Old Testament
Nahum 3:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You too will be drunk; you will be hidden. You will also seek strength because of the enemy.
Compare translations
Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.
What Nahum 3:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nahum 3:11, the prophet Nahum addresses Nineveh, predicting that the city will experience a downfall similar to that of its enemies. The imagery of drunkenness suggests a state of confusion and helplessness. Nineveh, once powerful and feared, will find itself in a position of vulnerability, seeking strength but unable to find it. The verse emphasizes the consequences of their actions and the inevitability of judgment. The mention of being 'hidden' indicates that they will be in a state of retreat or hiding from their enemies, unable to confront the reality of their situation. This serves as a warning that no matter how strong a city or nation may seem, they can fall when they stray from righteousness and justice. The verse encapsulates the theme of divine retribution, showing that those who oppress others will ultimately face their own downfall.
How to apply Nahum 3:11 to your life
This verse reminds us that pride and oppression can lead to downfall. We should strive for humility and justice in our actions, recognizing that true strength comes from righteousness. In times of trouble, instead of seeking power through deceit or oppression, we should seek genuine strength through integrity and faith.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 3:11
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 3:11
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 3:11 mean for Nineveh?
Nahum 3:11 serves as a prophecy of judgment against Nineveh, indicating that the city will face a downfall similar to that of its enemies. The imagery of drunkenness symbolizes confusion and helplessness, suggesting that Nineveh, once a powerful force, will find itself vulnerable and seeking strength in a time of crisis. This verse highlights the consequences of their oppressive actions and the inevitability of divine judgment.
How can Nahum 3:11 apply to our lives today?
Nahum 3:11 teaches us the importance of humility and justice. It serves as a reminder that pride and oppression can lead to our downfall. In our own lives, we should strive to act with integrity and seek strength through righteousness rather than deceit. This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences, urging us to pursue justice and humility in our relationships and communities.
What themes are present in Nahum 3:11?
The key themes in Nahum 3:11 include judgment, vulnerability, divine retribution, and the consequences of sin. The verse illustrates how even the mightiest can fall when they stray from righteousness. It emphasizes that those who oppress others will ultimately face their own downfall, reinforcing the idea that true strength lies in justice and integrity.
Why does Nahum mention being 'hidden' in this verse?
The mention of being 'hidden' in Nahum 3:11 signifies a state of retreat or hiding from enemies. It reflects Nineveh's impending vulnerability and inability to confront their situation. This imagery underscores the consequences of their actions, illustrating that those who once wielded power may find themselves in a position of fear and desperation when faced with judgment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.