Nahum 3:6

KJV

And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will cast {H7993} abominable filth {H8251} upon thee, and make thee vile {H5034}, and will set {H7760} thee as a gazingstock {H7210}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will pelt you with disgusting filth, disgrace you and make a spectacle of you.

Berean Standard Bible

I will pelt you with filth and treat you with contempt; I will make a spectacle of you.

American Standard Version

And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing-stock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:6 pronounces a devastating divine judgment upon the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, declaring that God Himself will publicly disgrace and expose its deep moral and spiritual corruption. The imagery of "casting abominable filth" and making Nineveh "vile" and a "gazingstock" vividly portrays a complete reversal of its feared and powerful status, reducing it to an object of public scorn and utter humiliation. This verse encapsulates the climax of God's righteous wrath against a nation characterized by relentless cruelty, idolatry, and oppressive pride, ensuring its ignominious downfall as a public spectacle of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum's prophecy is a singular oracle against Nineveh, focusing entirely on its impending destruction. Chapter 3, in particular, intensifies the graphic descriptions of Nineveh's wickedness and its deserved judgment. The preceding verses (Nahum 3:1-5) graphically depict Nineveh as a "bloody city" and a "harlot" who enslaved nations through treachery and idolatry. This immediate context establishes the profound moral depravity and spiritual prostitution that warrants such a severe and humiliating punishment. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a direct consequence of the sins detailed, highlighting the public and utterly degrading nature of God's retribution, a stark contrast to Nineveh's former glory and terror.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Nahum is generally dated to the late 7th century BC, likely between the Assyrian conquest of Thebes (No-amon) in 663 BC (referenced in [Nahum 3:8-10](/nahum/3-8-10 "Nahum 3:8-10 - The Fall of Thebes")) and the fall of Nineveh itself in 612 BC. Nineveh was the formidable capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, renowned for its military might, brutal conquests, and oppressive rule over conquered peoples, including Israel and Judah. Culturally, Assyria was characterized by its fierce warrior ethos, extensive idolatry, and a reputation for extreme cruelty, often depicted in their own monumental art. The concept of public humiliation was a potent form of ancient Near Eastern punishment and subjugation, making the imagery of Nineveh becoming a "gazingstock" particularly potent for its original audience, who would have understood the profound shame associated with such public exposure and degradation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Nahum and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty or oppressive, can ultimately defy the righteous judgment of God. Nineveh's fall serves as a testament to God's control over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice"). Secondly, the vivid imagery highlights the theme of **Consequences of Sin and Retribution**, illustrating that systematic cruelty, idolatry, and pride inevitably lead to ruin and public disgrace. What was once a source of fear and awe would become an object of scorn, fulfilling the principle that those who sow wickedness will reap destruction, a truth reiterated in [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **Public Humiliation and Exposure**, revealing that God's judgment often involves a public unveiling of hidden sin and a reversal of status, transforming the oppressor into the oppressed, and the feared into the scorned.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominable filth (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** This word (H8251) derives from a root meaning "to be disgusting" or "to detest." It often refers to detestable things, especially idols, idolatrous practices, or anything that is an abomination to God. In Nahum 3:6, its metaphorical use describes the moral and spiritual defilement of Nineveh. God will "cast" this inherent corruption, which has accumulated through their idolatry, violence, and treachery, back upon them, making their internal vileness outwardly manifest and repulsive to all. It's not merely dirt, but the very essence of their detestable character and actions.
* **Vile (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** From H5034, a primitive root meaning "to wilt," "fall away," "fail," or "faint." Figuratively, it denotes being foolish or morally wicked, and causatively, to despise or disgrace. Here, it signifies a state of utter degradation, worthlessness, and contempt. God's action will strip Nineveh of all dignity, honor, and strength, leaving it in a state of complete moral and social collapse, a withered and despised entity.
* **Gazingstock (Hebrew, _rŏʼîy'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to see" (H7210), this word refers to "sight," whether an abstract vision or a concrete spectacle. In this context, it means Nineveh will become a public display of shame and ruin, an object to be stared at, mocked, and scorned by all who once feared or were oppressed by it. It implies not just destruction, but a humiliating public exhibition of its downfall, a stark reversal of its former intimidating presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will cast abominable filth upon thee":** This clause initiates the divine judgment with a forceful, direct action. The Lord Himself declares His intent to "cast" (H7993, _shâlak_, to throw out, down, or away) upon Nineveh its own accumulated "abominable filth" (H8251, _shiqqûwts_). This is a powerful metaphor for God exposing and returning Nineveh's moral and spiritual corruption—its idolatry, cruelty, and treachery—back onto itself. It's a public defilement, a symbolic act of making manifest the inner spiritual decay that characterized the city. The imagery evokes a sense of utter disgust and repulsion, as if God is treating Nineveh as a refuse heap.
* **"and make thee vile":** Following the casting of filth, this clause describes the immediate consequence: Nineveh will be rendered "vile" (H5034, _nâbêl_). This signifies a state of profound degradation, disgrace, and worthlessness. The city, once proud and mighty, will lose all honor, dignity, and respect. It implies a complete moral and social collapse, where its former glory is replaced by contempt and scorn, transforming it into something despised and rejected.
* **"and will set thee as a gazingstock":** The final clause culminates the judgment by emphasizing the public nature of Nineveh's humiliation. God will "set" (H7760, _sûwm_, to put, appoint, make) Nineveh as a "gazingstock" (H7210, _rŏʼîy_). This means it will become a public spectacle, an object of open derision and scorn for all to witness. The nations it once terrorized and oppressed will now look upon its ruin, not with fear, but with contempt and perhaps even satisfaction. This public display serves as a powerful warning to all who might defy God's justice, ensuring that Nineveh's downfall is not merely destruction but a universally observed testament to divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity and nature of God's judgment. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid depiction of "casting abominable filth" upon Nineveh, which not only evokes a visceral sense of disgust but also metaphorically represents the exposure of the city's moral depravity. This is further developed through **Metaphor**, where Nineveh's wickedness is equated with physical "filth," making its spiritual corruption tangible and repulsive. The direct address to Nineveh as "thee" utilizes **Personification**, treating the city as an individual subject of divine wrath, thereby intensifying the personal and direct nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the cumulative effect of being covered in filth, made vile, and set as a "gazingstock" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the humiliation to emphasize the absolute and irreversible nature of Nineveh's downfall. This combination of devices powerfully communicates the profound shame and utter degradation awaiting the once-proud Assyrian capital.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:6 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over the nations. It powerfully illustrates that divine judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory, exposing the true nature of sin and bringing hidden wickedness into the light. The humiliation of Nineveh serves as a stark reminder that pride, oppression, and idolatry, no matter how powerful or entrenched, will ultimately face the righteous wrath of a holy God. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's moral order cannot be defied indefinitely, and that those who sow corruption will inevitably reap disgrace. It offers a theological reassurance that even when evil seems to triumph, God's justice will prevail, transforming the oppressor into a public spectacle of His righteous indignation.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Render to Each Person According to His Deeds")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Do Not Be Deceived: God Is Not Mocked, for Whatever One Sows, That Will He Also Reap")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:6 offers a sobering reflection on the consequences of persistent sin and the certainty of divine judgment, a truth that remains profoundly relevant for individuals and nations today. While Nineveh's fate was a historical event, the principles behind God's action are timeless. We are reminded that God sees all, and His justice will ultimately prevail, even when injustice seems to flourish. This should prompt us to examine our own lives and communities, asking if we are accumulating "abominable filth" in God's sight through pride, idolatry, or oppressive attitudes. The call to humility and righteousness is clear, as true strength and lasting peace are found not in worldly power or self-sufficiency, but in aligning ourselves with God's moral law. This verse also offers a profound sense of hope and reassurance for those who suffer under injustice, knowing that the God who judged Nineveh will ultimately set all wrongs right, bringing to light every hidden thing and making every oppressor accountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's judgment on Nineveh challenge our assumptions about power, impunity, and the ultimate accountability of nations and individuals?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, accumulate "abominable filth" in God's sight through our attitudes, actions, or priorities?**
* **How does the promise of God's ultimate justice, as demonstrated in Nahum, encourage us when we witness pervasive injustice in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What does "abominable filth" signify in this context?**

