King James Version

What Does Nahum 3:11 Mean?

Nahum 3:11 in the King James Version says “Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.”

Nahum 3:11 · KJV

Strength

Context

9

Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite ; Put and Lubim were thy helpers. thy helpers: Heb. in thy help

10

Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

11

Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.

12

All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.

13

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.

Read Nahum 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou also shalt be drunken (gam-at tishkeri, גַּם־אַתְּ תִּשְׁכְּרִי)—after describing Thebes' fate, Nahum turns directly to Nineveh: 'you also' will be drunk. Drunkenness here symbolizes divine judgment—the cup of God's wrath. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other prophets use this metaphor: nations 'drink' judgment until they stagger and collapse. The comparison is devastating: just as Thebes fell, so will Nineveh.

Thou shalt be hid (tihyi ne'alamah)—you will be hidden or obscure (alam, עָלַם). This could mean hiding in fear during attack, or being hidden by destruction—buried and forgotten. History fulfilled both meanings: Nineveh's defenders hid during the siege, and afterward the city was so thoroughly destroyed it was literally hidden under earth for millennia. Thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy (gam-at tevaqeshi ma'oz me'oyev)—you will desperately seek refuge from the enemy, but find none. When God's judgment comes, no stronghold provides security.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The metaphor of drinking God's cup of wrath appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15-28, Habakkuk 2:16). Nations that persist in evil eventually 'drink' judgment until they stagger and fall. Nineveh had forced this cup on others for centuries; now it was their turn. In 612 BC, the prophecy was fulfilled precisely. Nineveh sought refuge in its massive fortifications but found no security. The city fell, and its destruction was so complete that it was literally 'hidden'—buried under sand and earth. When archaeologists rediscovered Nineveh in the 1840s, they fulfilled Nahum's prophecy by making visible what had been hidden for over 2,000 years.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the metaphor of drinking God's cup of wrath teach about the cumulative nature of divine judgment against persistent sin?
  2. How does Nineveh being 'hidden' by destruction demonstrate the totality and finality of God's judgment?
  3. What does it mean that no earthly stronghold provides refuge when God's judgment arrives, and where should believers seek true security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
גַּם1 of 10
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַ֣תְּ2 of 10
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּשְׁכְּרִ֔י3 of 10

“Thou also shalt be drunken”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

תְּהִ֖י4 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַֽעֲלָמָ֑ה5 of 10

“thou shalt be hid”

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

גַּם6 of 10
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַ֛תְּ7 of 10
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְּבַקְשִׁ֥י8 of 10

“thou also shalt seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מָע֖וֹז9 of 10

“strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

מֵאוֹיֵֽב׃10 of 10

“because of the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 3:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nahum 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:26Isaiah 2:10Luke 23:30Hosea 10:8Revelation 6:15-17Jeremiah 4:5

Places in This Verse

NinevehSettlement · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E30 verses across 8 books
View all places in Nahum 3 →

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