Nahum 2:8

Translation
King James Version
But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.
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KJV (with Strong's)
But Nineveh H5210 is of old H3117 like a pool H1295 of water H4325: yet they shall flee away H5127. Stand H5975, stand H5975, shall they cry; but none shall look back H6437.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Ninveh is like a pool whose water ebbs away. "Stop! Stop!" But none of it goes back.
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Berean Standard Bible
Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.
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American Standard Version
But Nineveh hath been from of old like a pool of water: yet they flee away. Stand, stand, they cry; but none looketh back.
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World English Bible Messianic
But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one looks back.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
But Nineueh is of olde like a poole of water: yet they shall flee away. Stande, stande, shall they crie: but none shall looke backe.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Nineveh is as a pool of waters, From of old it is --and they are fleeing! `Stand ye, stand;' and none is turning!
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See also
Genesis 10:11Revelation 17:15Isaiah 48:20Revelation 17:1Jeremiah 51:30Isaiah 47:13Isaiah 13:14
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Prophecy Against Nineveh
Prophecy Against Nineveh View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 22,708 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Nahum 2:8 vividly portrays the imminent and chaotic downfall of Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. Despite its historical strength and apparent stability, likened to a "pool of water," the verse declares that its inhabitants will flee in utter panic, unable to rally or resist the overwhelming divine judgment. The desperate cries to "Stand, stand" are met with universal flight, symbolizing the complete and irreversible collapse of a once-proud and oppressive power.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Nahum 2:8 is situated within the heart of Nahum's prophecy, which is exclusively dedicated to proclaiming God's judgment against Nineveh. Chapter 1 establishes God's character as a jealous, avenging, and powerful God who is slow to anger but will not leave the guilty unpunished, particularly those who oppose His people. Chapter 2 then shifts to a vivid, almost cinematic description of Nineveh's destruction. Verses 1-7 depict the siege and the initial stages of the city's fall, with the "scatterer" (Babylon and Media) coming against it. Verse 8 specifically focuses on the internal chaos and flight of Nineveh's inhabitants, transitioning from the external assault to the internal disintegration. This verse sets the stage for the complete desolation described in chapter 3, where Nineveh is depicted as a harlot whose nakedness is exposed, leading to its utter ruin. The verse serves as a climactic moment, illustrating the psychological impact of the impending doom on the city's populace.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Nineveh was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a dominant and notoriously cruel power in the ancient Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BC. Known for its military might, brutal conquests, and immense wealth, Nineveh was a symbol of oppressive power. Its fortifications were legendary, including massive walls and a strategic location on the Tigris River. The phrase "of old like a pool of water" likely refers to Nineveh's long-established prosperity, its vast population, or its strategic location near the Tigris River, which could have provided a sense of security and abundance, perhaps even alluding to its role as a hub for trade and a gathering place for peoples. However, Nahum's prophecy, delivered likely in the late 7th century BC, foretold its complete destruction, which came to pass around 612 BC when a coalition of Babylonians and Medes besieged and utterly destroyed the city. This event was a significant shift in regional power dynamics and a testament to the fulfillment of prophetic word.
  • Key Themes: Nahum 2:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Nahum. First, it underscores the theme of Divine Judgment against wickedness and oppression. Nineveh's fall is not random but a direct consequence of God's righteous wrath against its cruelty and idolatry, as foreshadowed in Nahum 1:2-3. Second, it highlights the Sudden and Irreversible Collapse of human power when it stands against God's will. The imagery of fleeing and not looking back emphasizes the overwhelming panic and disarray that will seize the city, contrasting sharply with its former might. This illustrates the futility of human resistance against God's appointed judgment. Finally, the verse reinforces the Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment. Nahum's declaration is not a mere warning but a declaration of what will happen, demonstrating the unwavering reliability of God's word and His sovereign control over history, a truth echoed in Isaiah 46:10.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Nineveh (Hebrew, Nîynᵉvêh', H5210): This is the capital of Assyria, a city of immense power and wealth, notorious for its cruelty and oppression. The mention of Nineveh immediately brings to mind its historical significance as an oppressor of God's people and its previous, albeit temporary, repentance under Jonah. Here, its name is linked to its downfall, a stark reversal of its former glory.
  • pool (Hebrew, bᵉrêkâh', H1295): From a root meaning "to kneel," often referring to a reservoir where camels might rest, or a fish-pool. In this context, it metaphorically describes Nineveh's long-standing stability, abundance, and perhaps its populous nature, like a large body of water. It implies a sense of security and a gathering place, which is now about to be violently dispersed.
  • flee away (Hebrew, nûwç', H5127): A primitive root meaning "to flit," "vanish away," "subside," or "escape." It can also mean to "chase" or "put to flight." Here, it vividly depicts the panicked, uncoordinated flight of Nineveh's inhabitants. It signifies a complete breakdown of order and morale, an uncontrolled stampede away from the impending doom, rather than an orderly retreat.
  • Stand (Hebrew, ʻâmad', H5975): A primitive root meaning "to stand," "abide," "appoint," "arise," "confirm," "endure," or "remain." The repetition of this word ("Stand, stand") underscores a desperate, futile attempt to rally the fleeing populace. It highlights the complete failure of leadership or military command to stem the tide of panic and disarray.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water:": This clause sets the stage by contrasting Nineveh's former state with its impending doom. "Of old" (H3117, yôwm) emphasizes its long-established existence and prosperity, perhaps even its historical dominance. The simile "like a pool of water" suggests abundance, stability, and perhaps a teeming population. It paints a picture of a city that was once vibrant and seemingly unassailable, a hub of activity and life.
  • "yet they shall flee away.": This introduces the abrupt and dramatic reversal. Despite its former stability and strength, the inhabitants of Nineveh will not stand their ground but will instead scatter in terrified flight. The verb "flee away" (H5127, nûwç) conveys a sense of rapid, unorganized, and desperate escape, indicating a complete loss of control and morale.
  • "Stand, stand, [shall they cry];": This is a desperate, repeated command, likely from leaders or military officers, attempting to rally the fleeing populace. The repetition of "Stand" (H5975, ʻâmad) emphasizes the urgency and futility of the plea. It captures the chaotic soundscape of a city collapsing from within, as attempts to restore order are made in vain.
  • "but none shall look back.": This final clause seals the fate of Nineveh's inhabitants. The phrase "look back" (H6437, pânâh) implies turning to face a threat, to regroup, or even to acknowledge the desperate cries of their leaders. The absolute denial ("none") highlights the depth of the panic and the complete lack of cohesion. The flight is so overwhelming and the fear so profound that no one dares to pause or turn, signifying an utter and irreversible defeat.

