Old Testament
Nahum 1:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God is jealous, and the LORD takes revenge. The LORD takes revenge and is filled with fury. The LORD brings vengeance against his adversaries and holds on to his wrath against his enemies.
Compare translations
God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
What Nahum 1:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nahum 1:2, the text emphasizes God's intense emotions, particularly His jealousy and fury. This jealousy is not petty but stems from His desire for loyalty and righteousness. The verse highlights that God is not passive; He actively seeks justice against those who oppose Him. The repetition of 'revenge' and 'vengeance' underscores the seriousness of God's response to evil. His wrath is reserved for His enemies, indicating that there is a time for judgment. This passage serves as a reminder that God is deeply concerned about justice and will act decisively against wrongdoing. It reassures the faithful that God will defend them and punish those who harm them. The imagery of God holding onto His wrath suggests that while He is patient, there is a limit to His tolerance for injustice. This verse sets the tone for the rest of Nahum, which focuses on the impending judgment against Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness. Overall, it portrays God as a powerful protector of His people and a fierce opponent of evil.
How to apply Nahum 1:2 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in God's justice. When facing injustice or oppression, remember that God sees all and will act in His timing. It reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles, as God is a defender of the righteous.
Curated for this public verse page. Nahum Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nahum 1:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nahum 1:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Nahum
- Author
- Nahum the prophet
- Written
- Around 650 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah concerning Nineveh
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
How does Nahum 1:2 relate to God's justice?
Nahum 1:2 emphasizes God's active role in administering justice. The verse highlights that God is not indifferent to evil; instead, He takes vengeance against His adversaries. This assures believers that God will ultimately address injustices and wrongdoings, reinforcing the idea that He is a just and righteous judge who will protect the faithful and punish those who oppose Him.
What is the significance of God's wrath in this verse?
The mention of God's wrath in Nahum 1:2 indicates that while God is patient, there is a limit to His tolerance for sin and injustice. His wrath is reserved for His enemies, suggesting that judgment will come in due time. This serves as a warning against evil and a comfort to the faithful, assuring them that God will defend them and act against those who harm them.
How can believers apply Nahum 1:2 in their lives?
Believers can apply Nahum 1:2 by trusting in God's justice during times of injustice or oppression. This verse encourages them to remember that God sees all wrongs and will act in His perfect timing. It reassures them that they are not alone in their struggles, as God is a defender of the righteous and will ultimately bring about justice.
What does Nahum 1:2 reveal about God's character?
Nahum 1:2 reveals that God is a passionate and just deity who cares deeply about righteousness and loyalty. His jealousy and fury demonstrate His commitment to justice and His protective nature over His people. This verse portrays God as a powerful defender against evil, emphasizing that He will not hesitate to act against those who oppose His will.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.