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.
41:1wy4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0# General Information:\n\nNahum describes the destruction of Nineveh in poetry. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
51:1na47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe declaration about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
61:1q626rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesElkoshite0A person from the village of Elkosh (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
71:2z2vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0# General Information:\n\nNahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
81:2krb6Yahweh0This 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.
91:2z8hxfull of wrath0Alternate translation: “very angry”
101:2a6fzhe continues his anger for0Alternate translation: “continues to be angry with”
111:3t8djslow to anger0Alternate translation: “slow to become angry”
121:3e2y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litoteshe will not allow the wicked to go unpunished0This emphatic negative statement can be translated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always be sure to punish the wicked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
131:3du22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitYahweh makes his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet0The biblical writers often associated Yahwehs 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
141:3l5edthe dust of his feet0Alternate translation: “the dust that his feet kick up”
151:4n6m5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitBashan is weak, and Carmel also; the flowers of Lebanon are weak0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
161:5cg1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe hills melt0This could mean: (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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
171:5f3dlthe earth collapses0This could mean: (1) the mountains and hills collapse or (2) the entire ground begins to move with violent motions.
181:5w6mfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisthe world and all people who live in it0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
191:6pb6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWho can stand before his wrath? Who can resist the fierceness of his anger?0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
201:6s5ddfierceness of his anger0Alternate translation: “intensity of his anger” or “amount of his anger”
211:6b6tkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis wrath is poured out like fire0Nahum speaks of Yahwehs anger as if it were a liquid that he pours out and which burns like fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He pours out his wrath like fire” or “He expresses his fierce anger” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
221:6s5l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe rocks are broken apart by him0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he breaks apart the rocks” or “he causes the rocks to break apart” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
231:7vrf3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphora stronghold … those who take refuge in him0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
241:7z4whin the day of trouble0“in times of trouble” or “when troubles happen.” The word “day” here refers to a general period of time.
251:8uz38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe will make a full end to his enemies0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
261:8b39grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwith an overwhelming flood0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
271:8n11urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhe will pursue them into darkness0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
281:9mz660# General Information:\n\nNahum tells the people of Nineveh how Yahweh will deal with them.
291:9c1lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat are you people plotting against Yahweh?0This 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
301:9v6h3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomHe will make a full end to it0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
311:9d3wcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymytrouble will not rise up a second time0This could mean: (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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
321:10fkc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey will become tangled up like thornbushes0This metaphor could mean: (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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
331:10ip7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey will be saturated in their own drink0Nahum speaks of those who plot against Yahweh suffering the consequences of their plans as if they were completely drunk with alcohol. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
341:10x8ilrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey will be completely devoured by fire like dry stubble0Nahum speaks of Yahweh completely destroying those who plot against him as if fire would burn them up like fire burns up dry stubble. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire will completely devour them like it devours dry stubble” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
351:10tg7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordevoured by fire0Nahum speaks of fire burning something completely as if the fire were devouring that thing. Alternate translation: “burned up by fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
361:11ee38promoted wickedness0encouraged people to do wicked things
371:12p1bp0# General Information:\n\nYahweh speaks to the Israelites about Nineveh.
381:12uyz9Even if they are at their full strength and full numbers0This refers to the Assyrians or to the people of Nineveh.
391:12p6ccrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey will nevertheless be sheared0Yahweh speaks of destroying the people of Nineveh as if the were sheep that he will shear. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will nevertheless shear them” or “I will nevertheless destroy them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
401:13qfl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorNow will I break that peoples yoke from off you; I will break your chains0Yahweh 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
411:14en7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will cut off the carved figures and the cast metal figures from the houses of your gods0Yahweh 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
421:14s2bhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI will dig your graves0It 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
431:15n617rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheon the mountains there are the feet of someone who is bringing good news0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
441:15l31dwicked one … he0Nahum refers to the people of Nineveh as though they were one person.
451:15ink2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe is completely cut off0Nahum 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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is completely destroyed” or “Yahweh has completely destroyed him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
462:introm3yl0# Nahum 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\nDespite being divided into three chapters, this book contains one long prophecy.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Complete destruction\n\nAt 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.
472:1c5dgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0# General Information:\n\nNahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
482:1xj69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe one who will dash you to pieces0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
492:1m6byThe one who will dash you0The person who is “the one” is not clear, so translate using a general term. Alternate translation: “Someone who will break you”
502:1ahz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomis coming up against you0The idiom to “come against” means to attack. Alternate translation: “is preparing to attack you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
512:1v7eirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyMan the city walls, guard the roads, make yourselves strong, assemble your armies0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
522:1cpd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitMan the city walls0Nineveh 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
532:1zt4zguard the roads0This refers to having soldiers watch the roads leading to the city so that they can keep track of the enemys approach.