Literary Devices

Nahum 2:8 is rich in Imagery and Symbolism. The central image is Nineveh as a "pool of water," which initially symbolizes its past vitality, abundance, and perhaps its large, settled population. This image is then powerfully juxtaposed with the "flee away" motif, suggesting the draining or dispersal of this once-full pool, transforming stability into chaotic flight. The verse also employs Simile ("like a pool of water") to convey this initial state. Repetition is prominently used with "Stand, stand," which serves as a powerful Rhetorical Device to emphasize the desperate and futile attempts to rally the panicked inhabitants. This repetition creates a sense of urgent, yet ignored, command, highlighting the utter breakdown of authority and order. The final phrase, "none shall look back," uses Hyperbole to underscore the absolute nature of the panic and the complete absence of resistance or cohesion among the fleeing populace. The entire verse functions as a vivid Prophetic Vision, presenting a future event with such clarity and sensory detail that it feels as if it is happening in the present.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Nahum 2:8 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign judgment against those who oppose His righteousness and oppress His people. It reveals that no earthly power, no matter how great or historically entrenched, can withstand the divine will when its appointed time for judgment arrives. Nineveh's fall serves as a stark reminder that God is just and will ultimately bring all wickedness to account. This particular verse emphasizes the internal collapse born of overwhelming fear, demonstrating that God's judgment can dismantle even the most formidable empires from within, turning their strength into weakness and their stability into chaos. It underscores the fragility of human security apart from God and the certainty of His word.

  • Psalm 9:16: "The Lord is known by the judgment he executes; the wicked are snared by the work of their own hands."
  • Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
  • Jeremiah 49:5: "Behold, I will bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of hosts, from all who are around you, and you shall be driven out, every man straight before him, with none to gather the fugitives."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Nahum 2:8 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and societies. It reminds us that earthly power, wealth, and security are ultimately transient. The fall of Nineveh, a city once deemed invincible, serves as a powerful testament to the fact that true and lasting security is not found in fortifications, military might, or economic prosperity, but in God alone. This passage challenges us to examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of stability. Do we rely on human institutions, financial portfolios, or personal achievements, or do we anchor our hope in the unchanging character and sovereign power of God? It also calls us to consider the consequences of unrepentant sin and oppression, both individually and corporately. God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain. Therefore, we are called to live with humility, to seek righteousness, and to extend compassion, knowing that every action has eternal implications and that all will ultimately stand before the righteous judge.

Questions for Reflection

  • Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust for security and stability in life?
  • How does the swift and irreversible fall of Nineveh challenge my assumptions about human power and control?
  • In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my own strength or resources instead of God's sovereign provision?
  • What lessons can I draw from Nineveh's judgment regarding the importance of repentance and justice in my own life and in society?

FAQ

What does "Nineveh is of old like a pool of water" mean?

Answer: This phrase, "Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water," is a powerful metaphor that describes Nineveh's former state. "Of old" (H3117, yôwm) signifies its long-established existence and historical prominence. The simile "like a pool of water" (H1295, bᵉrêkâh and H4325, mayim) suggests several things about Nineveh. It could refer to its immense population, teeming like a large body of water, or its vast wealth and abundance, flowing like a well-supplied reservoir. It might also allude to its strategic location on the Tigris River, which provided both defense and resources, giving it a sense of stability and security. The imagery evokes a picture of a city that was once vibrant, prosperous, and seemingly unassailable, a hub of activity and life. This description then serves as a stark contrast to the chaotic flight and desolation that Nahum prophesies will soon befall it. The "pool" that once held life and stability is about to be drained and dispersed.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Nahum 2:8 directly prophesies the historical judgment upon Nineveh, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The fall of Nineveh, a symbol of oppressive earthly power and unrepentant wickedness, foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing forces. Just as Nineveh's inhabitants desperately cried "Stand, stand" but found no one to heed, humanity, apart from Christ, is utterly helpless in the face of divine judgment. The panic and flight depicted in Nahum point to the futility of resisting God's righteous wrath, a wrath that was fully poured out on Christ on the cross, so that those who believe might escape it. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, absorbed the judgment due to humanity, offering a way for us to "stand" not in our own strength, but in His perfect righteousness. His victory over sin and death, celebrated in passages like Colossians 2:15, ensures that all earthly powers and systems that oppose God's will are ultimately destined for collapse, just as Nineveh was. The ultimate "fleeing away" will be of all evil and unrighteousness at Christ's return, when every knee will bow and His eternal kingdom will be established, where there will be no more panic or flight, but only perfect peace and justice under His reign, as promised in Revelation 21:1-4.

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Commentary on Nahum 2 verses 1–10

Here is, I. An alarm of war sent to Nineveh, Nah 2:1. The prophet speaks of it as just at hand, for it is neither doubtful nor far distant: "Look about thee, and see, he that dashes in pieces has come up before thy face. Nebuchadnezzar, who is noted, and will be yet more so, for dashing nations in pieces, begins with thee, and will dissipate and disperse thee;" so some render the word. Babylon is called the hammer of the whole earth, Jer. 1:23. The attempt of Nebuchadnezzar upon Nineveh is public, bold, and daring: "He has come up before thy face, avowing his design to ruin thee; and therefore stand to thy arms, O Nineveh! keep the munition; secure thy towers and magazines: watch the way; set guards upon all the avenues to the city; make thy loins strong; encourage thy soldiers; animate thyself and them; fortify thy power mightily, as cities do when an enemy is advancing against them" (this is spoken ironically); "do the utmost thou canst, yet thou shalt not be able to put by the stroke of this judgment, for there is no counsel or strength against the Lord."

