King James Version

What Does Nahum 3:12 Mean?

Nahum 3:12 in the King James Version says “All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the m...” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nahum 3:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.

Read Nahum 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs (kol-mibtzerekha te'enim im-bikkurim, כָּל־מִבְצָרֶיךָ תְּאֵנִים עִם־בִּכּוּרִים)—Nineveh's fortifications (mivtzar, מִבְצָר, strongholds) are compared to fig trees (te'en, תְּאֵן) with early ripe figs (bikkur, בִּכּוּר). First-ripe figs were delicacies, eagerly anticipated because they ripened before the main crop.

If they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater (im-yinnoa'u venaphlu al-pi okhel)—when shaken (nua, נוּעַ), they fall directly into the eater's mouth. The image depicts effortless conquest: Nineveh's supposedly impregnable defenses will fall as easily as ripe figs drop when the tree is shaken. No struggle, no prolonged siege—just easy plucking. This mocks Nineveh's confidence in fortifications. What seemed strong and secure is actually ripe for picking, ready to fall at the slightest shake.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nineveh's fortifications were legendary—walls reportedly 50 feet thick and 100 feet high, protecting about 1,800 acres. The city seemed impregnable. Yet Nahum prophesied these defenses would prove useless, falling easily like ripe figs. In 612 BC, after a three-month siege, Nineveh fell to Babylon and Media. Ancient sources suggest flooding weakened the walls, making breach easier than expected. What seemed like the ancient world's strongest fortress fell relatively quickly once attacked. The fig tree imagery proved accurate—when shaken by divine judgment, Nineveh's fortifications provided no protection. Archaeological evidence reveals the violence and completeness of the city's destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of fortifications as ripe figs ready to fall demonstrate the futility of trusting in military defenses apart from God?
  2. What does this verse teach about the ease with which God can overthrow seemingly impregnable human powers?
  3. How should believers maintain perspective on apparently overwhelming obstacles or powerful opponents in light of God's sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כָּ֨ל1 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִבְצָרַ֔יִךְ2 of 11

“All thy strong holds”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

תְּאֵנִ֖ים3 of 11

“shall be like fig trees”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

עִם4 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בִּכּוּרִ֑ים5 of 11

“with the firstripe figs”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

אִם6 of 11
H518

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

יִנּ֕וֹעוּ7 of 11

“if they be shaken”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

וְנָפְל֖וּ8 of 11

“they shall even fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל9 of 11
H5921

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

פִּ֥י10 of 11

“into the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אוֹכֵֽל׃11 of 11

“of the eater”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 6:13Isaiah 28:4Habakkuk 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

Nahum 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNahum Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nahum 3 with CommentaryAll Nahum ChaptersComplete Nahum QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes