Nahum 1:6

KJV

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who can stand {H5975} before {H6440} his indignation {H2195}? and who can abide {H6965} in the fierceness {H2740} of his anger {H639}? his fury {H2534} is poured out {H5413} like fire {H784}, and the rocks {H6697} are thrown down {H5422} by him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who can withstand his fury? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, the rocks broken to pieces before him.

Berean Standard Bible

Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

American Standard Version

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:6 presents a series of rhetorical questions and vivid imagery to underscore the terrifying and irresistible nature of God's righteous judgment. It challenges anyone or anything to withstand His divine indignation and fierce anger, portraying His fury as an overwhelming, consuming fire that even shatters the most enduring elements of creation, like rocks. This verse serves as a potent theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and power in the face of human and cosmic resistance, setting the stage for the impending judgment upon Nineveh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:6 is situated within the opening theological declaration of the book, often referred to as an "alphabetic acrostic" (though incomplete) in Nahum 1:2-8. This section serves as a foundational preface, establishing the character of Yahweh before the specific pronouncements against Nineveh begin in earnest from Nahum 1:9 onwards. Verses 2-5 introduce God as a jealous, avenging, and powerful deity who is slow to anger but will by no means clear the guilty. The preceding verses describe His awesome power over creation, depicting Him as one who controls the storm, dries up the sea, and causes mountains to quake. Verse 6 logically follows this portrayal, posing rhetorical questions that highlight the futility of resisting such a majestic and powerful God, thereby setting the stage for the inevitable destruction of Nineveh, which is detailed in the subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Nahum is an oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a dominant and notoriously cruel power in the ancient Near East during the 7th century BC. Assyria had a long history of oppressing Israel and Judah, employing brutal tactics in warfare and administration, including mass deportations, impalement, and flaying. Nineveh itself was a formidable city, heavily fortified with massive walls, making it seem impregnable to human assault. The prophet Nahum's message would have been delivered during a period when Assyrian power was beginning to wane, but still formidable, offering a message of hope and vindication to the oppressed people of Judah. The imagery of fire and shattered rocks would have resonated with ancient audiences accustomed to seeing divine power manifested through natural disasters and military might, emphasizing that even the most formidable human strongholds were nothing before God.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's Irresistible Sovereignty and Power**. The rhetorical questions "Who can stand?" and "who can abide?" assert that no earthly or cosmic force can withstand His judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine control over all creation and human affairs, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 76:7](/psalms/76-7 "Psalm 76:7 - God's Awe-Inspiring Presence"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Indignation and Righteous Wrath**. Terms like "indignation," "fierceness of his anger," and "fury" convey the intensity and destructive capacity of God's righteous judgment against sin and wickedness, particularly against the oppressive Assyrian Empire. This wrath is not arbitrary but a just response to unrepentant evil, as seen in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Justice"). Thirdly, the imagery of "fire" and "rocks are thrown down" illustrates the **Cosmic Manifestation of Judgment**. God's power extends over creation itself, capable of dismantling the most solid elements of the natural world, foreshadowing the overwhelming and comprehensive nature of His coming judgment on Nineveh and any entity that opposes His holy will, a concept also found in [Revelation 6:17](/revelation/6-17 "Revelation 6:17 - The Great Day of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, this term describes a deep, boiling displeasure, often associated with God's fury or rage, particularly His displeasure with sin. It conveys a strong, righteous anger that is not merely emotional but carries the weight of divine judgment and potential curse.
* **fierceness (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** From H2740, this word denotes a "burning of anger." When combined with "anger" (H639, _ʼaph_, meaning "nose" or "nostril," referring to the hot breath of intense anger), it forms a powerful idiom for intense, hot, and consuming wrath. It signifies the most severe form of divine displeasure, a furious and unyielding wrath.
* **thrown down (Hebrew, _nâthats'_):** From H5422, this primitive root means "to tear down," "beat down," "break down," or "overthrow." In the context of "rocks being thrown down," it emphasizes the utter demolition and shattering power of God's fury, capable of dismantling even the most solid and enduring structures of the natural world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who can stand before his indignation?"**: This rhetorical question immediately challenges the reader to consider the utter futility of resisting God's righteous anger. "Stand" (H5975, _ʻâmad_) implies not only physical endurance but also the ability to withstand, oppose, or remain firm in the face of an overwhelming force. The answer implied is "no one," emphasizing God's absolute and unchallengeable authority and power.
* **"and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?"**: This second rhetorical question reinforces the first, using a synonymous parallel. "Abide" (H6965, _qûwm_) means to rise, endure, or continue, suggesting that no one can survive or remain in the presence of God's intense, burning wrath. The "fierceness of his anger" (H2740, _chârôwn_ + H639, _ʼaph_) paints a picture of a wrath so hot and consuming that it leaves no room for survival or escape.
* **"his fury is poured out like fire"**: This clause shifts from rhetorical questions to a declarative statement, vividly describing the nature and effect of God's wrath. "Fury" (H2534, _chêmâh_) signifies a passionate heat or rage. The verb "poured out" (H5413, _nâthak_) suggests an unrestrained, overwhelming deluge, like molten lava or an unstoppable flood of fire. The simile "like fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_) emphasizes its consuming, destructive, and purifying power, leaving nothing but desolation in its wake.
* **"and the rocks are thrown down by him."**: This final clause provides a concrete and dramatic illustration of the extent of God's power. Rocks (H6697, _tsûwr_), typically symbols of strength, permanence, and immovability, are depicted as being "thrown down" (H5422, _nâthats_) or shattered by God. This imagery underscores that if even the most enduring elements of creation cannot withstand His fury, then no human kingdom, no matter how fortified (like Nineveh), can hope to stand.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the overwhelming nature of God's wrath. The verse opens with a pair of **Rhetorical Questions** ("Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?"). These questions are not meant to be answered but to emphasize the undeniable truth that no one can withstand God's power, thereby engaging the reader and highlighting the futility of resistance. **Imagery** is central to the verse, particularly the vivid depiction of God's "fury... poured out like fire" and "rocks are thrown down by him." This sensory language evokes a sense of immense heat, destruction, and seismic power, making God's wrath tangible and terrifying. The phrase "poured out like fire" is a **Simile**, directly comparing God's fury to fire to convey its consuming and overwhelming nature. The shattering of "rocks" by God's power serves as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the effect of His wrath to underscore its absolute and irresistible force, implying that even the most solid and enduring aspects of creation are vulnerable before Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice and sovereignty. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of wickedness but actively intervenes with consuming power to execute righteous judgment. This portrayal of divine wrath is not capricious but is a manifestation of His holiness against sin, particularly the unrepentant cruelty of nations like Assyria. The verse powerfully asserts that God's power transcends all earthly might and natural barriers, ensuring that His will ultimately prevails. This foundational truth provides both a warning to the wicked and immense comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that their oppressor's power is fleeting compared to the eternal justice of God.

