Nahum 3:15

KJV

There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.

KJV (with Strong's)

There shall the fire {H784} devour {H398} thee; the sword {H2719} shall cut thee off {H3772}, it shall eat thee up {H398} like the cankerworm {H3218}: make thyself many {H3513} as the cankerworm {H3218}, make thyself many {H3513} as the locusts {H697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There the fire will burn you up; and the sword will cut you down; it will devour you like grasshoppers. Make yourselves as many as grasshoppers, Make yourselves as many as locusts!

Berean Standard Bible

There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and consume you like a young locust. Make yourself many like the young locust; make yourself many like the swarming locust!

American Standard Version

There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off; it shall devour thee like the canker-worm: make thyself many as the canker-worm; make thyself many as the locust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:15 delivers a stark and powerful prophecy of divine judgment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This verse intensifies the imagery of utter destruction, declaring that fire and sword will relentlessly consume the city, likening its complete annihilation to the devastating work of cankerworms. The prophetic voice then issues a sarcastic challenge, urging Nineveh to multiply its forces like swarms of destructive insects, ironically highlighting the futility of its vast numbers and formidable strength against the inescapable and overwhelming wrath of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:15 is situated within the climactic third chapter of the Book of Nahum, which serves as a vivid and graphic oracle detailing the impending downfall of Nineveh. The preceding verses (Nahum 3:1-14) paint a horrifying picture of Nineveh as a "bloody city" consumed by lies, robbery, and relentless cruelty, describing its military defeat, the plundering of its wealth, and the humiliation of its people. Verse 15 specifically follows a description of invading armies, the use of fire, and the sword as instruments of destruction, intensifying the sense of inescapable doom. The sarcastic command to "make thyself many" serves as a rhetorical flourish, underscoring that no matter how numerous Nineveh's armies or resources, they are destined for complete consumption by the divinely ordained forces of judgment. This verse marks a turning point, moving from direct descriptions of military conquest to a more metaphorical, yet equally devastating, portrayal of annihilation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, was a city of immense power, wealth, and military might, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its formidable defenses and, infamously, for its brutal and oppressive policies towards conquered nations. The Assyrians employed terror tactics, mass deportations, and horrific acts of cruelty to maintain control, making them a hated enemy to many, including Israel and Judah. The prophet Nahum delivers his oracle in the late 7th century BC, likely before Nineveh's fall in 612 BC to a coalition of Babylonians and Medes. The imagery of fire, sword, cankerworms, and locusts would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience. Fire and sword were common instruments of war and destruction, while plagues of cankerworms (young locusts) and locusts were well-known natural disasters capable of stripping entire landscapes bare, symbolizing total desolation and economic ruin. The prophecy thus draws upon culturally understood symbols of overwhelming destruction to convey the magnitude of Nineveh's impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 3:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, portraying God as the sovereign judge who holds even the most powerful nations accountable for their wickedness, oppression, and idolatry. Nineveh's destruction is presented not as mere historical happenstance but as a just recompense for its immense cruelty and pride, echoing the principle that God "judges the peoples with equity" as seen in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Total Annihilation**, using vivid metaphors of consumption by fire, sword, and insects to convey a complete and irreversible end. This imagery of consuming plagues highlights the devastating nature of God's wrath, leaving nothing behind. Finally, the sarcastic command "make thyself many" highlights the **Futility of Human Strength and Pride** when confronted with divine decree. Despite Nineveh's vast population and military prowess, its power is rendered impotent, demonstrating that "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples" as declared in [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Futility of Human Plans"). The verse thus encapsulates the theological truth that God's sovereignty ultimately triumphs over all human arrogance and might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root (H398) means "to eat" literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies a complete and destructive consumption. When applied to fire and the sword, it emphasizes the thoroughness of Nineveh's destruction, suggesting that nothing will be left untouched or unconsumed by the instruments of divine judgment. It implies an insatiable and all-encompassing destruction.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root (H3772) means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." By implication, it means to destroy or consume. While it can refer to making a covenant (by cutting flesh), here its primary sense is one of violent severance and termination. The sword's action of "cutting off" Nineveh speaks to the decisive and irreversible end of its power, its people, and its very existence as a dominant force. It's an act of complete eradication.
* **Make thyself many (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root (H3513) means "to be heavy," but can also mean "to be numerous, rich, or honorable." In the Hiphil stem (causative), it means "to make weighty" or, as here, "to make oneself many" or "increase." The prophetic command to "make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts" is deeply ironic. It acknowledges Nineveh's historical ability to multiply its forces and oppress like a plague, but now, even if it could achieve such overwhelming numbers, it would only multiply itself for greater consumption, highlighting the utter futility of its strength against God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There shall the fire devour thee;":** This clause initiates the declaration of judgment, immediately introducing "fire" as a primary agent of destruction. The verb "devour" (H398) emphasizes a complete and consuming destruction, suggesting that Nineveh will be utterly consumed as if by an insatiable blaze. This points to the intensity and totality of the impending doom.
* **"the sword shall cut thee off,":** Following fire, the "sword" is presented as another instrument of annihilation. The phrase "cut thee off" (H3772) signifies a decisive and violent termination, implying the slaughter of its inhabitants and the severance of its power and lineage. This imagery underscores the military defeat and the brutal end of Nineveh's reign.
* **"it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm:":** This clause introduces a powerful simile, comparing the destructive force (fire and sword, or the overall judgment) to the "cankerworm" (H3218). The cankerworm, often understood as a young, voracious locust, is known for its ability to strip vegetation bare. The comparison emphasizes the thoroughness and overwhelming nature of the destruction; just as a cankerworm leaves nothing, so too will Nineveh be completely consumed and desolated.
* **"make thyself many as the cankerworm,":** This is the first part of a sarcastic or ironic command. The prophet challenges Nineveh to "make thyself many" (H3513), to multiply its population or its military forces to the vast numbers of a cankerworm plague. This is not a genuine instruction but a taunt, implying that even if Nineveh could achieve such overwhelming numbers, it would be to no avail.
* **"make thyself many as the locusts.":** This repeats and reinforces the ironic challenge, using "locusts" (H697), which are even more widely recognized for their devastating swarms and complete consumption of everything in their path. The repetition of the command underscores the futility of Nineveh's strength and numbers; no matter how numerous, they are destined to be consumed by an even greater, divinely appointed force, just as a plague of insects consumes itself or is consumed by a greater power.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly in the repeated command, "make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts." This is a profound rhetorical taunt: Nineveh, which has acted like a destructive plague upon other nations, is now ironically challenged to multiply its own numbers, only to be consumed by an even greater, divine force. This highlights the futility of its strength. **Simile** is also central, comparing Nineveh's destruction to the devouring action of the "cankerworm" and its potential numbers to "cankerworm" and "locusts." These comparisons evoke vivid images of complete consumption and overwhelming numbers, leveraging the ancient world's familiarity with devastating insect plagues. Furthermore, **Personification** is subtly employed as "fire" and "sword" are depicted as active agents that "devour" and "cut off," giving them a predatory quality that underscores their relentless and destructive power. The overall effect of these devices is to create a chilling and inescapable sense of judgment, emphasizing the absolute sovereignty of God over human might and pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:15 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over human evil. It serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however powerful or seemingly invincible, can escape accountability for its cruelty, oppression, and rebellion against God's moral order. The vivid imagery of total consumption by fire, sword, and insect plagues underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, which leaves no aspect of sin unaddressed. This verse speaks to God's unwavering commitment to righteousness, assuring the oppressed that their cries are heard and that the perpetrators of injustice will ultimately face consequences. It also highlights the futility of human pride and self-reliance, demonstrating that earthly power, wealth, and military might are ultimately ephemeral when confronted with the sovereign will of the Almighty.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Isaiah 10:12](/isaiah/10-12 "Isaiah 10:12 - Judgment on Assyria")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:15, though directed at an ancient empire, carries profound and timeless lessons for individuals and societies today. It compels us to reflect on the nature of power and justice. For those in positions of authority, it serves as a sobering warning: unchecked power, especially when wielded with cruelty and injustice, inevitably invites divine reckoning. This calls for humility, ethical leadership, and a recognition that true authority flows from God. For individuals, the verse challenges any reliance on self-sufficiency, material wealth, or human strength as ultimate security. It reminds us that our ultimate hope and security must rest in God alone, whose justice is perfect and whose judgments are inescapable. Furthermore, for those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or witness to systemic injustice, Nahum's prophecy offers a powerful message of hope. It assures us that God sees, God hears, and God will ultimately act to bring justice, even when human systems fail. This should inspire us to pray for justice, to advocate for the vulnerable, and to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that evil will not have the last word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a society, be tempted to rely on our own strength or numbers rather than on God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of "fire," "sword," and "cankerworm" challenge our perceptions of divine judgment and justice?**
* **What injustices in our world today might this prophecy encourage us to pray about or act against, trusting in God's ultimate justice?**
* **How does the "futility of human strength" theme in this verse encourage a posture of humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cankerworm" and "locusts" imagery in Nahum 3:15?**