542:1l226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommake yourselves strong0This is an idiom that means to prepare oneself for action. Here it applies to military action. Alternate translation: “prepare yourselves for battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
552:2u4fbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyFor Yahweh is restoring the majesty of Jacob, like the majesty of Israel0The words “Jacob” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people who are descended from Jacob. This could mean: (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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
562:2wmm6the plunderers0people who steal things by force, usually in war
572:2i6w3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordestroyed their vine branches0This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor in which the Assyrians taking away Israels 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
582:3sal2The shields of his mighty men are red0This could mean: (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.
592:3tt35his mighty men0the soldiers of the one “who will dash” Nineveh “to pieces” ([Nahum 2:1](../02/01.md)).
602:3shs8the chariots flash with their metal0This likely refers to the light from the sun reflecting upon the metal chariots.
612:3i6a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveon the day that they are made ready0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the soldiers have made them ready” or “when the soldiers have prepared them to attack” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
622:3jtg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe cypress spears are waved in the air0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the soldiers wave their cypress spears in the air” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
632:3b24src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowncypress0a type of tree whose wood is good for weapons (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
642:4l7yiThe chariots speed through the streets0Alternate translation: “The soldiers drive the chariots wildly through the streets”
652:4m4y1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThey look like torches0Nahum compares the way that the light from the sun reflects upon the chariots with torches whose fire gives light. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
662:4vee1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey run like lightning0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
672:5c6g1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe one who will dash you to pieces0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
682:5frd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin their march0The word “march” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “as they march” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
692:5s3zwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThe large shield is made ready to protect these attackers0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The attackers make ready the large shield to protect themselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
702:5t834The large shield0This 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.
712:6l4xlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThe gates at the rivers are forced open0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy forces open the gates at the rivers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
722:6bi3cThe gates at the rivers0This refers to the gates that controlled the flow and direction of the river.
732:7v7esrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveHuzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken away0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy strips Huzzab of her clothes and takes her away” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
742:7x5zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownHuzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken away0The exact meaning of the word “Huzzab” is uncertain. Two This could mean: (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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
752:7wzf8her female servants moan like doves0The moaning sounds that the female servants make sound like the sounds that doves make.
762:7c3vaher female servants0If 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.
772:7ya8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionbeating on their breasts0Beating ones breast was a gesture used to express great mourning. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
782:8awl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileNineveh is like a leaking pool of water, with its people fleeing away like rushing water0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
792:9e4pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheTake the silver plunder … Ninevehs beautiful things0It 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
802:9t4z8Take the silver plunder, take the gold plunder0The 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”
812:9tli3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolethere is no end to it0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
822:9sn5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisto the splendor of all Ninevehs beautiful things0This 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 Ninevehs beautiful treasures” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
832:10dib5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorEveryones heart melts0Nahum speaks of the people losing courage as if their hearts melt like wax. Alternate translation: “Everyone loses courage” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
842:10haf9everyones knees strike together0This describes a physical response to great fear. The peoples legs shake so badly that their knees knock together and they are unable to walk or run.
852:11as2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0# General Information:\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
862:11n3kirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhere now is the lions den … afraid of nothing?0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
872:12f91drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe strangled victims0“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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
882:12f3cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismfilled his cave with victims, his dens with torn carcasses0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
892:13hg33See0Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”
902:13mzs1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe sword will devour your young lions0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
912:13qg4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will cut off your prey from your land0Yahweh speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were lions who preyed upon the nations. This could mean: (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 Ninevehs 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
922:13vf1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe voices of your messengers will be heard no more0This likely refers to the messengers that the Assyrians sent out to other nations to demand surrender or payment of tribute. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever hear the voices of your messengers again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
933:introk8ee0# Nahum 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome 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://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])\n\nDespite being divided into three chapters, the book contains one long prophecy.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Euphemism\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])
943:1ki6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe city full of blood0Here the word “blood” represents bloodshed and refers to the people who have committed murder. Alternate translation: “the city full of murderers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
953:1b6sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyIt is all full of lies0Here the word “lies” is a metonym for those who tell lies. Alternate translation: “It is full of liars” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
963:2n52rthe noise of whips and the sound of rattling wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariots0These phrases describe the sound of chariots rushing through the streets as their drivers use their whips on the horses.
973:3isx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismheaps of corpses, great piles of bodies0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
983:3xle9corpses0bodies of people who have died
993:3k9umrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleThere is no end to the bodies0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1003:4x2ucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe lustful actions of the beautiful prostitute0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1013:4zv4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe expert in witchcraft0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1023:4b3x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitwho sells nations through her prostitution, and peoples through her acts of witchcraft0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1033:5u83rSee0Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
1043:5x2lmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will raise up your skirt over your face and show your private parts to the nations0This 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1053:5qx5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisyour shame to the kingdoms0This phrase explains the purpose of lifting up Ninevehs skirt. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “I will show your shame to the kingdoms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1063:6s894rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionI will throw disgusting filth on you0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1073:7wgg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwho will weep for her?0The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “no one will weep for her.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1083:7ysl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhere can I find anyone to comfort you?0Yahweh 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1093:8v76urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0# General Information:\n\nNahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1103:8ii6krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionare you better than Thebes … itself?0Nahum asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer that it anticipates. Alternate translation: “you are not better than Thebes … itself.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1113:8c7qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesThebes0This was the former capital of Egypt, which the Assyrians had conquered. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1123:8w92bthat was built on the Nile River0Alternate translation: “that was situated by the Nile River”
1133:8a2y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhose defense was the ocean, whose wall was the sea itself0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1143:9ega5Cush and Egypt were her strength0Alternate translation: “Ethiopia and Egypt strengthened her” or “Cush and Egypt were her allies”
1153:9knv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolethere was no end to it0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1163:9c9ndrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesPut and Libya0These are the names of places in northern Africa that were close to Thebes. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1173:10jt2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyYet Thebes was carried away0The word “Thebes” represents the people who lived in Thebes. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yet those who attacked Thebes carried the people away” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1183:10h6s7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyshe went into captivity0The word “she” refers to Thebes and represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “they went into captivity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1193:10jht3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveher young children were dashed in pieces0This is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “enemy soldiers dashed her young children to pieces” or “enemy soldiers beat her young children to death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1203:10h7t9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorat the head of every street0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1213:10hyc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveall her great men were bound in chains0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they bound all her great men in chains” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1223:11esd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou also will become drunk0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1233:12lb3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitAll your fortresses0Here, the word **fortresses** could mean: (1) it refers to Ninevehs 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 Assyrias borders and prevented enemy armies from attacking Nineveh. Alternate translation: “All of your fortified cities” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1243:12uf4qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileAll your fortresses will be like fig trees with the earliest ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1253:12c8ttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe earliest ripe figs0This 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1263:12w2unrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveif they are shaken0“if the trees are shaken.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if a person shakes the trees” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1273:12k7ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolethey fall into the mouth of the eater0“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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1283:13le29rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe people among you are women0In this ancient culture, women were not warriors for a number of reasons, including their being generally weaker physically than men. Here Nahum speaks of Ninevehs 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1293:13cv1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemies0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1303:13sc8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemies0This could mean: (1) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the Ninevehs 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 Assyrias 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1313:13ea7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfire has devoured their bars0This could mean: (1) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the Ninevehs 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 Assyrias 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1323:13i4p2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfire has devoured0Nahum speaks of fire burning up and destroying as if fire were eating. Alternate translation: “fire has destroyed” or “fire has burned up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1333:14w932rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyGo draw water for the siege … pick up the molds for the bricks0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
1343:14d5xhstrengthen your fortresses0Alternate translation: “repair the fortifications”
1353:14tja5go into the clay and tread the mortar; pick up the molds for the bricks0These phrases refer to making mud bricks that they will use to repair the citys wall.
1363:15x9p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFire will devour you there0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1373:15f3iurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe sword will destroy you0Here 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1383:15cwk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationIt will devour you as young locusts devour everything0The 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1393:15mx6wMake yourselves as many as the young locusts, as many as the full-grown locusts0These words begin a new paragraph where Nahum compares the number of people in Nineveh with the large number of locusts in a swarm.
1403:16h3mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0# General Information:\n\nNahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1413:16f5mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleYou have multiplied your merchants more than the stars in the heavens0This 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1423:16jax3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey are like young locusts: they plunder the land and then fly away0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1433:17g39brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileyour generals are like swarms of them that camp in the walls on a cold day. But when the sun rises they fly away0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1443:17t77fto no one knows where0Alternate translation: “and no one knows where they have gone”
1453:18mzz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismyour shepherds are asleep; your rulers are lying down resting0These 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1463:18r6birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour people are scattered on the mountains0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1473:19ik24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorNo healing is possible for your wounds. Your wounds are severe0Nahum 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1483:19eje9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsNo healing is possible for your wounds0The word “healing” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “No one is able to heal your wounds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1493:19ac74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has escaped your constant wickedness?0This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. All of the nations that were near Assyria had suffered because of Assyrias constant wickedness. Alternate translation: “No one has escaped your constant wickedness.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])