CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nahum 3:4 because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nahum/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/34_Nam_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nahum 3:4 - Judgment Against Nineveh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nahum/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nahum/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nahum/">Nahum</a> > <a href="/nahum/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nahum/3-3.htm" title="Nahum 3:3">◄</a> Nahum 3:4 <a href="/nahum/3-5.htm" title="Nahum 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nahum/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nahum/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nahum/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All this because Nineveh, the beautiful and faithless city, mistress of deadly charms, enticed the nations with her beauty. She taught them all her magic, enchanting people everywhere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nahum/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nahum/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nahum/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nahum/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of harlotries of the seductive harlot, The mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations through her harlotries, And families through her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nahum/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>All</i> because of the many sexual acts of the prostitute, The charming one, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations by her sexual acts, And families by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nahum/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All because of the many harlotries of the harlot, The charming one, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations by her harlotries And families by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nahum/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>All</i> because of the many harlotries of the harlot, The charming one, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations by her harlotries And families by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nahum/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>All</i> because of the many harlotries of the harlot, The charming one, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations by her harlotries And families by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nahum/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />All because of the many acts of prostitution of [Nineveh] the prostitute, The charming <i>and</i> well-favored one, the mistress of sorceries, Who betrays nations by her acts of prostitution (idolatry) And families by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nahum/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because of the continual prostitution of the prostitute, the attractive mistress of sorcery, who treats nations and clans like merchandise by her prostitution and sorcery,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nahum/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because of the continual prostitution of the prostitute, the attractive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nahum/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nahum/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You were nothing more than a prostitute using your magical charms and witchcraft to attract and trap nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nahum/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well favoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nahum/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />because of Nineveh's constant prostitution, this very charming mistress of evil magic. She used to sell nations her prostitution and people her evil magic."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nahum/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Nineveh the whore is being punished. Attractive and full of deadly charms, she enchanted nations and enslaved them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nahum/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Innumerable are the harlotries of this well-favored whore, this mistress of witchcraft, who enslaves nations through her fornication and families through her sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nahum/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nahum/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Because you have acted like a wanton prostitute--a seductive mistress who practices sorcery, who enslaves nations by her harlotry, and entices peoples by her sorcery--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nahum/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through her prostitution, and families through her witchcraft.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nahum/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of the lewd deeds of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her lewd deeds, and families through her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nahum/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through her prostitution, and families through her witchcraft. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nahum/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Because of the abundance of the fornications of a harlot, "" The goodness of the grace of the lady of witchcrafts, "" Who is selling nations by her fornications, "" And families by her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nahum/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Because of the abundance of the fornications of an harlot, The goodness of the grace of the lady of witchcrafts, Who is selling nations by her fornications, And families by her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nahum/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From the multitude of the fornications of the fair harlot, the beauty of the mistress of sorceries, selling the nations by her fornication, and families by her sorceries.