Nahum 3:1

KJV

¶ Woe to the bloody city! it [is] all full of lies [and] robbery; the prey departeth not;

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} to the bloody {H1818} city {H5892}! it is all full {H4392} of lies {H3585} and robbery {H6563}; the prey {H2964} departeth {H4185} not;

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to the city of blood, steeped in lies, full of prey, with no end to the plunder!

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey.

American Standard Version

Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and rapine; the prey departeth not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:1 opens with a stark prophetic indictment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, declaring a "woe" upon it. The verse vividly portrays the city as utterly steeped in violence, deception, and relentless plunder, a place where the spoils of its conquests never cease. This pronouncement immediately establishes the prophet's central message: God's righteous judgment is imminent upon a city whose very foundation is built upon bloodshed, lies, and rapacious exploitation, signaling the inevitable downfall of a wicked and unrepentant empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:1 serves as the dramatic opening of the second major section of the book, which focuses on the explicit reasons for Nineveh's impending destruction, following the initial declaration of God's character and general judgment in [Nahum 1](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - God's Vengeance and Goodness") and the detailed description of Nineveh's siege and fall in [Nahum 2](/nahum/2 "Nahum 2 - The Fall of Nineveh"). This verse shifts from the "how" of Nineveh's destruction to the "why," laying bare the city's profound moral depravity. It sets the stage for the graphic descriptions of Nineveh's demise that follow, emphasizing that its end is a just consequence of its inherent wickedness, particularly its relentless cruelty and deceit. The "woe" pronouncement is a common prophetic literary device, signaling a solemn curse or judgment against a person, city, or nation, often preceding a detailed list of their offenses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Nahum is directed against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BCE. Assyria was notorious for its brutal military campaigns, its policy of mass deportation, and its cruel treatment of conquered peoples, including the Northern Kingdom of Israel (which it had destroyed) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (which it had severely oppressed, as seen in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18-19 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")). Nineveh itself was a massive, heavily fortified city, a symbol of Assyrian might and imperial ambition. The prophet's message would have been delivered around 630-612 BCE, a period when Assyria's power was beginning to wane, but it still posed a significant threat. The description of Nineveh as "bloody" and "full of lies and robbery" accurately reflects its historical reputation as a ruthless, predatory empire that thrived on conquest and plunder, often achieved through deceitful treaties and overwhelming force.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Nahum and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that no nation, however powerful, is beyond God's judgment for its persistent wickedness. Nineveh's depravity, characterized by "bloodshed" and "lies and robbery," illustrates the theme of **Moral Corruption and Unrepentance**. Unlike its temporary repentance in [Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh's Repentance"), Nineveh has reverted to its violent ways, highlighting the cyclical nature of sin and the ultimate consequences of unaddressed evil. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **God's Vindication of the Oppressed**. While not explicitly stating it, the judgment pronounced against Nineveh serves as a divine assurance to those who suffered under Assyrian tyranny that God sees their affliction and will bring retribution upon their oppressors, affirming God's character as a righteous judge who defends the vulnerable, as echoed in [Psalm 9:9-10](/psalm/9-9-10 "Psalm 9:9-10 - God as a Refuge for the Oppressed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection (H1945) is a lament, a cry of sorrow, or a dire warning of impending doom. It is a common prophetic declaration, signaling a curse or judgment, often used to express grief over a coming catastrophe or to denounce moral corruption. Here, it functions as a solemn pronouncement of condemnation against Nineveh, emphasizing the certainty and severity of its impending judgment.
* **Bloody (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** Derived from the root for "blood" (H1818), this term, often used in the plural (`dâmîm`), signifies not just the presence of blood but extensive bloodshed, violence, and the guilt associated with murder and wanton destruction. It points to Nineveh's history of military aggression, mass slaughter, and the systemic violence that characterized its empire-building and maintenance. The city is not merely stained with blood; it is defined by it.
* **Prey (Hebrew, _ṭereph'_):** This word (H2964) refers to something torn, plunder, or food obtained by tearing. In this context, it vividly describes the spoils of war, the wealth and resources violently seized from conquered nations. The phrase "the prey departeth not" emphasizes Nineveh's insatiable appetite for plunder and its relentless, continuous acquisition of wealth through violent means, suggesting a city perpetually engaged in rapine and exploitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe to the bloody city!"**: This opening exclamation immediately sets a tone of divine condemnation. The term "woe" (H1945) is a prophetic lament and a declaration of impending judgment. "Bloody" (H1818) refers to the extensive bloodshed and violence that characterize Nineveh's history and identity. It signifies a city saturated with the guilt of countless acts of murder, conquest, and oppression, marking it as an object of God's righteous wrath.
* **"it [is] all full of lies [and] robbery;"**: This clause further elaborates on Nineveh's profound moral corruption. The city is not merely stained by violence but is entirely permeated by deceit ("lies," H3585, implying hypocrisy and treachery) and rapacious plunder ("robbery," H6563, conveying violent tearing apart and seizure). This indicates that Nineveh's power and wealth were built on a foundation of both strategic deception and brutal exploitation, reflecting a systemic lack of integrity and an insatiable greed.
* **"the prey departeth not;"**: This phrase underscores the relentless and continuous nature of Nineveh's predatory behavior. "Prey" (H2964) refers to the spoils of war and the victims of its aggression. The declaration that the prey "departeth not" (H4185) means that the city is perpetually engaged in plundering, constantly acquiring new victims and wealth through its military might. It paints a picture of an empire whose very existence depends on ceaseless conquest and exploitation, never satisfied with its gains.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, as the prophet directly pronounces "Woe to the bloody city!" This direct address imbues the pronouncement with immediacy and solemnity. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the city as "all full of lies and robbery," emphasizing the pervasive and overwhelming nature of Nineveh's corruption rather than a literal saturation. This exaggeration highlights the city's complete moral bankruptcy. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is used where "bloody" represents the city's actions and character (bloodshed), and "prey" stands for the victims and spoils of its conquests. The phrase "the prey departeth not" also functions as **Synecdoche**, where a part (the departing prey) represents the whole process of continuous plunder and exploitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:1 profoundly articulates God's unwavering justice against nations characterized by systemic violence, deceit, and oppression. It serves as a stark reminder that divine patience has limits and that unchecked wickedness will inevitably incur divine judgment. The verse highlights that God is not indifferent to human suffering or the abuse of power, but actively intervenes in history to bring accountability to those who perpetrate injustice. This theological truth assures believers that despite the apparent triumph of evil in the world, God's moral order will ultimately prevail, and His righteous character will be vindicated.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Things the Lord Hates")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:1 confronts us with the sobering reality of divine judgment against unrepentant wickedness, urging us to consider its implications for our own lives and societies. The characteristics attributed to Nineveh—bloodshed, lies, and robbery—are not confined to ancient empires but manifest in various forms today, from systemic injustices and economic exploitation to personal deceit and violent tendencies. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination, prompting us to ask whether our own hearts or communities harbor similar sins, even in subtle forms. It reminds us that true flourishing, whether for an individual or a nation, cannot be built on foundations of violence, falsehood, or insatiable greed. Instead, it must be rooted in justice, truth, and compassion. Ultimately, this passage offers a profound assurance that God is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, and His justice will ultimately prevail, providing hope for the oppressed and a warning to the oppressor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "bloody city" of Nineveh serve as a warning for contemporary societies or even individual lives today?**
* **How does the concept of God's unwavering justice, as depicted in Nahum 3:1, shape your understanding of His character?**
* **What practical steps can individuals or communities take to resist the "lies and robbery" (deceit and exploitation) that are prevalent in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nineveh called "the bloody city"?**

Answer: Nineveh is called "the bloody city" because it was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was infamous for its brutal military campaigns, massacres, and cruel treatment of conquered peoples. The term "bloody" (H1818, _dâm'_) signifies not just the shedding of blood but the pervasive guilt and violence that characterized the city's history and the empire's policies. Their expansion and maintenance of power were built upon relentless aggression and the systematic oppression of other nations, leaving a trail of bloodshed and devastation across the ancient Near East, as detailed throughout the historical books of the Old Testament (e.g., [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")).

**What does "the prey departeth not" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the prey departeth not" (H2964, _ṭereph'_ for prey; H4185, _mûwsh'_ for departeth) vividly illustrates Nineveh's insatiable and continuous appetite for plunder and exploitation. It means that the city was constantly engaged in acquiring spoils of war, wealth, and resources from its victims, never ceasing its predatory activities. This highlights Nineveh's relentless pursuit of material gain through violent means, signifying a city whose very existence and prosperity were dependent on the perpetual subjugation and robbery of others. It portrays an empire that was never satisfied with its conquests but always sought more "prey."

**Is this prophecy relevant today, given that Nineveh no longer exists?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy remains highly relevant today, even though ancient Nineveh has long since fallen. Nahum 3:1 articulates timeless principles about divine justice and the consequences of unchecked wickedness. It serves as a powerful reminder that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, particularly for violence, deceit, and oppression. The characteristics of Nineveh—a city built on bloodshed, lies, and robbery—are archetypal of any society or system that prioritizes power and gain over justice and truth. Thus, the prophecy offers a universal warning against such depravity and provides assurance that God is sovereign over history, ultimately bringing justice to bear against all forms of evil, as seen in the ultimate judgment described in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:1 directly condemns Nineveh, its pronouncement of "woe" against a city steeped in bloodshed, lies, and robbery finds its ultimate resolution and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "bloody city" represents the culmination of human sin and rebellion, a world stained by violence and deceit. Christ, however, is the very embodiment of truth and righteousness, the one in whom there is no lie ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He did not come to plunder or oppress, but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "bloody" nature of Nineveh, built on the shedding of innocent blood, stands in stark contrast to the innocent blood of Christ, which was shed not for conquest but for the forgiveness of sins, establishing a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). Furthermore, the "prey" that never departs from Nineveh speaks of ceaseless exploitation; yet, Christ, as the Good Shepherd, protects His flock from predators and gathers His own, offering eternal security and true freedom from the bondage of sin and death ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Ultimately, while Nahum prophesied the judgment of a wicked city, Christ will return as the righteous judge, not only to condemn all forms of "bloody" and deceitful systems but also to establish His kingdom of perfect justice and peace, where truth reigns and exploitation is no more ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge")).

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

Habakkuk 2:12

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

Zephaniah 3:1

¶ Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Zephaniah 3:3

Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Ezekiel 22:2

Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

Ezekiel 22:3

Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Ezekiel 24:6

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum [is] therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.