Nahum 3:16

KJV

Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast multiplied {H7235} thy merchants {H7402} above the stars {H3556} of heaven {H8064}: the cankerworm {H3218} spoileth {H6584}, and flieth away {H5774}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You had more merchants than stars in the sky. The locust sheds its skin and flies away.

Berean Standard Bible

You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away.

American Standard Version

Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the canker-worm ravageth, and fleeth away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:16 vividly portrays the vast commercial enterprise and immense wealth of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, through the hyperbole of its merchants outnumbering the stars. This image of overwhelming prosperity is immediately contrasted with a stark prophecy of its sudden and complete devastation, likening its downfall to the destructive consumption and swift departure of a cankerworm, thereby highlighting the transient nature of earthly power and the inevitability of divine judgment against pride and wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:16 is situated within the latter half of the book of Nahum, which is a prophetic oracle primarily focused on the impending destruction of Nineveh. Chapter 3 specifically details the reasons for Nineveh's judgment, portraying it as a "bloody city" full of lies, plunder, and relentless cruelty ([Nahum 3:1](/nahum/3-1 "Nahum 3:1 - Woe to the Bloody City")). The preceding verses describe Nineveh's military might and its widespread influence through harlotry and sorceries ([Nahum 3:4](/nahum/3-4 "Nahum 3:4 - Nineveh's Harlotry and Sorcery")), while the subsequent verses continue the lament over its inescapable ruin and the absence of anyone to mourn its fall ([Nahum 3:19](/nahum/3-19 "Nahum 3:19 - Nineveh's Irreparable Wound")). This verse specifically targets Nineveh's economic dominance, presenting it as another facet of its pride and a domain subject to God's sovereign judgment, much like its military strength.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nineveh, as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, was one of the ancient world's most powerful and prosperous cities. Its strategic location on major trade routes, coupled with the empire's vast territorial control, made it a central hub for commerce, accumulating immense wealth through trade, tribute, and plunder. The Assyrians were renowned for their military prowess and ruthless expansion, often depicted in their own art as conquerors of vast territories. Their economic power was a direct result of their military might, which enabled them to control trade networks and extract resources. The "merchants" mentioned here would have been integral to this system, facilitating the flow of goods and wealth into the city. The prophecy of Nahum was delivered in the late 7th century BC, a period when the Assyrian Empire, though still formidable, was beginning to decline, facing internal strife and external threats from Babylon and Media, which would ultimately lead to Nineveh's fall in 612 BC.

* **Key Themes:** Nahum 3:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Nineveh's immense economic dominance and pride**, portraying its commercial network as boundless, reaching "above the stars of heaven." This hyperbole emphasizes the city's self-perceived invincibility and its reliance on material wealth. Secondly, the verse highlights the **transience and vulnerability of earthly power and riches**. The sudden, destructive image of the "cankerworm" consuming and then "flieth away" serves as a powerful metaphor for how quickly Nineveh's accumulated wealth and influence would vanish, demonstrating that even the greatest human empires are subject to decay and divine dismantling. This echoes broader biblical warnings about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, as seen in [Proverbs 27:24](/proverbs/27-24 "Proverbs 27:24 - Riches do not last forever") and [Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Laying Up Treasures on Earth"). Finally, the verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's righteous judgment against wicked nations**. Despite Nineveh's overwhelming economic and military might, its cruelty, idolatry, and pride would not exempt it from the inevitable consequences of divine wrath, reaffirming God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to justice, a theme consistently found throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Isaiah 13:1-16](/isaiah/13-1-16 "Isaiah 13:1-16 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to increase (in whatever respect)." Here, it conveys the idea of an overwhelming abundance or proliferation, emphasizing the sheer number of merchants beyond human count, suggesting an almost infinite commercial reach and prosperity for Nineveh.
* **merchants (Hebrew, _râkal'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to travel for trading." This term specifically refers to those engaged in commerce, often traveling long distances to buy and sell goods. In this context, it highlights Nineveh's role as a global economic hub, attracting traders from far and wide, contributing to its vast wealth and influence.
* **cankerworm (Hebrew, _yeleq'_):** From an unused root meaning "to lick up"; a devourer, specifically the young locust or caterpillar. This word vividly describes a destructive insect that consumes vegetation completely. Its inclusion here powerfully symbolizes the agent of Nineveh's complete and devastating economic ruin, stripping away its wealth just as a locust strips a field bare.
* **spoileth (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)." In this verse, it carries the strong connotation of plundering or stripping away. When applied to the cankerworm, it emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction – not just eating, but completely despoiling or stripping away all that was accumulated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven:"** This clause serves as a hyperbolic declaration of Nineveh's extraordinary commercial power and prosperity. The imagery of merchants outnumbering the "stars of heaven" conveys an uncountable multitude, signifying the vastness of Nineveh's trade network and the seemingly limitless wealth it amassed. It paints a picture of a city at the zenith of its economic might, a global center of commerce and influence, perhaps even implying a sense of pride and self-sufficiency that bordered on hubris.
* **"the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away."** This second clause introduces a stark and devastating contrast to the first. The "cankerworm" (a type of devouring locust) symbolizes a swift, complete, and unstoppable force of destruction. The actions "spoileth" (devours, plunders) and "flieth away" (disappears, vanishes) powerfully convey the idea that Nineveh's immense wealth and power would be utterly consumed and then vanish without a trace, much like a swarm of locusts strips a field bare and then moves on, leaving desolation behind. This imagery underscores the temporary and vulnerable nature of earthly riches and power in the face of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom for Nineveh. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven." This exaggeration is used to emphasize the unimaginable scale of Nineveh's commercial success and the sheer number of traders contributing to its wealth. It highlights the city's perceived invincibility and boundless prosperity. Following this, a powerful **Simile** (or implied metaphor) is introduced, comparing the destructive force that will bring Nineveh down to a "cankerworm." This insect, known for its voracious appetite and ability to strip fields bare, serves as a vivid representation of total and rapid despoliation. The phrase "spoileth, and flieth away" further employs **Imagery** of swift, complete consumption followed by disappearance, underscoring the ephemeral nature of Nineveh's accumulated riches. The entire verse is structured as a striking **Juxtaposition** between Nineveh's seemingly endless abundance and the sudden, total annihilation awaiting it. This contrast creates a sense of dramatic irony, where the very source of Nineveh's pride (its wealth and power) becomes the subject of its swift and complete undoing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:16 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty over human empires and the ultimate vanity of placing trust in material wealth and worldly power. It reveals that no amount of commercial success or military might can stand against the righteous judgment of God. Nineveh's pride in its economic dominance, symbolized by its countless merchants, is directly challenged by the image of the devouring cankerworm, representing God's chosen instrument of destruction. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: that God often uses seemingly insignificant means to bring down the mighty, demonstrating His absolute control and humbling human arrogance. The verse reminds us that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in earthly accumulation but in alignment with divine justice and righteousness.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness")
* [James 5:1-3](/james/5-1-3 "James 5:1-3 - Warning to the Rich")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11-19 "Revelation 18:11-19 - Lament over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:16 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals and nations alike. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust and security lie. In a world that often measures success by economic growth, material accumulation, and commercial dominance, this verse serves as a potent reminder that such pursuits, when unmoored from divine principles of justice, righteousness, and humility, are ultimately fleeting and vulnerable to collapse. Nineveh's fate warns against the dangers of pride that accompanies vast wealth and power, often leading to oppression and a disregard for God. Instead of building our lives on transient riches that can be "spoiled" and "flown away," we are called to invest in eternal values and to seek a security that transcends earthly fluctuations. This involves cultivating a spirit of generosity, pursuing justice, and recognizing God as the ultimate source and sustainer of all things, rather than relying on our own ingenuity or possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my greatest trust for security and well-being: in material possessions, financial stability, or in God?**
* **How does the transient nature of Nineveh's wealth challenge my own aspirations and priorities regarding money and success?**
* **In what ways might unchecked ambition or pride in my own achievements lead to spiritual vulnerability, similar to Nineveh's downfall?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is less attached to earthly treasures and more focused on eternal values?**

