King James Version

What Does Nahum 1:11 Mean?

“There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. a wicked: Heb. a counsellor of Belial”

Context

What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. a wicked: Heb. a counsellor of Belial

Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. Though: or, If they would have been at peace, so should they have been many, and so should they have been shorn, and he should have passed away cut down: Heb. shorn

For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Come out of thee.**—Another possible rendering is, *He has retired from thee* [*i.e., Jerusalem*]*, who imagineth . . .* We prefer the rendering of the Authorised Version, and regard the verse as addressed to Nineveh. The reference in the verses following is sufficiently plain for us to identify this enemy of God with Sennacherib. (Comp. the language used by his envoy Rabsbakeh in 2 Kings 18, 19)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nahum. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nahum 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.