King James Version

What Does Nahum 1:13 Mean?

Nahum 1:13 in the King James Version says “For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nahum 1:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. keep: Heb. feast the wicked: Heb. Belial

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For now will I break his yoke from off thee (ve'attah eshbor mottehu me'alayikh, וְעַתָּה אֶשְׁבֹּר מֹטֵהוּ מֵעָלָיִךְ). The mot (מֹט, "yoke") symbolizes Assyrian domination and oppression—heavy tribute, political subjugation, and constant threat. Shavar (שָׁבַר, "break") indicates violent shattering, not gradual loosening. "Now" (attah, עַתָּה) signals God's appointed time for deliverance has arrived. For over a century, Assyria had dominated the region; now God decrees their power broken.

And will burst thy bonds in sunder (umoseroteyka anaateq, וּמוֹסְרֹתֶיךָ אֲנַתֵּק). Moserot (מוֹסְרוֹת, "bonds/fetters") describes chains or ropes binding captives. Nataq (נָתַק, "tear off/pull apart") means violent ripping—bonds don't dissolve but are forcibly torn apart. The imagery portrays complete liberation—not merely reduced oppression but total freedom from Assyrian bondage.

This promise found historical fulfillment when Assyrian power collapsed (612 BC), freeing Judah and other subjugated peoples. But ultimate fulfillment comes through Christ who breaks sin's yoke and death's bonds (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 5:1). Christ liberates us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death—complete freedom secured through His death and resurrection. Where Nahum promises political liberation, Christ provides spiritual liberation with eternal implications.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For generations, Judah paid heavy tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9, 18:13-16). Assyrian domination restricted political freedom, extracted wealth, and threatened national survival. The 'yoke' was real, oppressive, and seemingly permanent. Yet God promised to break it, and He did. When Babylon destroyed Nineveh (612 BC), Assyrian power evaporated. Judah experienced brief independence under Josiah before Babylonian dominance began. The pattern of successive empires (Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome) demonstrates that earthly powers rise and fall, but God's kingdom endures forever. Christ's kingdom—which liberates from sin's bondage—will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:33).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'yokes' of oppression—sin patterns, relationships, fears—do you need Christ to break in your life?
  2. How does God's promise to break Assyria's yoke encourage believers suffering under political, social, or spiritual oppression?
  3. In what ways does Christ's liberation from sin's bondage surpass political liberation from earthly oppressors?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְעַתָּ֕ה1 of 6
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֶשְׁבֹּ֥ר2 of 6

“For now will I break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מֹטֵ֖הוּ3 of 6

“his yoke”

H4132

a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)

מֵֽעָלָ֑יִךְ4 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּמוֹסְרֹתַ֖יִךְ5 of 6

“thy bonds”

H4147

properly, chastisement, i.e., (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint

אֲנַתֵּֽק׃6 of 6

“from off thee and will burst”

H5423

to tear off

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 1:13 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 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:27Isaiah 9:4Psalms 107:14Jeremiah 2:20Isaiah 14:25Jeremiah 5:5

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in Nahum 1 →

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