II. A manifesto published, showing the causes of the war (Nah 2:2): The Lord has turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel, that is, 1. The Assyrians have been abusive to Jacob, the two tribes (have humbled and mortified them), as well as to Israel, the ten tribes, have emptied them, and marred their vine-branches. For this God will reckon with them; though done long since, it shall come into the account now against that kingdom, and Nineveh the head-city of it. God's quarrel with them is for the violence done to Jacob. Or, (2.) God is now by Nebuchadnezzar about to turn away the pride of Jacob by the captivity of the two tribes, as he did the pride of Israel by their captivity; He has determined to do it, to bring emptiers upon them, and the enemy that is to do it must begin with Nineveh, and reduce that first, and humble the pride of that. God is looking upon proud cities, and abasing them, even those that are nearest to him. Samaria is humbled, and Jerusalem is to be humbled, and their pride brought low; and shall not Nineveh, that proud city, be brought down too? Emptiers have emptied the cities, and marred the vine-branches in the country of Jacob and Israel; and must not the excellency of Nineveh, that is so much her pride, be turned away too?

III. A particular account given in of the terrors wherein the invading enemy shall appear against Nineveh; every thing shall contribute to make him formidable. 1. The shields of his mighty men are made red, and probably their other arms and array, as if they were already tinctured with the blood they had shed, or intended hereby to signify they would put all to the sword; they hung out a red flag, in token that they would give no quarter. 2. The valiant men are in scarlet; not only red clothes, to intimate what bloody work they designed to make, but rich clothes, to intimate the wealth of the army, and that is the sinews of war. 3. The chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation; when they are making their approaches, they shall fly as swiftly as lightning; the wheels shall strike fire upon the stones, and those that drive them shall drive furiously with a flaming indignation, as Jehu drove. Or they carried flaming torches with them in the open chariots, when they made their approach in the night, as Gideon's soldiers carried lamps in their pitchers, to be both a guide to themselves and a terror to their enemies, and with them to set all on fire wherever they went. 4. The fir-trees shall be terribly shaken; the great men of Nineveh, that overtop their neighbours, as the stately firs do the shrubs; or the very standing trees shall be made to shake by the violent concussions of the earth, which that great army shall cause. 5. The chariots of war shall be very terrible (Nah 2:4): They shall rage in the streets, that is, those that drive them shall rage; you would think the chariots themselves raged; they shall be so numerous, and drive with so much fury, that even in the broad ways, where, one would think, there should be room enough, they shall jostle one another; and these iron chariots shall be made so bright that in the beams of the sun they shall seem like torches in the night; they shall run like the lightnings, so swiftly, so furiously. Nebuchadnezzar's commanders are here called his worthies, his gallants (so the margin reads it), his heroes; those he shall recount, and order them immediately and without fail to render themselves at their respective posts, for he is entering upon action, is resolved to take the field immediately, and to open the campaign with the siege of Nineveh. His worthies shall remember (so some read it); they shall be mindful of the duty of their place, and the charge they have received, and shall thereby be made so intent upon their business that they shall stumble in their walks, shall make more haste than good speed; they stumble, but shall not fall; for they shall make haste to the wall thereof, shall open the trenches; and the defence, or the covered way, shall be prepared (something to shelter them from the darts of the besieged), and they shall so closely carry on the siege, and with so much vigour, that at length the gates of the rivers shall be opened (Nah 2:6); those gates of Nineveh which open upon the river Tigris (on which Nineveh was built) shall be first forced by, or betrayed to, the enemy, and by those gates they shall enter. And then the palace shall be dissolved, either the king's house or the house of Nisroch his god; the same word signifies both a palace and a temple. When the God of heaven goes forth to contend with a people, neither the palaces nor their kings, neither the temples nor their gods, can protect and shelter them, but must all inevitably fall with them.

