Old Testament
Nahum 3:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Are you better than populous No, which was situated among the rivers, with waters all around it, whose rampart was the sea, and whose wall was from the sea?
Compare translations
Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea?
What Nahum 3:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nahum 3:8, the prophet Nahum challenges the city of Nineveh by comparing it to the ancient city of No, also known as Thebes, which was located in Egypt. Thebes was a powerful city, surrounded by rivers and protected by natural barriers, making it seem invincible. However, despite its strength and defenses, Thebes fell to its enemies. Nahum uses this comparison to warn Nineveh that it is not better than Thebes and will also face destruction. This verse emphasizes the idea that no matter how strong or fortified a city or nation may seem, it cannot escape judgment if it is corrupt and wicked. The message serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the inevitability of divine justice.
How to apply Nahum 3:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and communities. Just as Nineveh was warned of its impending doom, we should be mindful of our actions and the consequences they may bring. It serves as a reminder to seek righteousness and humility rather than pride and corruption.
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 3:8
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 3:8
Related Bible verses
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 3:8 mean?
Nahum 3:8 compares the city of Nineveh to Thebes, an ancient city in Egypt that was powerful and well-defended but ultimately fell to its enemies. The verse warns Nineveh that it is not superior to Thebes and will also face destruction due to its wickedness.
What is the significance of populous No in Nahum 3:8?
Populous No, or Thebes, represents a once-great city that was surrounded by rivers and thought to be invincible. Its fall serves as a warning to Nineveh about the consequences of pride and corruption.
How does Nahum 3:8 relate to themes of judgment?
The verse illustrates the theme of judgment by showing that even powerful cities like Thebes were not spared from destruction. It emphasizes that divine justice will prevail over pride and wickedness.
What lesson can we learn from Nahum 3:8?
Nahum 3:8 teaches us to be aware of our actions and their consequences, reminding us to pursue righteousness and humility instead of pride, as even the strongest can fall.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.