The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

NAHUM 2:12KJV
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Nahum 2:12 (KJV)

What does Nahum 2:12 mean?

Nahum 2:12 uses the image of a lion providing for its family to describe how the powerful in Nineveh violently took what they wanted, filling their homes with stolen goods. The verse highlights the ruthless way the Assyrian rulers gained wealth and security by preying on others.

Nahum, a prophet, is speaking to the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, warning them of coming judgment. The verse paints a vivid picture of Assyria’s leaders as lions who tear apart prey for their young and mates, storing up their loot. This metaphor shows both the strength and the cruelty of Assyria, setting up the reason for their coming downfall.

The Hebrew behind Nahum 2:12

  • "lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh): This word is used here as a symbol for the Assyrian rulers, emphasizing their power and fierceness.
  • "pieces" (טֶרֶף, teref): Often refers to torn flesh or prey, highlighting the violence used to obtain goods.
  • "ravin" (טְרֵפָה, tereifah): This word also means torn meat or prey, reinforcing the idea of spoils gained through destruction.
  • "whelps" (גּוּר, gur): Refers to lion cubs, used here to represent the next generation or dependents benefiting from the violence.

Why Nahum 2:12 matters

  • Nahum 2:12 clarifies that the wealth and security of Nineveh were built on violence and exploitation, not legitimate means.
  • The verse connects to the wider prophecy by showing why judgment is coming: the Assyrians’ actions are as brutal as a lion’s attack, but without justice or mercy.
  • Understanding the lion imagery helps the reader see how the prophet uses familiar natural scenes to make a moral point about human behavior and consequences.

Where else these words appear

“whelps” Hebrew H1484 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 51:38 They shall roar together like lions: they shall yell as lions' whelps.

“strangled” Hebrew H2614 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

“holes” Hebrew H2356 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
  • Job 30:6 To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
  • Ezekiel 8:7 And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.

“dens” Hebrew H4585 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
  • Song of Solomon 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.