Answer: The "cankerworm" (Hebrew: *yeleq*) and "locusts" (Hebrew: *ʼarbeh*) are highly significant symbols in this verse. In the ancient Near East, swarms of locusts and their larvae (cankerworms) were a terrifying and devastating natural phenomenon, capable of stripping entire fields and leaving widespread famine in their wake. They represented overwhelming numbers and total, inescapable consumption. By comparing Nineveh's destruction to these insects ("it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm") and then ironically challenging Nineveh to "make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts," the prophet achieves several effects. First, it emphasizes the *totality* of Nineveh's destruction – it will be consumed as thoroughly as a field by a locust plague. Second, it highlights the *irony* of Nineveh's own destructive nature; just as Nineveh had devoured nations, it would now be devoured. Third, and most powerfully, it underscores the *futility* of Nineveh's vast population and military might. Even if its numbers were as innumerable and destructive as a plague of insects, they would still be consumed by an even greater, divinely appointed force, demonstrating that human strength is powerless against God's decree, as seen in [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - The Devastation of Locusts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:15 directly prophesies the historical judgment of Nineveh, its underlying principles find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The verse speaks of a righteous judgment against a city steeped in sin and violence, a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment against all sin and evil that is central to God's plan of redemption. Christ, as the perfectly righteous judge, will one day execute final judgment upon all unrighteousness, fulfilling the divine justice hinted at in Nahum's prophecy. However, the Christ-centered fulfillment goes beyond judgment; it offers the means of escape from that judgment. The "fire" and "sword" of divine wrath that consumed Nineveh ultimately point to the just wrath against sin that was poured out upon Christ on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the full weight of God's judgment so that those who believe in Him might be spared. Thus, while Nineveh faced utter annihilation, believers in Christ find redemption and eternal life, demonstrating that God's justice is met, not through our destruction, but through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. The destructive power of sin, likened to the consuming cankerworm and locust, is ultimately overcome by Christ's victory over death and the grave, offering true freedom and life to all who come to Him, as promised in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation").

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

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Nahum 3:13

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee [are] women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.

Nahum 2:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.

Zephaniah 2:13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, [and] dry like a wilderness.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Exodus 10:13

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all [that] night; [and] when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

Exodus 10:15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.