King James Version

What Does Nahum 2:6 Mean?

Nahum 2:6 in the King James Version says “The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. dissolved: or, molten” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. dissolved: or, molten”

Nahum 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. they: Heb. their show

5

He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. worthies: or, gallants defence: Heb. covering, or, coverer

6

The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. dissolved: or, molten

7

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts. Huzzab: or, that which was established, or, there was a stand made led: or, discovered

8

But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. of old: or, from the days that she hath been look back: or, cause them to turn

Read Nahum 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The gates of the rivers shall be opened (sha'arei hannharot niphtachu, שַׁעֲרֵי הַנְּהָרוֹת נִפְתָּחוּ)—Nineveh's strategic water defenses, including gates controlling canals and the Tigris River, become the means of its destruction. The passive verb niphtachu (were opened) suggests divine action: God opens what man built to protect. Ancient historians (including Diodorus Siculus) record that flooding weakened Nineveh's walls, enabling the besiegers to breach the city.

The palace shall be dissolved (vehahekhal namog, וְהַהֵיכָל נָמוֹג)—the royal palace melts or dissolves. The verb mug (מוּג) means to melt, dissolve, or collapse, suggesting either structural collapse from flooding or metaphorical dissolution of royal power. Excavations of Nineveh's palaces reveal evidence of deliberate burning and destruction. What seemed permanent—the seat of empire, symbol of Assyrian dominance—dissolved like wax before fire. This verse demonstrates divine irony: Nineveh's sophisticated water systems, engineering marvels meant to protect, became instruments of judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nineveh was protected by massive walls (reportedly 50 feet thick, 100 feet high) and a sophisticated system of moats, canals, and water gates. The city's location near the Tigris River provided both defensive advantage and water supply. Ancient accounts describe how flooding preceded the city's fall—whether from natural causes, enemy engineering, or divine intervention. The Babylonian Chronicle and Greek historians corroborate that water played a role in Nineveh's conquest. The phrase 'gates of the rivers' likely refers to sluice gates controlling water flow. When these failed or were breached, flooding weakened walls and enabled conquest. Archaeological evidence confirms the royal palaces were burned and destroyed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of Nineveh's own defenses (water systems) to destroy the city illustrate the principle that no human security withstands divine judgment?
  2. What does the 'dissolving' of the palace teach about the temporary nature of earthly power and glory?
  3. How should believers understand the relationship between natural causes (flooding) and divine purposes in historical judgments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
שַׁעֲרֵ֥י1 of 5

“The gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַנְּהָר֖וֹת2 of 5

“of the rivers”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

נִפְתָּ֑חוּ3 of 5

“shall be opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וְהַֽהֵיכָ֖ל4 of 5

“and the palace”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

נָמֽוֹג׃5 of 5

“shall be dissolved”

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:1-22 Peter 3:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Nahum 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNahum Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nahum 2 with CommentaryAll Nahum ChaptersComplete Nahum QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes