There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

NAHUM 1:11KJV
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Nahum 1:11 (KJV)

What does Nahum 1:11 mean?

Nahum 1:11 describes a person who has come out from among the people and is plotting evil against the LORD, being called a "wicked counsellor." The verse points out that there is someone actively working against God’s purposes, using their influence to encourage rebellion or harm.

In context, the prophet Nahum is speaking about Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and is addressing the people of Judah. The verse highlights that from Nineveh has arisen a leader or advisor who devises harmful plans against the LORD, likely referring to the Assyrian king or his officials. This sets the stage for God’s judgment against those who oppose Him and mistreat His people.

The Hebrew behind Nahum 1:11

  • "out" (יָצָא, yatsa): This word means "to go out" or "to come forth." Here, it emphasizes that the troublemaker originates from within the people, not from an outside enemy.
  • "imagineth" (חָשַׁב, chashav): This word means "to think," "to plan," or "to devise." It highlights the intentional and calculated nature of the evil being plotted.
  • "evil" (רַע, ra): This word simply means "bad," "harm," or "evil." In this verse, it refers to actions or intentions directly opposed to God.
  • "wicked" (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliyya‘al): This word is often translated as "worthless" or "lawless," and in some contexts, it refers to someone who is utterly corrupt or destructive.
  • "counsellor" (יָעַץ, ya‘ats): This word means "advisor" or "one who gives counsel." The verse points to a person whose advice leads others into opposition against God.

Why Nahum 1:11 matters

  • Nahum 1:11 clarifies that the opposition to God’s people is not random but comes from a specific leader or advisor who is intentionally hostile to the LORD.
  • The verse connects the coming judgment on Nineveh to the actions and influence of its leaders, showing that God is aware of the source of evil plans.
  • Understanding the original words helps us see that the "wicked counsellor" is not just morally bad but is someone whose influence and advice are actively destructive and rebellious against God.

Where else these words appear

“wicked” Hebrew H1100 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
  • 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

“counsellor” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 22:4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.
  • Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

“imagineth” Hebrew H2803 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.