Nahum 3:12

All thy strong holds [shall be like] fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.

All thy strong holds {H4013} shall be like fig trees {H8384} with the firstripe figs {H1061}: if they be shaken {H5128}, they shall even fall {H5307} into the mouth {H6310} of the eater {H398}.

All your fortifications will be like fig trees with early ripening figs; the moment they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater!

All thy fortresses shall be like fig-trees with the first-ripe figs: if they be shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

Commentary

Nahum 3:12 (KJV) delivers a powerful and vivid prophecy regarding the swift and complete downfall of Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. The verse declares, "All thy strong holds [shall be like] fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater."

Context of Nahum 3:12

The Book of Nahum is primarily a prophetic oracle against Nineveh, a city infamous for its cruelty, idolatry, and oppressive rule over conquered peoples. Despite its immense fortifications and military prowess, Nineveh was destined for destruction. This verse is part of a larger indictment (Nahum 3:1-7) detailing the city's impending doom. The imagery used here underscores the ease and inevitability of its fall, directly contrasting with Nineveh's self-perception as an impregnable fortress. The Assyrian Empire, once a terror to the ancient Near East, would be utterly dismantled by God's sovereign hand.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute authority over human empires. No earthly power, regardless of its perceived strength or military might, can withstand the judgment of the Almighty. This speaks to the truth that God rules in the kingdom of men, setting up and pulling down rulers.
  • Vulnerability of the Mighty: Nineveh's "strong holds" (fortified cities and defenses) are depicted as no more resistant than ripe figs. This highlights the fragility of human strength and pride when confronted with divine power.
  • Swiftness and Ease of Fall: The comparison to "firstripe figs" is crucial. These were the earliest and most desired figs, easily dislodged from the branch with a mere shake and ready to be consumed. This imagery conveys the suddenness and effortlessness with which Nineveh's defenses would collapse, falling directly into the hands of its conquerors. It signifies a complete and decisive victory for the attackers, almost without struggle, akin to gleanings after a harvest.
  • Justice for Oppression: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Nahum emphasizes that Nineveh's destruction was a just retribution for its widespread violence, treachery, and oppression (see Nahum 3:1).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "strong holds" is mibtsar (ืžึดื‘ึฐืฆึธืจ), which refers to a fortified place or fortress. This emphasizes the significant defensive structures Nineveh possessed, making the comparison to fragile figs even more striking.
  • "Firstripe figs" comes from the Hebrew bikkurah (ื‘ึผึดื›ึผื•ึผืจึธื”), denoting the very first fruits of the fig tree, which were considered a delicacy and easily plucked. This choice of imagery vividly portrays the effortless nature of Nineveh's capture.

Practical Application

Nahum 3:12 serves as a timeless reminder of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. For believers, it offers comfort that God sees and will ultimately judge all injustice and oppression. For those who rely on worldly power or pride, it stands as a stark warning: no human achievement, military might, or fortified position can ultimately stand against the will of God. It encourages humility and trust in the Lord, recognizing that true security is found not in earthly strongholds but in the eternal power of God.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 6:13

    And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

  • Isaiah 28:4

    And the glorious beauty, which [is] on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, [and] as the hasty fruit before the summer; which [when] he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.

  • Habakkuk 1:10

    And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.
โ† Back