IV. A prediction of the consequences of this; and it is easy to guess how dismal those will be. 1. The queen shall fall into the hands of the enemy (Nah 2:7): Huzzab shall be led away captive; she that was established (so some read it), thought herself safe because she was concealed and shut up in secret, shall be discovered (so the margin reads it) and shall be led away captive, in greater disgrace than that of common prisoners; she shall be brought up in a mock state, and her maids of honour shall lead her, because she is weak and faint, not able to bear such frights and hardships, which are doubly hard and frightful to those that have not been used to them; they shall attend her, not to speak cheerfully to her and to encourage her, but murmuring and moaning themselves, as with the voice of doves, the doves of the valleys (Eze 7:16), noted for their mourning, Isa 38:14; Isa 59:11. They shall be tabering upon their breasts, beating their own breasts in grief and vexation, as if they were drumming upon them, for so the word signifies. 2. The inhabitants, though numerous, shall none of them be able to make head against the invaders, or stand their ground (Nah 2:8): Nineveh is of old like a pool of water, replenished with people as a pool with water (and waters signify multitudes, Rev 17:15), or as those waters with fish; it was long ago a populous city; in Jonah's time there were 120,000 little children in it (Jon 4:11), and, ordinarily, cities and countries are increasing in their number every year; but, though they have so many hands to be employed in the public service, yet they shall not be able to inspire one another with courage, but they shall flee away like cowards. Their commanders shall do what they can to animate them; they shall cry, "Stand, stand, have a good heart on it, and we shall do well enough;" but none shall so much as look back; they shall not have the least spark of courage remaining, but every one shall think it is his wisest course to make his best of the opportunity to escape; they shall not so much as look back to see who calls for them. Note, God can dispirit the strongest and boldest, in the day of distress, so that they shall not be what one would expect from them, but like a pool of water, the water whereof is dried up and gone. 3. The wealth of the city shall become a prey, and all its rich furniture shall fall into the hands of the victorious enemy (Nah 2:9); they shall thus animate and excite one another to plunder: Take the spoil of silver; take the spoil of gold; thus the officers shall stir up the soldiers to improve their opportunity; here are silver and gold enough for them, for there is no end of the store of money and plate. Nineveh, having been of old like a pool of water, has gathered a vast deal of mud; and abundance of glory it has out of all the pleasant furniture, all the vessels of desire, which they have gloried in and which shall now be a prey and a pride to the conquerors. Note, Those who prepare raiment as the clay, and heap up silver as the dust, know not who may put on the raiment and divide the silver, Job 27:16, Job 27:17. Thus this rich city is empty, and void, and waste, Nah 2:10. See the vanity of worldly wealth; instead of defending its owners, it does but expose them, and enable their enemies to do them so much the more mischief. 4. The soldiers and people shall have no heart to appear for the defence of the city. Their spirits shall melt away like wax before the fire; their knees shall smite together (as Belshazzar's did, in his agony, Dan 5:6), so that they shall not be able to stand their ground, no, nor to make their escape; much pain shall be in all loins, as is the case in extreme frights, so that they shall not be able to hold up their backs. And the faces of them all shall gather blackness, like that of a pot that is every day over the fire; so the word signifies. Note, Guilt in the conscience will fill men with terror in an evil day, and those who place their happiness in the wealth of this world and set their hearts upon it think themselves undone when their silver, and their gold, and their pleasant furniture are taken from them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Nahum
(Verses 8, 9.) And Nineveh is like a pool of water; its waters are fleeing. Stand! Stand! But there is no one who can turn back. Plunder the silver, plunder the gold; there is no end to the treasures, the desirable vessels. LXX: And Nineveh is like a pool of water; and they who flee do not stand; there is no one who looks back. They plunder silver, they plunder gold, and there is no end to its ornaments; it is burdened with all the vessels of its desire. It is evident that, when the cities of Nineveh (which Scripture calls her daughters) were led into captivity, Nineveh herself, which had nourished such great populations that it could be compared to the waters of the sea, now has a useless multitude because there is no one who resists and endures the attack of the Babylonians. For it had populations that only fled, and when the mother shouted, 'Stand, stand, close the gates, climb the walls, resist the enemies,' there was no one who would return, no one who would look back at the mother, but everyone