Answer: In Nahum 3:6, "abominable filth" (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts_) is a powerful metaphor. It signifies not literal dirt, but the accumulated moral and spiritual corruption of Nineveh. This includes their rampant idolatry (as _shiqqûwts_ often refers to idols or detestable religious practices), their brutal violence, treachery, and oppressive rule. God's act of "casting abominable filth upon thee" means He will expose and return their own inherent vileness back onto them, making their inner depravity outwardly manifest and utterly repulsive to all. It's a public shaming that reveals the true, disgusting nature of their sin.

**How does Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's humiliation relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy profoundly reveals several aspects of God's character. Firstly, it highlights His **holiness and righteousness**, demonstrating His intolerance for sin, particularly systematic cruelty, pride, and idolatry. Secondly, it underscores His **justice and sovereignty**, proving that He is the ultimate Judge over all nations, and no power can escape His righteous retribution. Even a formidable empire like Assyria is subject to His divine decree. Finally, it showcases God's **faithfulness to His covenant people** by removing their oppressors, and His **mercy** in giving Nineveh a previous opportunity for repentance (under Jonah) which they ultimately spurned, leading to this deserved judgment. The public nature of Nineveh's humiliation also speaks to God's desire for His justice to be known and witnessed by all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:6 speaks directly to the historical judgment of Nineveh, its themes resonate deeply with the person and work of Jesus Christ, revealing a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse portrays God as the righteous Judge who exposes and punishes sin, a role ultimately fulfilled in Christ, to whom the Father has entrusted all judgment, as declared in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son"). Just as Nineveh was made a public spectacle of shame for its abominable filth, Christ, though sinless, willingly became "vile" and a "gazingstock" for us, bearing the ultimate shame and defilement of humanity's sin on the cross. He was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ Despised and Rejected")), enduring the cross and "disregarding its shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Disregarding Its Shame")) so that we might be cleansed from our own abominable filth and made righteous. Thus, the public humiliation of Nineveh foreshadows the public humiliation of Christ, who, by taking our place, disarmed the powers of sin and death, triumphing over them by His public display on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - He Disarmed the Rulers and Authorities")). Ultimately, the judgment on Nineveh also points to the final, glorious triumph of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will cast down all opposing powers and establish His righteous kingdom, making all things new ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse") and [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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

Malachi 2:9

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Job 9:31

Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.

Jeremiah 51:37

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Nahum 1:14

And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, [that] no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

Job 30:8

[They were] children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.

Psalms 38:5

My wounds stink [and] are corrupt because of my foolishness.

Psalms 38:7

For my loins are filled with a loathsome [disease]: and [there is] no soundness in my flesh.