Word Study: Nahum 1:2-3
Avenging
Quinnton J. Lawson
OTCL 505: Hebrew Language Tools
July 2, 2023
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Select Only the Most Important Word(s) for Study...................................................................1
Determine the Hebrew Word from Which the English Word Was Derived............................2
Determine the Hebrew Verb Stem................................................................................................2
List All the English Words Used for that Hebrew Root.............................................................2
Note Any Changes in Meaning if the Verb Changes Stem.........................................................2
Consider How the Contextual Settings Influenced Each of the English Word Choices..........3
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................3
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................4
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1
Introduction
Each time a word is used, its context will help determine the word’s exact meaning.1
Nahum 1:2-3 verse speaks of “God’s Wrath on His Enemies.” Verbs are used to describe God’s
patience and his desire for those not to perish under His judgment. However, evil will not be
allowed to go on doing whatever it wishes without consequences. All words in the passage have
their meaning or definition. However, it is common for words to be used in a different context
and take on a different meaning. When studying Hebrew verbs, understanding the various
nuances of that verb stem, which are crucial to that understanding.2 In this word study, a Hebrew
word is taken from Nahum 1:2-3 utilizing the Hebrew verb stem study by Dr. Chet Roden.
Select Only the Most Important Word(s) for Study
Dr. Chet Roden states that verbs are the action or movement words of a sentence. Some
have even said that verbs are the life, heart, and soul of a language.3 The passage Nahum 1:2-3
ESV uses the verbs wrath, vengeance, and avenging. The word avenging will be utilized for this
word study taken from verse two of Nahum chapter one. Avenging was chosen because of its
numeric use throughout the passage, as well as the importance of the word in the context of the
passage. Another way of choosing which words to study is to look for the word or concept upon
which the entire verse or passage centers.4 The word “avenging” is the central word around
Nahum 1:2-14.
1 Chet Roden, ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW: An Introduction to the Language and Its History,
(Place of publication not identified: COGNELLA ACADEMIC PUBLISH, 2016), 62.
2 Roden, ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW, 83.
3 Roden, ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW, 78.
4 Roden, ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW, 64.
2
Determine the Hebrew Word from Which the English Word Was Derived
The English word chosen was “avenging” which derived from the Hebrew word םַקָנ
(nāqam).
Determine the Hebrew Verb Stem
The Hebrew verb stem for םַקָנ/nāqam is a Qal, the subject simply acts according to the
nature of the verb.5 The word “avenging” indicates the action of God. In the Qal, the root is
inflected with the Qamets and Pathach.6
List All the English Words Used for that Hebrew Root
The Hebrew verb word םַקָ נ/nāqam is a primitive root according to BlueLetterBible.org.
The English words used for this are, to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish, revenge, or to take
vengeance.7 According to Logos Bible Study, other English words used are: be avenged, take
vengeance, and he shall surely be punished.
Note Any Changes in Meaning if the Verb Changes Stem
There are some cases where the meaning of a verb will change in different stems.8 The
Hebrew verbal root word for “avenging” םַקָ נ/nāqam has a variance across Scripture concerning
its verb stem. According to Blue Letter Bible, in the first case, the verb stem includes Qal which
is to avenge, take vengeance, or entertain revengeful feelings. Secondly, the Niphal’s stem is a
simple reflective action, and its meaning is to avenge oneself or to suffer vengeance. The third
5 Roden, ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW, 80.
6 Ibid., 81.
7 H5358 Lexicon, BlueLetterBible.org
8 Ibid., 83.
3
case for the Piel is similar to the Qal stem of to avenge. The usage of the Hebrew verb
םַקָנ/nāqam does not change its meaning.
Consider How the Contextual Settings Influenced Each of the English Word Choices
In the passage of Nahum 1:2, the context is presented well by the understanding that God
is introduced and described with three terms: jealousy, vengeance, and wrath.9 The Hebrew word
םַקָנ/nāqam translating to the English word “avenging/vengeance,” is best understood within the
context of justice and of injustices committed. God’s vengeance is initiated by injustices, and it
is not vengeance for the sake of vengeance, but it is vengeance for the sake of bringing an end to
injustices.10 In this case, God is proving that He is the contextual influence because this cannot
be done by anyone else.
Conclusion
The threefold repetition of avenging obviously gives it prominence.11 The Hebrew word
םַקָנ/nāqam defines God as an avenging God. A Biblical Hebrew verb word study is a challenge.
Understanding verbs in Hebrew is key to understanding the word usage. With the assistance of
lexicons and references from Logos Bible Study or Blue Letter Bible, help with the study of a
word in Hebrew or Greek. Studying the use and context of a word from a passage of scripture
will improve and enhance the understanding of the scripture completely.
9 David G. Firth, Tremper Longman, and S.D. Snyman, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: An
Introduction and Commentary, (Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2020), 21.
10 Firth, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, 22.
11 Thomas Renz, The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, (Chicago: Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., 2021), 88.
4
Bibliography
Firth, David G., Tremper Longman, and S.D. Snyman. Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: An
Introduction and Commentary. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2020.
Renz, Thomas. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Chicago: Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., 2021.
Roden, Chet. ELEMENTARY BIBLICAL HEBREW: An Introduction to the Language and Its
History. Place of publication not identified: COGNELLA ACADEMIC PUBLISH, 2016.
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