Nahum 1:7
What does Nahum 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Nahum 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nahum 1:7 means
In the midst of judgment, Nahum declares the goodness of Jehovah. He is a stronghold—a fortified refuge—in times of trouble. Importantly, He “knoweth” those who take refuge in Him; His knowledge is personal and covenantal, not merely awareness. The safest place in the universe is not a city wall but the character of God. For Judah, harassed by Assyria, this is solid comfort: the God who shakes mountains shelters His people. This assurance anticipates the fuller refuge offered in Christ, to whom believers flee for salvation. It answers the questions of verse 6 by pointing to the only way to stand—being known by the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is good, a strong place in the day of trouble; and he has knowledge of those who take him for their safe cover.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Good <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah for a strong place in a day of distress. And He knoweth those trusting in Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord is good, and giveth strength in the day of trouble: and knoweth them that hope in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Context
This verse offers a bright counterpoint after the heavy emphasis on wrath. The contrast is intentional: the same God who judges enemies protects those who trust Him. With that line drawn, verses 8–10 return to describe the totality and manner of judgment on His foes. The reader should carry verse 7’s promise forward, understanding that Judah’s deliverance and Nineveh’s ruin are both expressions of the same divine goodness and justice.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 100:5
For Jehovah is good; his lovingkindness endureth for ever, And his faithfulness unto all generations.
- Psalms 84:11
For Jehovah God is a sun and a shield: Jehovah will give grace and glory; No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
- Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
- Psalms 25:8
Good and upright is Jehovah: Therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.
- Psalms 145:6
And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts; And I will declare thy greatness.
- Psalms 59:16
But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning: For thou hast been my high tower, And a refuge in the day of my distress.
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Bible Verses About God as Refuge
The Bible uses the powerful imagery of refuge to describe God as our ultimate protector and safe haven in times of trouble.
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Bible Verses About the Goodness of God
God’s goodness is a foundational truth of faith, revealing His benevolent nature and faithful provision for all creation.
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Bible Verses About the Wrath of God
God's wrath is a profound aspect of His holiness and justice, revealed against sin and rebellion throughout scripture.