### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nîynᵉvêh**, represented by `{{H5210}}`, is of foreign origin and identifies **Nineveh**, the capital of Assyria. It appears 17 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. This name designates a significant gentile city that plays a central role in narratives of prophecy, repentance, and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5210}}` is first mentioned as a city built by Asshur `{{H804}}` [[Genesis 10:11]], established early on as a great `{{H1419}}` city `{{H5892}}` [[Genesis 10:12]]. It is most famous as the destination for the prophet Jonah, who was commanded to go to **Nineveh** and cry against its wickedness `{{H7451}}` [[Jonah 1:2]]. After Jonah’s preaching, the people of **Nineveh** believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth `{{H8242}}` [[Jonah 3:5]]. Even the king of **Nineveh** humbled himself, rising from his throne to sit in ashes `{{H665}}` [[Jonah 3:6]]. This widespread repentance led God to spare `{{H2347}}` the city [[Jonah 4:11]]. Later, **Nineveh** is identified as the residence of the Assyrian king Sennacherib `{{H5576}}` ([[2 Kings 19:36]]; [[Isaiah 37:37]]). However, the prophets Nahum and Zephaniah delivered burdens against it, foretelling its complete downfall, prophesying it would become a desolation `{{H8077}}` and be laid waste `{{H7703}}` ([[Zephaniah 2:13]]; [[Nahum 3:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context surrounding **Nineveh**:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word, meaning a guarded city or town, is consistently used to describe Nineveh's status. It is repeatedly called a "great **city**" [[Jonah 1:2]], emphasizing its size and prominence.
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): This term refers to both the son of Shem and the empire he founded. Nineveh was the capital of **Assyria**, and its king, Sennacherib `{{H5576}}`, dwelt there [[2 Kings 19:36]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This word for evil or wickedness is the reason for God's initial judgment against Nineveh. God commanded Jonah to cry out against the city because its **wickedness** had come up before Him [[Jonah 1:2]].
* `{{H8242}}` **saq** (sackcloth): A symbol of mourning and repentance, the people of Nineveh put on **sackcloth** to show their contrition, from the greatest to the least, an act that was central to their deliverance [[Jonah 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5210}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes:
* **Divine Judgment on a Gentile Nation:** The story of Nineveh demonstrates that God's authority and judgment extend beyond Israel to all nations. He sent a prophet to confront the city's wickedness `{{H7451}}` [[Jonah 1:2]] and later pronounced its ultimate destruction through Nahum and Zephaniah ([[Nahum 1:1]]; [[Zephaniah 2:13]]).
* **The Power of Repentance:** Nineveh stands as a prominent Old Testament example of corporate repentance leading to divine mercy. When the king and his people humbled themselves in sackcloth `{{H8242}}` and ashes `{{H665}}`, God relented from the promised destruction, choosing to spare `{{H2347}}` them ([[Jonah 3:6]]; [[Jonah 4:11]]).
* **Representation of Worldly Power:** As a "great city" `{{H1419}}` and the capital of the formidable Assyrian empire `{{H804}}`, Nineveh represents the height of human civilization and might in its time. Its story, from its founding [[Genesis 10:11]] to its role as the seat of King Sennacherib `{{H5576}}` [[Isaiah 37:37]], illustrates that even the world's most powerful entities are subject to God's command and judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5210}}` is far more than a geographical location. **Nîynᵉvêh** functions as a pivotal case study in the biblical narrative. It illustrates the reach of God's sovereignty over gentile world powers, His righteous judgment against wickedness `{{H7451}}`, and His profound willingness to show compassion and spare `{{H2347}}` those who genuinely repent [[Jonah 4:11]]. The arc of Nineveh, from its powerful founding by Asshur `{{H804}}` to its prophesied end as a desolation `{{H8077}}`, serves as a timeless lesson on the relationship between divine authority, human responsibility, and mercy.
TRV