Old Testament
Nahum 3:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Nahum criticizes the city of Nineveh for its excessive focus on trade and wealth.
- Author
- Nahum the prophet
- Written
- Around 650 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah concerning Nineveh
You have increased your merchants more than the stars of heaven; the cankerworm spoils and flies away.
Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and fleeth away.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Nahum criticizes the city of Nineveh for its excessive focus on trade and wealth. The comparison of merchants to the stars of heaven highlights the abundance of commerce in Nineveh. However, the mention of the cankerworm suggests that despite this prosperity, their wealth is fleeting and vulnerable to destruction. The cankerworm, a destructive pest, symbolizes how quickly fortunes can change and how material gains can be lost. This serves as a warning that reliance on wealth and commerce can lead to downfall, especially when it overshadows moral and spiritual values. Nahum's message emphasizes that true security and stability come from a relationship with God, not from material possessions or commercial success.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Nahum 3:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our priorities. While pursuing success and wealth is not inherently wrong, we must ensure that it does not overshadow our spiritual life and moral responsibilities. True fulfillment comes from a balanced life centered on faith and values.
Curated for this public verse page. Nahum Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nahum 3:16 mean?
Nahum 3:16 criticizes Nineveh for its excessive focus on trade and wealth, comparing the number of merchants to the stars of heaven. It warns that despite their prosperity, their wealth is vulnerable to destruction, symbolized by the cankerworm.
What is the meaning of 'cankerworm' in Nahum 3:16?
In Nahum 3:16, the 'cankerworm' represents a destructive force that spoils wealth and prosperity. It serves as a metaphor for how quickly fortunes can change and how material gains can be lost.
How does Nahum 3:16 relate to modern life?
Nahum 3:16 encourages us to reflect on our priorities regarding wealth and success. It reminds us that while pursuing material gains is common, we should not let it overshadow our spiritual and moral responsibilities.
What themes are present in Nahum 3:16?
Key themes in Nahum 3:16 include wealth, commerce, fleeting prosperity, divine judgment, and the importance of moral values. The verse emphasizes that true security comes from faith rather than material possessions.
The Book of Nahum
Nahum 1: The Lord's Vengeance and Good News for Judah
The burden of Nineveh comes through Nahum the Elkoshite. The Lord is jealous and takes vengeance; He is slow to anger but great in power and does not acquit the wicked. He walks in the whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, dries up rivers, and causes Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon to wither. The mountains quake at Him, the hills melt, and the earth burns at His presence. No one can stand before His indignation.
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