King James Version

What Does Nahum 1:12 Mean?

Nahum 1:12 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass throug...” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nahum 1:12 · KJV

Peace

Context

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

Read Nahum 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many (koh amar YHWH im-shelemim vekhen rabbim, כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה אִם־שְׁלֵמִים וְכֵן רַבִּים). The prophetic formula "thus saith the LORD" introduces divine speech. Shalem (שָׁלֵם, "complete/at peace") can mean intact, at ease, or feeling secure. Rabbim (רַבִּים, "many/numerous") emphasizes multitude—Assyria's vast armies and population. Despite appearing secure and numerous—seemingly invincible—they will fall.

Yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through (vekhen ngozu ve'avar, וְכֵן נָגוֹזּוּ וְעָבָר). Gazaz (גָּזַז, "cut down/shear") describes cutting like shearing sheep or mowing grass—wholesale removal. "When he shall pass through" (ve'avar) could refer to God passing through in judgment (Exodus 12:12, 23) or the destroying army passing through Nineveh. Either way, the result is complete devastation. What seemed permanent will be swept away.

Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more (ve'initikha lo a'annekh od, וְעִנִּתִךְ לֹא אֲעַנֵּךְ עוֹד). This sudden shift addresses Judah, contrasting Assyria's doom with Judah's deliverance. Anah (עָנָה, "afflict/humble") acknowledges God used Assyria to discipline Judah. But now judgment shifts from Judah to Assyria. This demonstrates God's righteous governance: He disciplines His people through pagan empires, then judges those empires for their cruelty. The promise "no more" anticipates ultimate deliverance in Christ who bore our affliction (Isaiah 53:4) so we'd never face God's wrath (Romans 8:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria seemed invincible in the late 8th/early 7th centuries BC—vast empire, powerful armies, sophisticated administration. They had conquered nations from Egypt to Persia, from Anatolia to the Persian Gulf. Nineveh appeared secure and impregnable. Yet within Nahum's lifetime (or shortly after), the empire collapsed. The prophecy proved accurate: Assyria was 'cut down' in 612 BC, ceasing to exist as a distinct empire. Conversely, Judah—afflicted under Assyrian domination—was delivered. Though later conquered by Babylon (divine discipline continued), the promise of ultimate deliverance found fulfillment in Christ. The remnant survived; Assyria didn't. God's word proved true on both counts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Assyria's sudden fall despite appearing secure and numerous warn against trusting in earthly power and prosperity?
  2. What does God's promise to afflict Judah 'no more' teach about the limited duration and ultimate purpose of divine discipline?
  3. How does Christ's bearing of our affliction fulfill and surpass the promise that God will not afflict His people forever?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 14
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 14

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִם4 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

שְׁלֵמִים֙5 of 14

“Though they be quiet”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

וְכֵ֣ן6 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

רַבִּ֔ים7 of 14

“and likewise many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְכֵ֥ן8 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

נָג֖וֹזּוּ9 of 14

“yet thus shall they be cut down”

H1494

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

וְעָבָ֑ר10 of 14

“when he shall pass through”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֲעַנֵּ֖ךְ11 of 14

“Though I have afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

לֹ֥א12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲעַנֵּ֖ךְ13 of 14

“Though I have afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

עֽוֹד׃14 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Study Guide

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 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nahum 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:19Joel 2:19Isaiah 31:8Isaiah 17:14Isaiah 37:36Isaiah 7:20

Test Your Knowledge

Nahum 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNahum Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nahum 1 with CommentaryAll Nahum ChaptersComplete Nahum QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes