Nahum 3 3

Nahum 3:3 kjv

The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:

Nahum 3:3 nkjv

Horsemen charge with bright sword and glittering spear. There is a multitude of slain, A great number of bodies, Countless corpses? They stumble over the corpses?

Nahum 3:3 niv

Charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses?

Nahum 3:3 esv

Horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain, heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end ? they stumble over the bodies!

Nahum 3:3 nlt

See the flashing swords and glittering spears
as the charioteers charge past!
There are countless casualties,
heaps of bodies ?
so many bodies that
people stumble over them.

Nahum 3 verses

Nahum 3 3 Meaning

The sword, the spears, and the coat of mail are evident; and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is no end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses. This verse vividly portrays the utter devastation and the massive number of casualties inflicted upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, by its conquerors. It emphasizes the complete annihilation of their military might and the shocking scale of death, so overwhelming that the fallen lie everywhere.

Nahum 3 3 Context

This verse is part of Nahum's prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nineveh was a powerful and ruthless city, notorious for its cruelty and oppression. Nahum's prophecy details the impending destruction of this wicked city. The previous chapter describes the chariots, the flashing sword, the glittering spear, and the great number of the slain, setting the stage for the devastating picture painted in chapter 3. The prophet is enumerating the comprehensive nature of God's judgment on Nineveh, leaving no aspect of their defense or military might intact, and highlighting the immense death toll. This judgment is understood within the broader context of the "Day of the Lord," a prophetic concept referring to times of divine intervention and judgment against nations.

Nahum 3 3 Word Analysis

• and the sworde: (Hebrew: וְחֶרֶב - wəḥé·reḇ) This signifies a weapon of war, representing conflict and the instrument of slaughter. The singular form emphasizes its prominent role.

• and the speare: (Hebrew: וּרְמִחִים - wərəmí·ḥîm) A thrusting weapon, indicative of close combat and military force. The plural form suggests the multitude of weapons used in the assault.

• and the sheild: (Hebrew: וּמָגִין - wəmā·ḡîn) This term refers to a defensive covering, a shield or buckler. Its inclusion highlights the failure of Nineveh's defenses against the impending onslaught. The singular here might refer to the overall concept of defense being ineffective.

• and the brestplate: (Hebrew: וּקְרָ֤שׁ - ūqərāsh) This specifically denotes armor worn on the chest, indicating protection for the warrior. Its presence signifies that even those who were protected by armor were overcome.

• and the keuer- of speare: (Hebrew: מַצָּ֣וָה - māṣ·ṣā·wâ) This word can mean "ordered," "appointed," or "assigned." In this context, it's likely referring to a "succession" or "row" of spears or weapons, implying the continuous and overwhelming deployment of military force. Some interpretations consider it "ordered ascent" or "assault."

• and the flame of the speares: (Hebrew: וּבְזִקִּ֥י שְׁלַהֶבֶת - ūḇəziqqî shəlá·ḥĕ·ḇet) This phrase is highly evocative, speaking of "flaming points" or "gleaming points." It suggests not only the sharp, deadly points of spears but also a visual effect of the multitude of weapons under light, or perhaps even the terrifying imagery of fires associated with the sack of the city. It's a powerful image of military preparedness and aggressive intent.

• and the coate of maiyle: (Hebrew: וְעַל־שִׁרְיוֹן - wə‘al-shîryôn) This refers to the chainmail or corselet worn by soldiers for protection. Its mention signifies that even heavily armed and protected soldiers were unable to withstand the attackers.

• Multitude of slain: (Hebrew: הֲלָלוּת הָרֻגִים - hălālūṯ hārūḡîm) This literally means "hosts of the slain" or "legions of the killed." It emphasizes an overwhelming number of dead, suggesting a scene of widespread carnage.

• great number of carcases: (Hebrew: רֹב עֲרִיִים - rōḇ ‘ă·rî·yîm) This signifies a vast quantity of corpses. "‘Arîyîm" denotes naked, fallen bodies, stripped or unburied, emphasizing the complete desolation.

• no end of their coirpeses: (Hebrew: וְאֵין־קֵ֣צ לְנִבְלָתָ֔ם - wə’ên-qēṣ ləniḇ·lā·ṯām) This emphasizes the sheer incomprehensibility of the death toll. "Niḇ·lā·ṯām" specifically refers to corpses or dead bodies, underscoring the magnitude of the loss. The lack of an end suggests a relentless, overwhelming slaughter.

• they stumble vpon their corpses: (Hebrew: נִבְלָתָם עַל־ נִבְלָתָם - niḇ·lā·ṯām ‘al-niḇ·lā·ṯām) This repetition, "corpse upon their corpse," graphically illustrates the horrifying extent of the death. The living are tripping over the dead, a stark picture of a city buried in its own fallen population.

Nahum 3 3 Bonus Section

The "flame of the spears" imagery in the Hebrew (בְּזִקִּי שְׁלַהֶבֶת - bəziqqî shəlá·ḥĕ·ḇet) is particularly striking. Scholars note this could refer to polished spearheads gleaming in the sun or light, giving a sense of terrifying, unified military might advancing. Alternatively, it could allude to actual fire being used in the conquest, as was common in ancient sieges and battles. The Hebrew word ziq can refer to a spark or a flash, reinforcing the idea of a brilliant, threatening gleam. The profound impact of this verse lies in its ability to convey the overwhelming sensory experience of a city under total assault, emphasizing both the instruments of war and their devastating human cost. The imagery echoes the destruction of other formidable ancient cities, reinforcing the universal principle that oppressors will face divine judgment.

Nahum 3 3 Commentary

Nahum 3:3 paints a chilling picture of Nineveh's destruction. It's not merely about military defeat but utter annihilation. The emphasis on every defensive weapon and every type of soldier being overcome highlights the completeness of God's judgment against Assyria's brutality. The imagery of stumbling over corpses conveys the shock and scale of the carnage, suggesting a scene where the very ground is obscured by the dead. This verse underscores that no earthly power, however armed or prepared, can stand against the divine wrath when it is unleashed against injustice and violence. The repetition and the sheer quantity described serve to emphasize the horror and finality of the judgment pronounced by God.