### FAQ
**What does "multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a **hyperbole**, a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis. It means that Nineveh had an extraordinarily vast number of merchants and an incredibly extensive commercial network, so many that they were uncountable, like the stars in the sky. It highlights Nineveh's immense wealth, economic power, and its status as a major global trade hub, emphasizing the city's pride in its material prosperity.

**What is a "cankerworm" in this context, and what does its action signify?**

Answer: The "cankerworm" (Hebrew: _yeleq_) refers to a type of locust or caterpillar known for its voracious appetite and destructive capability, stripping fields bare of vegetation. In Nahum 3:16, it is a powerful **symbol** of the swift, complete, and devastating judgment that would befall Nineveh. The actions "spoileth" (devours, plunders) and "flieth away" signify that Nineveh's vast wealth and power would be utterly consumed and then vanish without a trace, much like a swarm of locusts leaves desolation behind. It emphasizes the temporary and vulnerable nature of earthly riches and power in the face of divine judgment. This imagery is also used in other prophetic books, such as [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - Locust Plague") to describe widespread destruction.

**How does Nahum 3:16 apply to modern society?**

Answer: Nahum 3:16 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in material wealth, economic dominance, or human power. In modern society, where economic indicators often define national strength and individual success, this verse reminds us that even the most formidable financial empires are transient and subject to forces beyond human control, particularly divine judgment. It challenges us to consider the ethical implications of wealth accumulation, the potential for pride and oppression that can accompany it, and the ultimate need to build societies and lives on foundations of justice, righteousness, and humility, rather than on fleeting riches that can "spoil, and flieth away." It encourages a focus on eternal values and a recognition of God's sovereignty over all human endeavors, echoing the wisdom found in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 3:16, with its stark portrayal of Nineveh's vast but ultimately fleeting commercial empire, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the contrast between the transient kingdoms of this world and the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Nineveh's pride in its "multiplied merchants above the stars of heaven" represents humanity's persistent tendency to build security and identity on earthly wealth and power, which the "cankerworm" of divine judgment inevitably "spoileth, and flieth away." In stark contrast, Jesus teaches His followers not to "lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal," but rather to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Treasures in Heaven")). Christ Himself is the ultimate treasure, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures Are Hidden")). His kingdom is not built on earthly commerce or military might, but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). While Nineveh's merchants multiplied in vain, the true "merchants" of God's kingdom are those who, like the wise merchant in the parable, sell everything to gain the "pearl of great price," which is Christ Himself ([Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")). Ultimately, the judgment that consumed Nineveh foreshadows the final judgment when all earthly kingdoms and their fleeting glories will give way to the everlasting reign of the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose dominion is without end.

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

Genesis 22:17

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Genesis 15:5

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Jeremiah 33:22

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Nehemiah 9:23

Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess [it].