Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

NAHUM 1:12KJV
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Nahum 1:12 (KJV)

What does Nahum 1:12 mean?

Nahum 1:12 says that even if the enemies of God’s people seem secure and have many people, they will still be cut down when God passes through in judgment. God also promises that although He has allowed suffering for His people before, He will not let them be afflicted in the same way again.

Nahum 1:12 records God speaking through the prophet Nahum to the people of Judah about the Assyrians, who were powerful and seemed unshakable. God assures Judah that the Assyrians’ strength and numbers will not protect them from His judgment. The verse also shifts to comfort Judah, promising an end to their suffering under Assyrian oppression.

The Hebrew behind Nahum 1:12

  • "quiet" (שָׁלֵו, shalév): This word often means "at ease" or "secure," not just silent. Here, it highlights that the Assyrians felt safe and undisturbed, which makes their downfall more striking.
  • "down" (גָּזַז, gazaz): This word is often used for shearing or cutting off, like cutting wool from sheep. It paints a vivid picture of the enemy being swiftly and completely removed.
  • "afflicted" / "afflict" (עָנָה, anah): The same word is used twice, first for God allowing suffering, then promising not to do so again. This repetition stresses both the reality of past hardship and the assurance of future relief.

Why Nahum 1:12 matters

  • Nahum 1:12 clarifies that outward strength and security do not guarantee safety from God’s judgment, especially for those who oppose Him.
  • The verse marks a turning point for Judah, promising that their time of suffering under Assyria is ending, which would have brought real hope to listeners.
  • This verse connects to Nahum’s larger message: God’s justice is certain, and He both judges oppressors and cares for those who have suffered.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H1494 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
  • 1 Samuel 25:2 And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.
  • 2 Samuel 13:24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

“quiet” Hebrew H8003 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.

“afflicted” Hebrew H6031 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
  • Psalms 105:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: