Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

God {H410} is jealous {H7072}, and the LORD {H3068} revengeth {H5358}; the LORD {H3068} revengeth {H5358}, and is furious {H1167}{H2534}; the LORD {H3068} will take vengeance {H5358} on his adversaries {H6862}, and he reserveth {H5201} wrath for his enemies {H341}.

ADONAI is a jealous and vengeful God. ADONAI avenges; he knows how to be angry. ADONAI takes vengeance on his foes and stores up wrath for his enemies.

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies.

Jehovah is a jealous God and avengeth; Jehovah avengeth and is full of wrath; Jehovah taketh vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

Nahum 1:2 opens the prophetic book with a powerful declaration of God's character, setting the tone for the coming judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. This verse emphasizes the Lord's absolute sovereignty, His righteous indignation against sin, and His unwavering commitment to justice.

Context of Nahum 1:2

The Book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its brutality and oppression. While Jonah had previously preached repentance to Nineveh, leading to a temporary reprieve, by Nahum's time (likely late 7th century BC), the city had reverted to its wicked ways. This verse serves as the theological foundation for the subsequent prophecies of Nineveh's destruction, asserting that God's judgment is not arbitrary but flows from His inherent nature. It speaks to the Lord's zealous defense of His holiness and His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Jealousy (Qanna): The term "jealous" here (Hebrew: qanna) does not imply human envy or insecurity, but rather God's intense, passionate zeal for His own honor, His covenant, and His people. It signifies His intolerance of idolatry and injustice, and His fierce protection of what is rightfully His. God is zealous for His righteousness and truth.
  • Divine Vengeance and Wrath: The repeated phrase "the LORD revengeth" (Hebrew: naqam) highlights God's role as the ultimate dispenser of justice. This is not personal spite but a righteous response to persistent rebellion and wickedness. His "furious" nature (Hebrew: ba'al chemoth - "possessor of wrath") underscores the certainty and severity of His judgment against those who oppose Him. This is a demonstration of God's divine justice and ultimate authority over all nations.
  • Sovereignty and Retribution: The verse firmly establishes God's absolute control over human history and His unwavering commitment to hold His adversaries accountable. He "reserveth wrath for his enemies," indicating that His judgment is deliberate, just, and inevitable for those who continually defy Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "jealous," qanna (קַנָּא), emphasizes God's passionate commitment to His exclusive worship and His covenant relationship. It is a divine attribute rooted in His holiness. The term "revengeth," naqam (נָקָם), signifies judicial retribution rather than personal revenge, ensuring that justice is served. "Furious" or "possessor of wrath" (ba'al chemoth, בַּעַל חֵמוֹת) further paints a picture of a God who is not indifferent to evil but actively and righteously opposes it.

Practical Application

Nahum 1:2 offers both a warning and a comfort. For those who stand in opposition to God and His ways, it serves as a solemn warning that divine judgment is certain and inescapable. God's patience is not endless, and His justice will prevail. For believers, this verse provides immense comfort, knowing that the God who is zealous for His name is also zealous for His people. He sees injustice, and He will ultimately bring about righteousness. It assures us that God is actively involved in the world, upholding moral order and ultimately triumphing over evil. It calls us to respect His holiness and live in alignment with His will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 20:5

    Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

  • Zechariah 8:2

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.

  • Exodus 34:14

    For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:

  • Psalms 94:1

    ¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

  • Joshua 24:19

    And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

  • Deuteronomy 4:24

    For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

  • Hebrews 10:30

    For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

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