turned their backs and abandoned the city to the spoils of the enemies. Where it is said to the Babylonians, because they fled, plunder the silver, and in such a long time gather riches and seize them by sudden devastation. For there is no end to riches, furniture, and vessels that were stored up in Nineveh; nor can you plunder as much as it offers itself for plundering. But because we have already said that Nineveh is splendid, that is, the world, let us see what kind of pool the world is. Scripture does not say that the waters of Nineveh are like the waters of the sea, nor like the waters of rivers, nor like the waters of springs, nor like the waters of wells, but like the waters of a pool: just as, in the book of Jeremiah, the people are accused who have forsaken the fountain of living water and have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that cannot hold water (Jeremiah 2): so also in Nineveh, all those waters that have fallen from the sky, leaving behind their former depth, have poured down into the lowest depths. For all the teachings of the world, which are outside the Church's source and sealed garden, cannot say: The river's current makes the city of God rejoice (Ps. 45:4): nor are they the waters that praise the name of the Lord above the heavens, although they may seem great, yet they are small and confined within a narrow boundary. Let no one be disturbed because we understand the pool in a negative sense, while that pool is understood in a positive sense, to which Isaiah the son of Amos the prophet is commanded to ascend. For there, with an addition, it is said: A pool of flowing water, and a pool of the cloth washer (Is. VII and XXXVI), which is accustomed to wash away filth and stains of clothing (or filth). Because it is placed on high, therefore the prophet is commanded to ascend to it, and to promise victory in the encounter with the king from the two burnt towers. It follows: The fleeing did not stand firm, namely the inhabitants of Nineveh. First, indeed, they should not have fled from God, then also if they had fled, at some point they should have stood firm: For there is a great difference between someone who flees and stands firm, and someone who, fleeing, never stands firm. For the one who stands firm has ceased to flee; the one who does not stand firm always remains in flight. In such a great crowd of those fleeing, there was none who would look back, and repent, and hear the Lord speaking: Return to me, my children, returning, and I will heal your contritions (Jerem. III, 22). Hence also the Holy One speaks in the Psalms: Flight has perished from me (Ps. CXLI, 5). Indeed, I think this also signifies the mystery of leprosy, above which it is said in Leviticus: When a leper has been separated from the priest outside the camp: if the leprosy should stand firm, it [the person] is to be a clean human (Levit. XIII and XIV), and he who had been cast out like a leper is to be cleansed, and to return to camp, and to dwell among the people. But if, the text says, the leprosy has spread, that is, if it does not stand firm but grows and makes progress in evil, and has changed the color of its former health, then the leprosy is most plainly proved by the one who has the knowledge to examine and cleanse the leprosy. But we are also instructed by the true Solomon to dwell in Jerusalem, and to never go out from it. But if that which had been subjected before us flees from us, and goes to other nations, let us not go out of the walls of our city, nor follow the tracks of the fugitives: lest while we wish to save those who are fleeing, we ourselves perish: rather, let us allow them to bury their own dead (Matth. VIII): and let us cut off and cast away from us the eye, hand, and foot that causes scandal, while it is still possible (Marc. IX). Now, what is said: They plundered silver, they plundered gold, and there was no end to their treasures: it refers to the waters of Nineveh, and to those who fled and did not stand firm: there was no one who would look back; and not content with having fled and not looked back, they also plundered silver, whatever eloquence seemed to be in the world: they plundered gold, whatever brilliant sentiments there were in the doctrine of the age, so that they might adorn Nineveh, so that they might compose their teachings with the full flower of all senses and words. Therefore, Nineveh was weighed down with all the treasures of its desires; for the more it possessed a great amount of gold and silver wealth, and various valuable possessions, which were heavy, the more it itself was weighed down, for it loved things that were heavy. Hence, in the book of Zechariah, iniquity sits on a weighed-down talent (Zach. V); and the Egyptians, who were heavy with sins, were submerged in the sea like lead (Exod. XIV). And in the persona of a sinner it is said in the psalm: They were weighed down on me like a heavy burden (Ps. XXXVII, 5). And Peter, who before lightly stepped on the waves: after being weighed down by unbelief, was swallowed up by the waves, is lifted up by the hand of the Lord (Matth. XIV).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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