* [Psalm 76:7](/psalms/76-7 "Psalm 76:7 - The Fear of the Lord"): "Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?"
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire"): "For our God is a consuming fire."
* [Revelation 6:17](/revelation/6-17 "Revelation 6:17 - The Great Day of Wrath"): "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:6 confronts us with the awe-inspiring and terrifying reality of God's power and righteous anger. For those who acknowledge Him, this verse calls for profound reverence and humility. It reminds us that our God is not to be trifled with; His justice is unwavering, and His power is absolute. This should lead us to a deeper understanding of the seriousness of sin and the urgent need for repentance and reliance on His mercy. For those who feel oppressed or witness great injustice in the world, Nahum 1:6 offers a powerful assurance: God sees, and He will act. The seemingly insurmountable power of evil regimes or personal struggles will ultimately crumble before His might. This verse challenges us to align our lives with His holy character, to seek refuge in Him, and to trust that He will ultimately bring justice and restoration, even if it means the shaking of the very foundations of the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's fury being "poured out like fire" and "rocks thrown down" shape your understanding of His power and holiness?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to remember that no one can "stand before his indignation" or "abide in the fierceness of his anger"?**
* **How does the terrifying aspect of God's wrath, as depicted in this verse, lead you to a deeper appreciation for His mercy and grace?**

### FAQ
**Does Nahum 1:6 contradict God's character as a loving God?**

Answer: No, Nahum 1:6 does not contradict God's loving character but rather presents a complementary aspect of His divine nature: His perfect justice and holiness. The Bible consistently portrays God as both loving and just. His love is demonstrated in His patience, mercy, and desire for reconciliation, as seen in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). However, His love does not negate His holiness or His righteous opposition to sin and evil. God's "indignation" and "fierceness of His anger" are directed against unrepentant wickedness and oppression, which are an affront to His character and harmful to His creation. This wrath is a necessary expression of His justice, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished and that ultimately, righteousness will prevail. The very fact that God's wrath is so formidable underscores the incredible grace extended to those who find refuge in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 1:6, with its vivid portrayal of God's uncontainable wrath and judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of an unapproachable God whose fury shatters rocks, the New Testament reveals that God's righteous wrath against sin was fully poured out upon His own Son, Jesus, on the cross. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full "indignation" and "fierceness of His anger" that humanity deserved, becoming a propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Therefore, for those who are "in Christ," the terrifying questions of Nahum 1:6 are answered not by our ability to stand, but by His perfect standing in our place. We are no longer subject to the "fury poured out like fire," because Christ consumed that fire for us. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He has become our refuge, the very "rock" that was shattered for our salvation, so that we might "abide" in His presence, not in fear of judgment, but in the peace of His grace ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). Ultimately, Nahum 1:6 points to the absolute necessity of a Savior who alone could withstand God's wrath, allowing believers to stand righteous before Him on the day of judgment ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")).

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

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Malachi 3:2

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

Deuteronomy 32:22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Deuteronomy 32:23

I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

Psalms 76:7

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

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.

Lamentations 4:11

The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.