Nahum 3:19

KJV

[There is] no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

KJV (with Strong's)

There is no healing {H3545} of thy bruise {H7667}; thy wound {H4347} is grievous {H2470}: all that hear {H8085} the bruit {H8088} of thee shall clap {H8628} the hands {H3709} over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness {H7451} passed {H5674} continually {H8548}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Your wound cannot be healed. Your injury is fatal. Everyone hearing the news about you claps his hands in joy over you. For who has not been overwhelmed by your relentless cruelty?

Berean Standard Bible

There is no healing for your injury; your wound is severe. All who hear the news of you applaud your downfall, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?

American Standard Version

There is no assuaging of thy hurt; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the report of thee clap their hands over thee; for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:19 delivers a climactic and devastating pronouncement of Nineveh's irreversible doom, declaring that its fatal "bruise" and "grievous wound" are beyond remedy. The verse vividly portrays the widespread relief and even celebratory reaction of nations upon hearing the news of its downfall, attributing this global exultation to Nineveh's relentless and pervasive wickedness that had afflicted countless peoples without cessation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:19 serves as the concluding statement of the prophet Nahum's oracle against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The preceding verses in chapter 3 detail the city's depravity, describing it as a "bloody city" [Nahum 3:1](/nahum/3-1 "Nahum 3:1 - The Bloody City") steeped in lies, plunder, and idolatry. Chapters 1 and 2 establish God's character as a jealous and avenging God who will execute judgment upon His enemies, particularly Nineveh. The vivid imagery of siege, destruction, and the complete collapse of Assyrian power culminates in this verse, which emphasizes the finality of Nineveh's demise and the universal rejoicing that will accompany it. It acts as a powerful summary of the entire book's message of divine retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Nahum is typically dated to the late 7th century BC, likely between the fall of Thebes (No-amon) to Assyria in 663 BC (referenced in [Nahum 3:8-10](/nahum/3-8 "Nahum 3:8-10 - The Fall of Thebes")) and the actual fall of Nineveh in 612 BC. At this time, Assyria was the dominant superpower, known for its brutal military campaigns, forced deportations, and oppressive rule over conquered nations. Nineveh, its magnificent capital, was a symbol of this ruthless power. The "wickedness" mentioned in the verse refers to Assyria's widespread cruelty, idolatry, and insatiable appetite for conquest and tribute. The "clapping of hands" over Nineveh's fall reflects the deep-seated resentment and suffering experienced by the many peoples who had endured Assyrian tyranny, making its destruction a cause for global celebration rather than mourning.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nahum and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that God, in His righteousness, will ultimately hold even the most powerful nations accountable for their unrepentant sin and oppression. The phrase "no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous" highlights the **Irreversible Judgment** that awaits those who persistently defy God and brutalize others, signifying a point of no return for Nineveh. Furthermore, the global reaction of "clapping the hands" emphasizes the theme of **Vindication for the Oppressed**, illustrating that God hears the cries of His suffering people and will bring about deliverance by overthrowing their oppressors. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's concern for justice for the vulnerable, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **healing (Hebrew, _kêhâh'_):** From H3545, this feminine noun properly denotes "a weakening" or "alleviation," and figuratively, a "cure." In Nahum 3:19, its negation ("no healing") emphasizes the absolute and incurable nature of Nineveh's destruction. There is no possibility of recovery, restoration, or remedy for the fatal blow it has received.
* **bruise (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** From H7667, this noun signifies "a fracture," "ruin," or "destruction." It can also refer to "affliction" or "breaking." Here, "bruise" is a powerful metaphor for the catastrophic and irreparable damage inflicted upon Nineveh, indicating its complete political, military, and existential collapse. It's not a superficial injury but a deep, structural shattering.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term encompasses "bad" or "evil" in both natural and moral senses, including "adversity," "affliction," "calamity," and "mischief." In this context, "wickedness" refers to Nineveh's pervasive moral corruption, its cruel and oppressive actions, its violence, and its idolatry that had spread its destructive influence "continually" to all nations it encountered.
* **clap (Hebrew, _tâqaʻ'_):** From H8628, this primitive root means "to clatter," "slap" (the hands together), or "clang." When paired with "hands" (H3709, _kaph_), it forms an idiom for expressing strong emotion—often joy, triumph, or mockery. In Nahum 3:19, it signifies the universal exultation and relief felt by the nations over Nineveh's downfall, contrasting sharply with the expected mourning for a fallen empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is no healing of thy bruise;"**: This declarative statement immediately establishes the irreversible nature of Nineveh's impending destruction. The "bruise" (or fracture/ruin) is so severe and comprehensive that no remedy, no recovery, and no alleviation is possible. It signifies a fatal, unrecoverable blow to the city and empire.
* **"thy wound is grievous:"**: This clause reiterates and intensifies the previous statement. The "wound" (a blow, a strike, a plague) is not merely painful but "grievous" (literally, "sick" or "incurable"). It emphasizes the depth and severity of Nineveh's affliction, confirming that its demise is not a temporary setback but a terminal condition.
* **"all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee:"**: This powerful image describes the widespread and enthusiastic reaction to Nineveh's fall. The "bruit" (an archaic term for a rumor, report, or widespread public announcement) of its destruction will spread far and wide. The act of "clapping the hands" is a gesture of celebration, triumph, or derisive joy, indicating that Nineveh's demise will be met with universal relief and even jubilation by the nations it had terrorized.
* **"for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?"**: This rhetorical question provides the divine justification for Nineveh's judgment and the global rejoicing. It asserts that Nineveh's "wickedness"—its brutality, oppression, and moral corruption—had relentlessly and ceaselessly impacted virtually every nation around it. The question implies a resounding "no one," thereby validating the universal condemnation and celebration of its downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of irreversible judgment and widespread relief. **Metaphor** is central, with "bruise" and "wound" serving as vivid images for Nineveh's catastrophic and irreparable destruction, extending beyond physical injury to encompass its complete political and military collapse. The phrase "no healing" further emphasizes the finality of this metaphorical injury. A powerful **Rhetorical Question** concludes the verse: "for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?" This question is not meant to be answered but to underscore the pervasive and relentless nature of Nineveh's evil, implying that its destructive influence was universal and undeniable. The description of "all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee" uses **Hyperbole** to convey the sheer scale of the global relief and celebration, suggesting that the news of Nineveh's fall would be met with almost universal acclaim due to its tyrannical reign. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the city that instilled terror and suffering in countless nations will itself become the object of public rejoicing at its demise, a stark reversal of its feared power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:19 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. It underscores the biblical principle that persistent, unrepentant wickedness, especially when it involves oppression and cruelty, will inevitably incur divine judgment. Nineveh, despite its immense power and military might, was not beyond God's reach. Its downfall serves as a stark reminder that no empire, no individual, and no system of evil can ultimately escape God's righteous reckoning. The universal rejoicing over Nineveh's demise highlights God's vindication of the oppressed, demonstrating His compassion for those who suffer under tyranny and His promise to bring about ultimate deliverance. This verse offers hope to those facing oppression, assuring them that the reign of evil is temporary and God's justice will prevail.

* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Shall Not Go Unpunished")
* [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoicing Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:19 offers timeless truths that resonate deeply with both individuals and societies. It compels us to recognize that while God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger, His patience is not infinite, and there are indeed consequences for persistent, unrepentant sin. For nations, it serves as a powerful warning against the abuse of power, oppression, and the perpetration of widespread injustice; no empire, however mighty, is exempt from divine accountability. For individuals, it prompts introspection: are our lives characterized by actions that bring healing and blessing, or by "wickedness passed continually" that causes hurt and division? The verse also provides profound comfort and hope to those who feel oppressed or witness injustice in the world. It reminds us that God sees, God hears, and God will ultimately act to deliver justice, ensuring that the scales are balanced and the suffering of the innocent is not in vain. This should inspire us to trust in God's sovereign plan and to actively work for righteousness and justice in our own spheres of influence, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nineveh's irreversible judgment challenge our understanding of God's patience and His justice?**
* **In what ways might our own actions, or the actions of our communities, reflect "wickedness passed continually," and what steps can we take towards repentance and righteousness?**
* **How does the global rejoicing over Nineveh's fall speak to the hope for justice that oppressed peoples hold, and how can we embody that hope in our world today?**

### FAQ
**What does the KJV word "bruit" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In Nahum 3:19, "bruit" (from Old French) refers to a rumor, report, or widespread public announcement. It signifies the news or report of Nineveh's catastrophic downfall spreading far and wide among the nations. The verse emphasizes that this news will not be met with sorrow, but with widespread relief and celebration.

**Why is Nineveh's destruction described as having "no healing" and a "grievous wound"?**

Answer: These phrases underscore the absolute and irreversible nature of Nineveh's destruction. They are metaphors indicating that the city's collapse is not a temporary setback from which it can recover, but a fatal, terminal blow. Its political power, military might, and very existence as a dominant empire are completely and permanently eradicated, leaving no hope for restoration or recovery. This highlights the finality of God's judgment upon its persistent wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:19 speaks directly to the historical judgment of Nineveh, its themes find ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "no healing of thy bruise" for Nineveh foreshadows the ultimate, eternal judgment upon all unrepentant sin and rebellion against God, a judgment that is perfectly executed in Christ's final victory over sin and death. Yet, for humanity, the "grievous wound" of sin, which would otherwise lead to eternal separation, finds its only true "healing" in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a remedy for the spiritual bruise that no human effort or earthly power could ever cure. The "wickedness passed continually" by Nineveh mirrors the pervasive sinfulness of humanity, which Christ came to redeem. Furthermore, the "clapping of hands" over Nineveh's fall, signifying the joy of the oppressed, finds its ultimate and righteous expression in the joy of the redeemed over the defeat of spiritual oppression—the triumph of Christ over Satan, sin, and death. Believers are called to rejoice not in the downfall of earthly empires, but in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where true justice, peace, and righteousness reign ([Revelation 19:1-7](/revelation/19-1-7 "Revelation 19:1-7 - Rejoicing in Heaven over Babylon's Fall and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Through Christ, the curse of sin is broken, and a new creation emerges, offering eternal healing and liberation to all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Micah 1:9

For her wound [is] incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, [even] to Jerusalem.

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Job 27:23

[Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

Jeremiah 46:11

Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; [for] thou shalt not be cured.

Isaiah 37:18

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,

Ezekiel 25:6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped [thine] hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.