Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "cut down" uses a word that can mean "shorn" or "shaved," turning the tables on the Assyrians, who themselves acted like a razor against other nations. This imagery highlights the powerful, retributive justice of God, showing that those who oppress will face a similar, humiliating fate.
Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Nahum begins by declaring God's fierce judgment on the Assyrian empire, specifically the city of Nineveh, for their cruelty and oppression. He assures God's people, Judah, that their tormentors, though seemingly strong and numerous, will be utterly destroyed. This verse shifts focus to God's perspective, contrasting His dealings with His enemies and His own people, promising final deliverance for Judah.
Even when enemies seem secure and powerful, God's judgment is inevitable and swift. How does this change how we view earthly power?
The verse paints a vivid picture of judgment falling upon the Assyrians, even in their strength.
God's people also face difficult times. But how is His affliction different from the judgment on His enemies?
The second part of the verse offers a profound contrast, shifting focus from the judgment of Nineveh to the experience of God's people (likely Judah or Israel).
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Understand the original words
anah · Hebrew Verb
To cause suffering, distress, or humiliation as a means of discipline or judgment. In a biblical context, it often refers to God's sovereign act of humbling His people to lead them toward repentance or as a response to their rebellion.
Nahum's prophecy offers a powerful message of comfort to Judah, assuring them that their past afflictions by the mighty Assyrian empire were temporary and that God's judgment would bring their oppressors to a sudden and complete end.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and captures many fortified cities. He demands tribute from King Hezekiah of Judah and besieges Jerusalem.
c. 701 BC
Miraculous Defeat of Assyrian Army
An angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp overnight. The remaining army withdraws, and Sennacherib returns to Nineveh.
c. 660-650 BC
Prophecy of Nahum
Nahum delivers his prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, likely during a period of Assyrian decline.
612 BC
Fall of Nineveh
A coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians sacks and destroys Nineveh, ending the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
This passage describes the Assyrians as the rod of God's anger, but also prophesies their destruction, echoing the theme of a powerful enemy being cut down.
Jeremiah 50:17This verse describes Israel being scattered by the Assyrian king, but then promises their return and restoration, mirroring the comfort offered to Judah in Nahum.
Ezekiel 28:7This passage speaks of bringing terror upon a powerful and proud enemy, likening their destruction to them being brought down to the pit, which aligns with the imagery of being cut down.
2 Kings 19:35-36This historical account directly relates to Nahum's prophecy, detailing the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army that was threatening Jerusalem, illustrating the 'passing through' and 'cutting down'.
Revelation 18:10This New Testament passage describes the ultimate destruction of a great oppressive city (Babylon), using similar language of sudden downfall and judgment on a powerful enemy.
cambridgeNahum 1:12: "Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more."
12 . The verse is very obscure. Sept. partly read differently and partly divided the letters otherwise, and did not find the word likewise in their text, rendering, Thus saith the Lord who ruleth over many waters; and Syr., Thus saith the Lord concerning the heads (rulers?) of many waters . The present…
jfbNahum 1:12: "Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more."
12-14. The same truths repeated as in Na 1:9-11, Jehovah here being the speaker. He addresses Judah, prophesying good to it, and evil to the Assyrian.Though they be quiet—that is, without fear, and tranquilly secure. So Chaldee and Calvin. Or, "entire," "complete"; "Though their power be unbroken [Maur…
The phrase "cut down" uses a word that can mean "shorn" or "shaved," turning the tables on the Assyrians, who themselves acted like a razor against other nations. This imagery highlights the powerful, retributive justice of God, showing that those who oppress will face a similar, humiliating fate.
The prophet Nahum begins by declaring God's fierce judgment on the Assyrian empire, specifically the city of Nineveh, for their cruelty and oppression. He assures God's people, Judah, that their tormentors, though seemingly strong and numerous, will be utterly destroyed. This verse shifts focus to God's perspective, contrasting His dealings with His enemies and His own people, promising final deliverance for Judah.
The prophet Nahum begins by declaring God's fierce judgment on the Assyrian empire, specifically the city of Nineveh, for their cruelty and oppression. He assures God's people, Judah, that their tormentors, though seemingly strong and numerous, will be utterly destroyed. This verse shifts focus to God's perspective, contrasting His dealings with His enemies and His own people, promising final deliverance for Judah.
"Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more." — The phrase "cut down" uses a word that can mean "shorn" or "shaved," turning the tables on the Assyrians, who themselves acted like a razor against other nations. This imagery highlights the powerful…
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Last reviewed October 2026