King James Version

What Does Nahum 1:7 Mean?

Nahum 1:7 in the King James Version says “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. strong hold: or, strength” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. strong hold: or, strength”

Nahum 1:7 · KJV

Strength

Context

5

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. abide: Heb. stand up

7

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. strong hold: or, strength

8

But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

9

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

Read Nahum 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amidst Nahum's fierce prophecy of Nineveh's destruction, this verse shines as a beacon of hope for the faithful. Coming immediately after describing God's wrath and power (verses 2-6), verse 7 reveals the dual nature of God's character: terrifying to His enemies, yet good and protective to those who trust Him. "The LORD is good" (tov YHWH) is an unqualified declaration of God's essential goodness—His moral perfection, His beneficial disposition toward His people, and His covenant faithfulness.

"A strong hold in the day of trouble" (lema'oz beyom tzarah) uses military fortress imagery. The Hebrew ma'oz means stronghold, fortress, or refuge—an impregnable place of safety during attack. "In the day of trouble" refers to times of distress, calamity, or enemy oppression. While God brings devastating judgment on Nineveh (representing all who oppose Him), He simultaneously provides secure refuge for those who seek shelter in Him. The same power that destroys enemies protects His people.

"And he knoweth them that trust in him" (veyodea chosei bo) uses yadah (to know) in its relational sense—intimate, personal knowledge, not mere intellectual awareness. God doesn't just know about those who trust Him; He knows them personally, cares for them individually, and watches over them constantly. "Them that trust" (chosei, those who take refuge) describes active faith—running to God for protection rather than relying on human strength or alliances. This knowledge brings security: the omnipotent Judge who will destroy Nineveh knows His own and will never mistake them for His enemies.

This verse encapsulates a crucial biblical paradox: God is both terrifying and comforting, wrathful and merciful, depending on one's relationship to Him. For those outside Christ, God is "a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29). For those in Christ, God is Abba Father (Romans 8:15). The same attributes that make God fearsome to the wicked make Him wonderful to believers. His power to judge assures that justice will prevail; His goodness assures He uses that power redemptively for His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nahum prophesied between 663-612 BC, after Assyria conquered Thebes (No-Amon) in Egypt (663 BC, mentioned in 3:8) but before Nineveh's fall to Babylon (612 BC). For over a century, Assyria had terrorized the ancient Near East with brutal military campaigns. They destroyed Israel's northern kingdom (722 BC) and nearly conquered Judah during Hezekiah's reign (701 BC). Assyrian inscriptions boast of horrific atrocities—impaling victims, burning cities, deporting populations. Nahum prophesies Nineveh's total destruction as divine judgment for their wickedness.

Yet verse 7 provides assurance to Judah: while God will devastate Nineveh, He remains a stronghold for those who trust Him. This would have brought immense comfort to Judeans who had suffered under Assyrian oppression. God wasn't indifferent to their pain; He was preparing to judge their oppressor. Archaeological evidence confirms Nineveh's catastrophic destruction in 612 BC by combined Babylonian and Median forces. The city was so thoroughly destroyed that its location was lost for centuries, fulfilling Nahum's prophecy completely.

For the church, this verse provides timeless assurance. Though evil seems to triumph temporarily, God knows His own and will vindicate them. Throughout history, Christians facing persecution have found comfort in Nahum 1:7—God is their stronghold when earthly powers threaten them. The same God who judged Nineveh will judge all wickedness, but those who trust Christ have an eternal refuge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's goodness to those who trust Him coexist with His wrath against those who oppose Him?
  2. In what current 'day of trouble' do you need to experience God as your stronghold?
  3. What does it mean that God 'knows' those who trust Him, and how should that personal knowledge affect your relationship with Him?
  4. How should this verse shape Christian responses to injustice and oppression in the world?
  5. In what ways does taking refuge in God differ from merely believing facts about God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ט֣וֹב1 of 8

“is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

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

לְמָע֖וֹז3 of 8

“a strong hold”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

בְּי֣וֹם4 of 8

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צָרָ֑ה5 of 8

“of trouble”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

וְיֹדֵ֖עַ6 of 8

“and he knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חֹ֥סֵי7 of 8

“them that trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:272 Timothy 2:19Lamentations 3:25John 10:14Psalms 91:1-2Psalms 100:5

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