Nahum 1:11

KJV

There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is one come out {H3318} of thee, that imagineth {H2803} evil {H7451} against the LORD {H3068}, a wicked {H1100} counsellor {H3289}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of you, [Ninveh,] he came, one who plots evil against ADONAI, who counsels wickedness.

Berean Standard Bible

From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.

American Standard Version

There is one gone forth out of thee, that deviseth evil against Jehovah, that counselleth wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:11 proclaims that from within Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, emerges a malevolent force—an entity or system that meticulously devises and plots wickedness directly against the sovereign Lord, acting as a counsel of profound evil. This verse underscores the deep-seated malice and premeditated hostility inherent in the Assyrian empire, setting the stage for God's righteous and inevitable judgment upon it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:11 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Nahum, which functions as a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. The preceding verses (e.g., [Nahum 1:2-8](/nahum/1-2-8 "Nahum 1:2-8 - God's Vengeance and Power")) establish the character of the Lord as a jealous and avenging God, slow to anger but great in power, who will by no means clear the guilty. Verses [Nahum 1:9-10](/nahum/1-9-10 "Nahum 1:9-10 - The Lord's Full End of His Adversaries") speak of the Lord making a "full end" of Nineveh and His adversaries, emphasizing that affliction will not rise up a second time. This verse, [Nahum 1:11](/nahum/1-11 "Nahum 1:11 - Nineveh's Wicked Counsel"), then specifically identifies the source and nature of the evil that provokes this divine judgment: a deliberate, internal conspiracy against God Himself, emanating from Nineveh. It serves as a direct indictment, justifying the detailed descriptions of Nineveh's impending destruction that follow in chapters [Nahum 2](/nahum/2 "Nahum Chapter 2 - The Fall of Nineveh") and [Nahum 3](/nahum/3 "Nahum Chapter 3 - Nineveh's Desolation").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Nahum prophesies during a period when Assyria was the dominant superpower in the Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns, cruel treatment of conquered peoples, and insatiable appetite for expansion. Nineveh, its capital, was a symbol of this oppressive power. The prophet Nahum likely delivered his message sometime between the Assyrian conquest of Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt in 663 BC (referenced in [Nahum 3:8-10](/nahum/3-8-10 "Nahum 3:8-10 - The Desolation of No-amon")) and the fall of Nineveh itself in 612 BC. For the people of Judah, who had suffered greatly under Assyrian oppression, including the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel and the siege of Jerusalem (as recounted in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18-19 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Hezekiah's Prayer")), Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's downfall offered immense comfort and hope, fulfilling the meaning of his name, "consolation." The "wicked counsellor" likely refers to the collective leadership and strategic mindset of the Assyrian empire, whose policies and actions were consistently hostile to God's people and, by extension, to God's covenant purposes.

* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is not a passive observer but actively aware of and engaged with the schemes of nations. He sees beyond mere actions to the very intentions and "imaginations" of the heart, especially when they are directed "against the LORD." Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Nature of Evil and Rebellion**, portraying it not as accidental or impulsive, but as a deliberate, calculated, and deeply ingrained "counsel" or strategy. This intentionality makes Nineveh's sin particularly heinous. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Vengeance and Retribution** against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. The identification of the source of evil in [Nahum 1:11](/nahum/1-11 "Nahum 1:11 - Nineveh's Wicked Counsel") serves as a direct precursor to the detailed descriptions of Nineveh's destruction in subsequent chapters, affirming that God's judgment is a just response to such profound wickedness. This divine response brings **Comfort to the Oppressed**, assuring Judah that their oppressor will not prevail indefinitely, echoing the broader biblical promise that God will ultimately deliver His people from their enemies, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:7-10](/psalms/9-7-10 "Psalm 9:7-10 - God Judges the World Righteously").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3318) signifies "to go out" or "to come out," encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In Nahum 1:11, it implies emergence or origination, indicating that the "one" or the "wicked counsellor" is not an external threat but arises from within Nineveh itself. This highlights the internal corruption and inherent nature of the city's evil, rather than an imposed or accidental malice.
* **imagineth (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H2803), this word means "to plait or interpenetrate," and figuratively, "to plot or contrive," often in a malicious sense. It denotes a deliberate mental effort, a careful calculation or devising of plans. The use of _châshab_ here emphasizes that Nineveh's evil is not impulsive but premeditated, a well-thought-out scheme against the Lord and His purposes. It speaks to intentional malice and strategic wickedness.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term (H7451) broadly refers to "bad" or "evil," encompassing both natural and moral aspects. It can denote adversity, calamity, harm, mischief, or wickedness. In this context, _raʻ_ refers to the moral depravity and destructive intent of Nineveh's counsel, specifically directed against the Lord. It signifies the quality of their thoughts and actions as fundamentally harmful and contrary to divine righteousness.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal'_):** This significant term (H1100) is often translated as "worthlessness," "destruction," or "wickedness," and is the root for "Belial" in later texts. It describes something without profit or value, utterly corrupt, and destructive. When applied to a "counsellor," it denotes a source of advice that is not merely misguided but inherently perverse, leading to ruin and embodying profound moral depravity. It underscores the utter depravity and destructive nature of Nineveh's counsel.
* **counsellor (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** This word (H3289), from a primitive root meaning "to advise," "deliberate," or "resolve," refers to one who gives counsel or advice. When paired with "wicked" (bᵉlîyaʻal), it paints a picture of a strategic mind or entity that provides guidance rooted in worthlessness and destruction. This is not merely a person but represents the very spirit and policy of Nineveh's leadership, which consistently plotted against God and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is [one] come out of thee":** This clause directly identifies the source of the evil as originating from within Nineveh itself. The "one" is often interpreted as representing the collective spirit, leadership, or system of the Assyrian empire, rather than a single individual. It emphasizes that the wickedness is intrinsic to Nineveh's character and operations, not an external influence.
* **"that imagineth evil against the LORD":** This phrase reveals the nature and target of Nineveh's internal machinations. The word "imagineth" (Hebrew _châshab_) denotes deliberate plotting and scheming. The "evil" (Hebrew _raʻ_) is not just general wrongdoing but specifically directed "against the LORD" (Hebrew _Yᵉhôvâh_), signifying a direct affront to God's sovereignty, His covenant people, and His divine plan. It highlights the blasphemous and rebellious core of Nineveh's opposition.
* **"a wicked counsellor":** This final descriptor characterizes the nature of the entity or system that "imagineth evil." The term "wicked" (Hebrew _bᵉlîyaʻal_) signifies utter worthlessness, destruction, and profound moral depravity. Coupled with "counsellor" (Hebrew _yâʻats_), it portrays a source of advice or strategy that is inherently corrupt, malicious, and fundamentally opposed to divine wisdom and righteousness. This "counsellor" represents the strategic and intentional malice of Nineveh.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is evident as Nineveh, a city-state, is depicted as having an internal "counsellor" that "imagineth evil." This attributes human-like agency and malicious intent to the entire Assyrian system, making its wickedness more palpable and personal. The phrase "one come out of thee" could also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (the "counsellor" or the "one") stands for the whole (the entire city or empire of Nineveh and its policies). This highlights that the evil is not accidental but integral to Nineveh's very being. Furthermore, the description of "imagineth evil against the LORD" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the audacious and ultimate nature of Nineveh's rebellion. It's not just evil against Judah, but a direct, calculated affront against the Almighty God, underscoring the severity of their sin and the inevitability of divine judgment. The stark contrast between the "wicked counsellor" and the righteous counsel of God (implied throughout the prophetic books) also creates a powerful **Antithesis**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:11 profoundly emphasizes God's omniscience and His active engagement with the affairs of nations. It reveals that the Lord not only sees the outward actions of oppressive empires but also discerns their deepest intentions and strategic plots, even those conceived in secret and directed against His divine authority. This verse underscores the theological truth that no counsel or scheme, no matter how cunningly devised by human or demonic forces, can ultimately prevail against the sovereign will and purposes of God. The "wicked counsellor" of Nineveh stands in stark contrast to the perfect and unchangeable counsel of the Lord, assuring His people that their ultimate deliverance is secure in His hands.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Counsel of Nations"): "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
* [Proverbs 12:5](/proverbs/12-5 "Proverbs 12:5 - Thoughts of the Righteous and Wicked"): "The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit."
* [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - The Lord of Hosts Has Purposed"): "For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? And as for his stretched-out hand, who will turn it back?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:11 offers both comfort and a challenge for contemporary believers. The comfort lies in the assurance that God is fully aware of every malicious plot, every hidden agenda, and every strategic evil devised against His people or His kingdom. No scheme of darkness, whether from oppressive systems, individuals, or spiritual forces, escapes His omniscient gaze. This truth should inspire confidence and trust, reminding us that ultimately, God's purposes will prevail, and His justice will be served. For those who feel oppressed or targeted by evil intentions, this verse is a powerful reminder that their God sees and will act. The challenge, however, is for self-examination: are our own thoughts, intentions, and "counsels" aligned with God's righteous character and holy will? Do we, perhaps subtly, devise plans that prioritize self-interest or worldly gain over divine principles? This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that seeks God's counsel above all else, to reject wicked or self-serving strategies, and to live with integrity, knowing that every thought is laid bare before the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's omniscience regarding evil plots bring you comfort in challenging circumstances?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, devise "counsel" that is not fully aligned with God's will?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our thoughts and plans are submitted to the Lord's righteous counsel?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when evil seems to prevail in the world?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "one" or "wicked counsellor" mentioned as coming out of Nineveh?**

