Nahum 2 11

Nahum 2:11 kjv

Where is the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion's whelp, and none made them afraid?

Nahum 2:11 nkjv

Where is the dwelling of the lions, And the feeding place of the young lions, Where the lion walked, the lioness and lion's cub, And no one made them afraid?

Nahum 2:11 niv

Where now is the lions' den, the place where they fed their young, where the lion and lioness went, and the cubs, with nothing to fear?

Nahum 2:11 esv

Where is the lions' den, the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and lioness went, where his cubs were, with none to disturb?

Nahum 2:11 nlt

Where now is that great Nineveh,
that den filled with young lions?
It was a place where people ? like lions and their cubs ?
walked freely and without fear.

Nahum 2 verses

Nahum 2 11 Meaning

Nahum 2:11 rhetorically asks "Where is?" the powerful city of Nineveh, once depicted as an impenetrable lions' den thriving with its offspring. This powerful imagery signifies Nineveh's utter desolation, collapse, and complete depopulation, serving as a pronouncement of Yahweh's decisive and irreversible judgment on the Assyrian Empire for its ruthless violence and oppression. The verse highlights that the previously feared and secure "den" is now empty and undefended, devoid of any who once brought terror and destruction.

Nahum 2 11 Context

Nahum chapter 2 describes the terrifying and relentless assault on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, by God's chosen instruments of judgment. Following Nahum 1, which declares God's character and His intention to avenge Judah and punish Assyria, chapter 2 vividly details the impending military invasion and the resulting chaos within Nineveh's walls. Verse 11, appearing amidst the vivid portrayal of Nineveh's overthrow, serves as a powerful rhetorical climax, shifting from the action of the siege to the aftermath of utter emptiness and destruction. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Nineveh fell to a coalition of Babylonians and Medes around 612 BC, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the mightiest empires.

Nahum 2 11 Word analysis

• Where is? (אַיֵּה - 'ayyeh): This is a powerful rhetorical question expressing incredulity and total disappearance. It emphasizes that what once seemed so mighty and permanent is now utterly gone, a stark contrast to Nineveh's former perceived invincibility. It points to an irretrievable loss.
• the lions' den (מְעוֹן אֲרָיוֹת - me'on arayot): "Den" (me'on) signifies a dwelling, abode, or secure refuge. "Lions" (arayot) immediately evokes ferocity, strength, and predatory behavior. Assyria, and especially Nineveh, was historically depicted as a predatory nation, its kings boasting of their strength and conquest. This metaphor underscores their brutal, rapacious nature and how they devoured nations.
• the feeding place (וּמִרְעֶה - umi're): Refers to a pasture or place of grazing, specifically for food and sustenance. This further solidifies the imagery of a place where the powerful animals gather and thrive by preying on others, highlighting how Nineveh thrived by plundering conquered territories.
• of the young lions (לִכְפִירִים - li'khfirim): "Young lions" (k'firim) often refers to fierce, adult, vigorous lions, capable of hunting and sustaining themselves. This specifies the type of predatory inhabitants and suggests their sustained power.
• where the lion and female lion went (הָלַךְ אָרִי לָבִיא שָׁם - halakh 'ari lavi' sham): "Lion" ('ari) and "female lion" (lavi') together indicate the presence of adult, breeding lions. This suggests establishment, propagation, and continuation of their fearsome lineage, representing Nineveh's secure dynasty and continuous generation of warriors and rulers.
• where the lion's cubs were (גּוּר אַרְיֵה - gur 'aryeh): "Cubs" (gur 'aryeh) signifies the offspring, the future generation of the predators. This phrase speaks to the complete lineage and secure continuation of their power, indicating that Nineveh's influence was deep-rooted and seemingly perpetuated.
• with no one to disturb them (וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד - v'ein ma'kharid): "No one to disturb them" implies absolute peace, security, and unchallenged dominance. In the context of a lions' den, it means no prey escaped, and no rival dared to challenge. For Nineveh, it reflected their previous subjugation of all opposition and the terror they instilled, making them seemingly invincible. The conjunction with "Where is...?" then makes the contrast stark and horrifyingly effective: this unassailable fortress is now completely empty.

Words-group analysis

The progressive imagery of the lion family – from young, fierce adults, to mating pairs, and finally to vulnerable cubs – illustrates the entire scope of Nineveh's perceived power, dominance, and generational security. The rhetorical question "Where is...?" dramatically contrasts this once thriving, predatory entity with its sudden, total absence. The final phrase "with no one to disturb them" takes on a devastating double meaning: originally speaking of their unchallenged power, it now signifies the emptiness of the den – there is nobody left to be disturbed because everything is destroyed. It's a vivid poetic statement of a comprehensive and utter desolation.

Nahum 2 11 Bonus section

The metaphor of the "lion" was widely used in ancient Near Eastern art and literature to denote strength, sovereignty, and often, brutal conquest. Assyrian kings frequently depicted themselves as mighty lions in their palaces, demonstrating their prowess in battle and hunting. Nahum's prophecy therefore directly challenges and reverses this common propaganda, showing that the very "lion" of Assyria has been utterly devoured or driven out by a higher power—God Himself. This poetic justice emphasizes Yahweh's ultimate dominion over all earthly powers and fulfilled one of the most prominent prophecies against any world power in the Old Testament, showcasing the precise nature of divine foreknowledge and sovereignty.

Nahum 2 11 Commentary

Nahum 2:11 encapsulates the core message of the prophet: the certain and total destruction of Nineveh. Using the potent metaphor of a lions' den, a symbol of brutal strength, territoriality, and fearlessness, the prophet paints a picture of a nation that reveled in its predatory might. The detailed description of the "lion" (male and female), "young lions," and "cubs" signifies Nineveh's complete social structure and perpetuation of power, a place where the "lion" hunted, devoured, and returned safely without fear.

The rhetorical "Where is?" dramatically underscores the radical change: the terrifying, bustling den is now utterly empty. There is no longer a lion to roar, no young lion to prey, no cub to be found, and paradoxically, no one left for the once-invincible lions to disturb. This stark absence directly challenges Assyria's self-glorification and idolatrous trust in their own strength and deities. It's Yahweh's definitive declaration that He, the God of justice, has orchestrated their demise. The verse serves as both a powerful vindication for God's oppressed people (Judah) and a stark warning against unchecked pride and violence, demonstrating that no human empire, no matter how powerful, can escape divine reckoning.