Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

NAHUM 3:9KJV
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Nahum 3:9 (KJV)

What does Nahum 3:9 mean?

Nahum 3:9 says that Ethiopia and Egypt gave strength and support to the city being judged, and that this help seemed limitless; Put and Lubim were also counted among her allies. The verse is highlighting how many powerful nations stood with this city, yet their support could not save her.

Nahum is speaking about the city of No (Thebes) in Egypt, warning Nineveh by reminding them of Thebes’ downfall despite its many allies. The verse emphasizes that even with great strength and many helpers, Thebes fell—implying that Nineveh’s power and alliances will not protect it from judgment.

The Hebrew behind Nahum 3:9

  • "Strength" (עָזְרָה, transliterated ‘ozrah) refers to might or support, showing that Thebes had real, tangible backing from strong nations.
  • "Infinite" (אֵין קֵצֶה, transliterated ‘eyn qetseh) literally means "no end," stressing just how overwhelming Thebes’ support appeared.
  • "Helpers" (עֵזֶר, transliterated ‘ezer) means those who give aid, underlining that Put and Lubim were not just bystanders but active supporters.

Why Nahum 3:9 matters

  • Nahum 3:9 clears up any idea that Thebes fell because it was isolated or weak; the verse stresses that even the strongest alliances can fail.
  • The verse connects to the wider warning to Nineveh: if a city as well-defended as Thebes could fall, so can Nineveh, no matter its power or friends.
  • This verse helps the reader see the historical reality behind the prophecy, grounding Nahum’s warning in a real, remembered event.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H6109 · used in 3 verses

  • Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
  • Isaiah 47:9 But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

“Lubim” Hebrew H3864 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
  • Daniel 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

“Put” Hebrew H6316 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 10:6 And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
  • Jeremiah 46:9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow.
  • Ezekiel 30:5 Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

“helpers” Hebrew H5833 · used in 25 verses

  • Judges 5:23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
  • Psalms 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
  • Psalms 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.