Answer: The "one" or "wicked counsellor" is generally understood not as a single individual but as a personification of the collective leadership, strategic mindset, and inherent character of the Assyrian Empire, particularly its capital, Nineveh. It represents the very spirit and policy of Assyria, which consistently devised and executed malicious plans against other nations, and specifically "against the LORD" by oppressing His covenant people, Israel and Judah. This highlights that the evil was deeply ingrained in their national identity and governance, rather than being an isolated incident or the act of one person.

**Why is it significant that Nineveh "imagineth evil against the LORD" specifically?**

Answer: The phrase "imagineth evil against the LORD" is highly significant because it elevates Nineveh's wrongdoing beyond mere political aggression or human conflict. It reveals that Assyria's actions were not just against other nations or peoples, but were a direct affront to God's sovereignty, His divine plan, and His covenant relationship with Israel. By plotting against God's chosen people, they were, in essence, plotting against God Himself. The Hebrew word for "imagineth" (_châshab_) implies deliberate, premeditated scheming, underscoring the intentional and blasphemous nature of their rebellion against the Almighty. This direct challenge to God's authority is what ultimately provoked His righteous and inevitable judgment upon them, as detailed throughout the book of [Nahum](/nahum/1 "The Book of Nahum").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 1:11 directly addresses the judgment of Nineveh, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "wicked counsellor" from Nineveh, devising evil against the Lord, stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect "Wonderful Counselor" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")). All evil counsel, whether from human systems like Nineveh or from the spiritual forces of darkness, ultimately aims to frustrate God's plan. However, Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, decisively triumphed over all such evil schemes and principalities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The counsel of the wicked is brought to nothing, as the Apostle Paul declares that God makes "the wisdom of this world foolish" ([1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes Worldly Wisdom Foolish")). Jesus embodies the righteous judgment against all who plot evil against God, just as Nineveh faced its destruction. He is the one who will ultimately "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and establish a kingdom whose counsel and reign will stand forever, bringing true comfort and salvation to His people, a far greater consolation than the mere downfall of an earthly empire ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 1:9

¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

2 Chronicles 13:7

And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

1 Samuel 2:12

Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

2 Samuel 20:1

¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:19

And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, [which were] the work of the hands of man.

2 Kings 18:30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.