Old Testament
Nahum 1:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
What are you plotting against the LORD? He will bring complete destruction; trouble will not come a second time.
Compare translations
What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.
What Nahum 1:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nahum 1:9, the prophet questions those who plot against God, emphasizing that their efforts are futile. The verse assures that God will bring about total destruction of His enemies, indicating that their troubles will not return. This reflects God's sovereignty and power over all opposition. The imagery of complete destruction suggests that God will decisively deal with those who oppose Him, ensuring that they will not rise again to trouble His people. The verse serves as a warning to those who would defy God, highlighting that their plans are ultimately doomed to fail. It reassures the faithful that God is in control and will protect them from harm. This message of divine justice and protection is central to the book of Nahum, which focuses on God's judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its cruelty and idolatry. The verse encourages believers to trust in God's ability to deliver them from their adversaries and to recognize the futility of opposing His will.
How to apply Nahum 1:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's power and justice. When facing opposition or challenges, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and will ultimately protect us. It reminds us to avoid plotting against others and instead focus on our relationship with God, who fights our battles.
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 1:9
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 1:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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
What does Nahum 1:9 mean?
Nahum 1:9 questions those who plot against God, asserting that their plans are futile. It emphasizes that God will bring complete destruction to His enemies, ensuring that they will not rise again to trouble His people.
What is the meaning of complete destruction in Nahum 1:9?
Complete destruction in Nahum 1:9 signifies God's total judgment against His adversaries. It indicates that God will decisively eliminate those who oppose Him, ensuring they cannot return to cause harm.
How does Nahum 1:9 relate to God's protection?
Nahum 1:9 reassures the faithful that God is in control and will protect them from harm. It emphasizes that God will decisively deal with those who threaten His people.
What themes are present in Nahum 1:9?
Key themes in Nahum 1:9 include God's sovereignty, divine judgment, the futility of opposition, and the protection of the faithful. It highlights the certainty of God's justice against His enemies.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.