Nahum 2 12

Nahum 2:12 kjv

The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

Nahum 2:12 nkjv

The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, Killed for his lionesses, Filled his caves with prey, And his dens with flesh.

Nahum 2:12 niv

The lion killed enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his mate, filling his lairs with the kill and his dens with the prey.

Nahum 2:12 esv

The lion tore enough for his cubs and strangled prey for his lionesses; he filled his caves with prey and his dens with torn flesh.

Nahum 2:12 nlt

The lion tore up meat for his cubs
and strangled prey for his mate.
He filled his den with prey,
his caverns with his plunder.

Nahum 2 verses

Nahum 2 12 Meaning

The lion, the fierce lioness, and the lion’s cubs were there, and no one made them afraid.

Nahum 2 12 Context

Nahum chapter 2 vividly describes the impending destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. God is orchestrating the downfall of this powerful and cruel empire. Verse 12 speaks specifically to the Ninevites' failed attempts to rally a defense. They brought out their powerful military forces, described here metaphorically as lions, lionesses, and cubs – representing a formidable array of soldiers. However, despite this apparent strength, their efforts were in vain, and they were utterly without fear or successful resistance. This is a stark contrast to the divine judgment about to fall upon them, where no amount of their military might could provide safety.

Nahum 2 12 Word Analysis

• הָאֲרִי (ha'ariy): The lion. This masculine noun denotes strength, royalty, and fierceness. It is often used metaphorically in Scripture.
• וְהָאֶרֶן (veha'eren): And the lioness. This refers to the female lion, emphasizing maternal protection and predatory skill. It adds a layer of protective fierceness to the image.
• לָבִיא (lavi): Lion's cub. While typically translated as "lion," in some contexts, particularly when paired with larger forms of the word for lion, it can refer to a young lion or cub. It signifies a burgeoning strength.
• וּמְשַׁנּוֹ (umeshanno): And their manes, or their ornament. This word, from shanah, relates to changing or adornment. Some interpretations suggest "their changing" (referring to their fierceness or might) or "their manes" (as a symbol of pride and strength). It's understood to represent their boastful power or military readiness.
• וְאֵין מְבַעֲתָם (ve'ein meva'at'em): And no one was frightening them, or terrifying them. This emphasizes their lack of fear, their self-confidence, and their unchecked aggression in their own eyes, making their ultimate downfall more dramatic. The verb ba'a means to frighten or cause terror.

Words-Group Analysis

• "The lion, the fierce lioness, and the lion's cubs": This imagery represents Nineveh's entire military might. The progression from "lion" (the main fighting force) to "lioness" (the strategic defense or auxiliaries) and "lion's cubs" (the rising generation or smaller units) signifies a complete mobilization of their power.
• "And their manes": This likely refers to their war-ready state, their banners, or their overall formidable appearance that they believed would instill terror. It highlights their perceived invincibility and their proud confidence in their military strength.
• "And no one was frightening them": This phrase underscores the extreme arrogance and self-assurance of the Assyrian army. They believed themselves to be unconquerable, a force that had nothing to fear from any opponent, especially in their own city which they considered impregnable.

Nahum 2 12 Bonus Section

The lion as a symbol is consistent throughout Scripture, often representing strength, royalty, and sometimes even God Himself (e.g., the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Revelation). However, it can also represent fierce enemies. In Nahum 2:12, the Assyrians are portrayed as the lions, but it is God's roaring judgment that will overwhelm them, a common prophetic theme (cf. Amos 3:8). The verse can be seen as highlighting a tragic irony: they assumed the role of the unassailable predator, only to become the prey of God's own judgment.

Nahum 2 12 Commentary

This verse uses powerful lion imagery to describe Nineveh's military. The Assyrians, like lions and their families, felt invincible, confident in their strength and aggression. They boasted in their might, expecting no fear from their enemies and believing themselves to be secure within their formidable city. Nahum's prophecy, however, reveals this confidence to be tragically misplaced. God's judgment is about to descend, and despite their fierce appearance and self-assuredness, they will find no safety. This highlights the theme of divine retribution against arrogance and oppression, showing that earthly power is no match for God's ultimate authority.