Nahum 1:1
What does Nahum 1:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Nahum 1:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nahum 1:1 means
The opening line introduces this book as a “burden”—a weighty oracle—concerning Nineveh. It signals that what follows is not light opinion but a divinely placed load that presses on the prophet to deliver. Calling it “the book of the vision” emphasizes that Nahum did not invent these words; they were revealed to him. Naming him “the Elkoshite” roots the message in real history and a real man, even as the focus turns to a distant imperial city. The God of Judah cares about international affairs. He will address Nineveh’s violence and pride. This first verse frames everything as God’s message about Nineveh through Nahum.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The word about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Burden of Nineveh. The Book of the Vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The burden of Ninive. The book of the vision of Nahum, the Elcesite.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
Context
This superscription stands before any description of God or announcement of judgment. Verses 2–6 will first unveil the character and power of Jehovah, so that readers understand who is speaking. Only after God’s majesty is established will the prophecy turn directly to Nineveh’s fate. The heading’s focus on Nineveh prepares us to see that the grand theophany is not abstract theology; it explains why Nineveh will fall. The mention of Nahum’s identity also prepares the audience in Judah to receive his words as authoritative and relevant to their suffering.
v.1This passage
v.2Jehovah is a jealous God and avengeth; Jehovah avengeth and is full of wrath; Jehovah taketh vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nahum 2:8
But Nineveh hath been from of old like a pool of water: yet they flee away. Stand, stand, they cry; but none looketh back.
- Jonah 3:3
So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of Jehovah. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city, of three days’ journey.
- Isaiah 13:1
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
- Isaiah 14:28
In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.
- Jonah 1:2
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
- Isaiah 15:1
The burden of Moab. For in a night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nought; for in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nought.
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