Nahum 3:13
What does Nahum 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Nahum 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nahum 3:13 means
The prophecy announces a collapse of courage: “Thy people in the midst of thee are women,” a metaphor in that culture for lost martial strength. The gates, once the pride of defense and governance, stand wide to the enemy, and fire has consumed the bars meant to keep foes out. This is the picture of a city disarmed within and without—hearts melted, entry points compromised, key protections gone. The verse shows how judgment works through both internal demoralization and external breach. When God removes valor and burns away barriers, even the most fortified city becomes an open door to its adversaries.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women; the gates of thy land are set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire hath devoured thy bars.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women; the gates of thy land are set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire hath devoured thy bars.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, the people who are in you are women; the doorways of your land are wide open to your attackers: the locks of your doors have been burned away in the fire.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, thy people <FI>are<Fi> women in thy midst, To thine enemies thoroughly opened Have been the gates of thy land, Consumed hath fire thy bars.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open to thy enemies, the fire shall devour thy bars.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are [as] women: the gates of thy land are set wide open unto thine enemies; the fire devoureth thy bars.
Context
Following the ease of fortress-failure in verse 12, verse 13 depicts the human side of collapse—faltering soldiers and open gates. The transition is important: it’s not just structures failing, but spirit and leadership. Next, verse 14 will ironically call Nineveh to redouble her siege preparations, highlighting the futility of effort when God has decreed ruin. The sequence underscores that both morale and masonry are powerless against the judgment now advancing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 50:37
A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures, and they shall be robbed.
- Isaiah 45:1
Thus saith Jehovah to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:
- Nahum 2:6
The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved.
- Jeremiah 51:30
The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in their strongholds; their might hath failed; they are become as women: her dwelling-places are set on fire; her bars are broken.
- Psalms 147:13
For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; He hath blessed thy children within thee.
- Psalms 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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