King James Version

What Does Nahum 3:13 Mean?

Nahum 3:13 in the King James Version says “Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the ...” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nahum 3:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women (hinneh ammekh nashim beqirbek, הִנֵּה עַמֵּךְ נָשִׁים בְּקִרְבֵּךְ)—Nahum declares Nineveh's warriors have become like women. In ancient warfare culture, this wasn't denigrating women generally but using gendered language to describe military weakness and fear. Warriors expected to fight courageously instead cower like non-combatants. The verb suggests complete loss of martial spirit—those trained for war unable or unwilling to fight.

The gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies (la'oyevaikh pathoach niphtechu sha'arei artzekh)—gates (sha'ar, שַׁעַר) stand wide open (pathoach niphtechu, intensive opening) to enemies. This depicts either surrender, panic-driven flight leaving gates open, or successful breach. The fire shall devour thy bars (akhelah esh bericheykh)—fire consumes gate bars (beriach, בְּרִיחַ), the heavy wooden or metal bars securing gates. Without defenders, with open gates and burned bars, the city is utterly vulnerable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nineveh's defenders, descendants of the warriors who conquered the ancient Near East, would have considered any suggestion of cowardice deeply insulting. Yet Nahum prophesied their courage would fail when judgment came. In 612 BC, after months of siege, when walls were breached, resistance collapsed. Historical accounts suggest panic and confusion rather than organized defense. The city's gates, meant to keep enemies out, either were opened by terrified inhabitants or burned by attackers. The prophecy proved accurate—Nineveh's military prowess vanished when faced with divinely-ordained judgment. Archaeological evidence of burning confirms fire devoured the city, including its gates and bars.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the failure of Nineveh's military courage teach about the source of true strength and security?
  2. How does this verse illustrate that without God's protection, even the most formidable military forces become powerless?
  3. In what ways do modern societies similarly trust in military might or security systems that could fail instantly if God withdraws His restraining hand?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 12
H2009

lo!

עַמֵּ֤ךְ2 of 12

“Behold thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נָשִׁים֙3 of 12

“of thee are women”

H802

a woman

בְּקִרְבֵּ֔ךְ4 of 12

“in the midst”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

לְאֹ֣יְבַ֔יִךְ5 of 12

“unto thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

נִפְתְּח֖וּ6 of 12

“open”

H6605

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

נִפְתְּח֖וּ7 of 12

“open”

H6605

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

שַׁעֲרֵ֣י8 of 12

“the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אַרְצֵ֑ךְ9 of 12

“of thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אָכְלָ֥ה10 of 12

“shall devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֖שׁ11 of 12

“the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

בְּרִיחָֽיִך׃12 of 12

“thy bars”

H1280

a bolt

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:30Jeremiah 50:37Isaiah 19:16Nahum 2:6Isaiah 45:1-2Psalms 107:16

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