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nahum/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of the fornications of the harlot that was beautiful and agreeable, and that made use of witchcraft, that sold nations through her fornications, and families through her witchcrafts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nahum/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of fornications of the kept woman, beautiful and pleasing and practicing evil deeds, who sold nations by her fornications, and families by her evil doing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nahum/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the many debaucheries of the prostitute, a charming mistress of witchcraft, Who enslaved nations with her prostitution, and peoples by her witchcraft: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nahum/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Because of the countless debaucheries of the prostitute, gracefully alluring, mistress of sorcery, who enslaves nations through her debaucheries, and peoples through her sorcery,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nahum/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the harlot that was beautiful and mistress of witchcrafts, who brings up nations through her whoredoms and tribes through her witchcraft,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nahum/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />From the abundance of the fornication of a harlot beautiful in appearance and Mistress of sorceries who trains up the nations with her fornication, and generations in her witchcraft<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nahum/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Because of the multitude of the harlotries of the well-favoured harlot, The mistress of witchcrafts, That selleth nations through her harlotries, And families through her witchcrafts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nahum/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />because of the abundance of fornication: <i>she is</i> a fair harlot, and well-favoured, skilled in sorcery, that sells the nations by her fornication, and peoples by her sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nahum/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vC_xxtlDxA?start=341" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nahum/3.htm">Judgment Against Nineveh</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Charging horseman, flashing sword, shining spear; heaps of slain, mounds of corpses, dead bodies without end—they stumble over their dead— <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: mê·rōḇ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">because of the many</a> <a href="/hebrew/2183.htm" title="2183: zə·nū·nê (N-mpc) -- Fornication. From zanah; adultery; figuratively, idolatry.">harlotries</a> <a href="/hebrew/2181.htm" title="2181: zō·w·nāh (N-fs) -- To commit fornication, be a harlot. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to commit idolatry.">of the harlot,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇaṯ (Adj-fsc) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">the seductive</a> <a href="/hebrew/1172.htm" title="1172: ba·‘ă·laṯ (N-fsc) -- A mistress. Feminine of ba'al; a mistress.">mistress</a> <a href="/hebrew/3785.htm" title="3785: kə·šā·p̄îm (N-mp) -- Sorcery. From kashaph; magic.">of sorcery,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: ham·mō·ḵe·reṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">who betrays</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: gō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/2183.htm" title="2183: biz·nū·ne·hā (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Fornication. From zanah; adultery; figuratively, idolatry.">by her prostitution</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: ū·miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">and clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/3785.htm" title="3785: biḵ·šā·p̄e·hā (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Sorcery. From kashaph; magic.">by her witchcraft.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-5</a></span><br />Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. / The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.” / And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Isaiah 47:9-12</a></span><br />These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells. / You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ / But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-25.htm">Ezekiel 16:25-29</a></span><br />At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty. With increasing promiscuity, you spread your legs to all who passed by. / You prostituted yourself with your lustful neighbors, the Egyptians, and increased your promiscuity to provoke Me to anger. / Therefore I stretched out My hand against you and reduced your portion. I gave you over to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd conduct. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-7.htm">Jeremiah 51:7</a></span><br />Babylon was a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-3.htm">Revelation 18:3</a></span><br />All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12-14</a></span><br />My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. / They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. / I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-16.htm">Isaiah 23:16-17</a></span><br />“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.” / And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5-8</a></span><br />Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors / clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. / She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-38.htm">Jeremiah 50:38</a></span><br />A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-8.htm">Revelation 14:8</a></span><br />Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Isaiah 1:21</a></span><br />See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-15.htm">Ezekiel 16:15-17</a></span><br />But because of your fame, you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot. You lavished your favors on everyone who passed by, and your beauty was theirs for the asking. / You took some of your garments and made colorful high places for yourself, and on them you prostituted yourself. Such things should not have happened; never should they have occurred! / You also took the fine jewelry of gold and silver I had given you, and you made male idols with which to prostitute yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1-3</a></span><br />“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. / “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. / Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-2.htm">Revelation 19:2</a></span><br />For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-3.htm">Isaiah 57:3-9</a></span><br />“But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! / Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit, / who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Because of the multitude of the prostitutions of the well favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that sells nations through her prostitutions, and families through her witchcrafts.</p><p class="hdg">the mistress.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/23-15.htm">Isaiah 23:15-17</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Isaiah 47:9,12,13</a></b></br> But these two <i>things</i> shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, <i>and</i> for the great abundance of thine enchantments… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1-5</a></b></br> And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Betrays</a> <a href="/songs/1-16.htm">Charming</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Charms</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/ezekiel/30-24.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/micah/7-13.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-11.htm">Enslaved</a> <a href="/micah/6-12.htm">False.</a> <a href="/amos/3-2.htm">Families</a> <a href="/songs/7-1.htm">Graceful</a> <a href="/micah/1-7.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/hosea/2-2.htm">Harlotries</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-9.htm">Lewd</a> <a href="/nahum/2-7.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/micah/7-16.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/micah/6-16.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/micah/1-7.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/hosea/6-10.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-24.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Sorceries</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm">Wanton</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Well-Favored</a> <a href="/genesis/41-18.htm">Well-Favoured</a> <a href="/hosea/5-4.htm">Whoredoms</a> <a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Witchcraft</a> <a href="/micah/5-12.htm">Witchcrafts</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-24.htm">Betrays</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Charming</a> <a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Charms</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/john/8-33.htm">Enslaved</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">False.</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-5.htm">Families</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-23.htm">Graceful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Harlot</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-22.htm">Harlotries</a> <a href="/acts/17-5.htm">Lewd</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-4.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/nahum/3-5.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Prostitute</a> <a href="/genesis/38-24.htm">Prostitution</a> <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Selleth</a> <a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Sells</a> <a href="/acts/8-11.htm">Sorceries</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Wanton</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Well-Favored</a> <a href="/genesis/41-2.htm">Well-Favoured</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Whoredoms</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Witchcraft</a> <a href="/revelation/9-21.htm">Witchcrafts</a><div class="vheading2">Nahum 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nahum/3-1.htm">The destruction of Nineveh.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nahum/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nahum/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nahum/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>because of the many harlotries of the harlot</b><br>This phrase refers to the spiritual and moral corruption of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. In biblical terms, "harlotry" often symbolizes idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The Assyrians were known for their worship of multiple deities and their oppressive practices. The use of "many harlotries" emphasizes the extent and repetition of their sins, suggesting a deep-seated pattern of behavior that has persisted over time. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic literature, such as Hosea, where Israel's idolatry is likened to adultery.<p><b>the seductive mistress of sorcery</b><br>Nineveh is personified as a "seductive mistress," indicating its allure and deceptive nature. The term "sorcery" suggests the use of occult practices, which were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. These practices were often associated with attempts to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain. The seductive nature of Nineveh's influence can be seen in its ability to captivate and control other nations, drawing them into its web of idolatry and immorality. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the dangers of being enticed away from faithfulness to God.<p><b>who betrays nations by her prostitution</b><br>The betrayal of nations indicates the political and spiritual treachery of Nineveh. As a dominant empire, Assyria exerted influence over many nations, often through alliances that were ultimately self-serving and destructive. The term "prostitution" here symbolizes the selling of one's integrity and loyalty for gain, a common metaphor in the Bible for idolatry and unfaithfulness. This betrayal is not just political but also spiritual, as nations are led away from the worship of the true God.<p><b>and clans by her witchcraft</b><br>The mention of "clans" suggests a more intimate level of influence, reaching into the smaller, familial units within society. "Witchcraft" implies the use of forbidden spiritual practices to exert control and manipulate others. This highlights the pervasive nature of Nineveh's corruption, affecting not just large political entities but also the foundational social structures. The Bible consistently condemns witchcraft as an abomination, as seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>, underscoring the seriousness of Nineveh's offenses.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nineveh.htm">Nineveh</a></b><br>The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its wealth, power, and idolatry. It is the primary subject of Nahum's prophecy, symbolizing a city steeped in sin and corruption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_harlot.htm">The Harlot</a></b><br>Represents Nineveh and its seductive allure, drawing nations into its idolatry and immorality. The term "harlot" is used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness and moral corruption.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sorcery.htm">Sorcery</a></b><br>Refers to the practices of magic and witchcraft, which were prevalent in Nineveh. These practices symbolize deception and manipulation, leading people away from the truth of God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations_and_peoples.htm">Nations and Peoples</a></b><br>The various groups and countries that were influenced and oppressed by Nineveh's power and idolatry. They represent those who are led astray by false teachings and practices.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_unfaithfulness.htm">Spiritual Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>Just as Nineveh was condemned for its harlotries, believers are called to remain faithful to God, avoiding spiritual adultery through idolatry or compromise with worldly values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/deception_of_sin.htm">Deception of Sin</a></b><br>The allure of sin can be likened to sorcery, deceiving and enslaving individuals. Christians must be vigilant and discerning, relying on God's truth to avoid being led astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_judgment.htm">God's Judgment</a></b><br>The prophecy against Nineveh serves as a reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin. Believers should live in reverence and obedience, knowing that God holds nations and individuals accountable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_and_responsibility.htm">Influence and Responsibility</a></b><br>Just as Nineveh influenced other nations negatively, Christians are called to be a positive influence, spreading the truth and love of Christ to those around them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nahum_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nahum 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_nahum_3_4_literal_or_rhetorical.htm">In Nahum 3:4, does the metaphorical language of prostitution and witchcraft reflect actual historical practices in Nineveh, or is it exaggerated prophetic rhetoric? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_superstitions.htm">What does the Bible say about superstitions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_miracles_differ_from_magic.htm">How do miracles differ from magic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_psychics_compatible_with_christianity.htm">Is consulting psychics compatible with Christian beliefs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nahum/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4-6) Because of the multitude.--In the idolatry and superstition of Nineveh the prophet finds the cause of her destruction. Perversion of religious instinct is frequently denounced under the same figure in Scripture. Here, however, a more literal interpretation is possible, since there is reason to believe the religious rites of Assyria were characterised, like those of Babylon, by gross sensuality. According to Herod, i. 199, the Babylonian worship of Beltis or Mylitta was connected with a system of female prostitution, which was deemed "most shameful" even by the heathen historian. Compare also the Apocryphal Book of Bar 6:43. The same deity was worshipped in Assyria. Professor Rawlinson writes: "It would seem to follow almost as a matter of course that the worship of the same identical goddess in the adjoining country included a similar usage. It may be to this practice that the prophet Nahum alludes when he denounces Nineveh as a 'well-favoured harlot,' the multitude of whose harlotries was notorious" (<span class= "ital">Five Great Monarchies,</span> ii. 41).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nahum/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - The cause is given that has brought this punishment. <span class="cmt_word">Because of the multitude of the whoredoms.</span> This term is commonly applied to idolatry, the swerving from the true God and turning to false deities; and it is thought that it cannot be used in that sense here, as Assyria had always worshipped idols, and could not be said to have forsaken or proved false to the Lord. Hence Hitzig, Keil, and others refer the term to the treacherous friendship and crafty politics by which Nineveh ensnared other states, seeking really only her own interests (comp. <a href="/isaiah/23-17.htm">Isaiah 23:17</a>). But this habit of treachery has been already mentioned in ver. 1 (where see note); and, as Knabenbauer remarks, the Assyrians used no meretricious blandishments to effect their conquests, but the cruel arts of war and the stern ordeal of the sword. It is scarcely probable that the prophet would omit idolatry among the crimes of the Assyrians that called for vengeance, as all their wars were carried on in the name of their gods, and the monarchs professed to be under Divine protection and influence. The term "whoredom" is applied to the idolatry, not only of the Israelites, but to that of Jezebel (<a href="/2_kings/9-22.htm">2 Kings 9:22</a>), who was always a heathen. The idolatry of the Assyrians may very well be so called, because it was a wilful ignoring of the light of nature and natural religion (see Wisd. 13:1; <a href="/romans/1-19.htm">Romans 1:19</a>, etc.). They were careful, too, wherever they carried their arms, to erect there symbols of their deities, and to compel conquered nations to receive them and pay them Divine honour. With this idolatrous worship was associated that gross immorality which even Herodotus (1:199) termed utterly disgraceful (comp. Baruch 6:43). Rightly is Nineveh called <span class="cmt_word">the well favoured harlot</span>; for her splendour and magnificence were unsurpassed, dazzling all beholders and hiding the rottenness that lay below the surface. <span class="cmt_word">The mistress of witchcrafts.</span> She was skilful in employing every art to seduce nations to her side. We hear much of magic in connection with Babylon and the Chaldeans, but not in reference especially to Assyria. The expression here is metaphorical, alluding to the secret practices which she employed to gain her ends and to make her rule attractive (comp. <a href="/revelation/18-2.htm">Revelation 18:2, 3</a>). <span class="cmt_word">That selleth nations.</span> Depriving them of freedom and making them tributary, or, in some cases, actually selling the inhabitants as slaves (comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-30.htm">Deuteronomy 32:30</a>; <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Judges 2:14</a>; <a href="/joel/3-3.htm">Joel 3:3</a>; <a href="/amos/1-6.htm">Amos 1:6, 7</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Families</span>. Not only nations in the aggregate, but smaller bodies, individuals, so that none escape. Septuagint, <span class="greek">λαούς</span>, "peoples." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nahum/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">because of the many</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרֹב֙</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harlotries</span><br /><span class="heb">זְנוּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(zə·nū·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commit adultery, to commit idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the harlot,</span><br /><span class="heb">זוֹנָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(zō·w·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To commit adultery, to commit idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the seductive</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> </span><span class="str2">Graciousness, subjective, objective</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mistress</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲלַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·laṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1172.htm">Strong's 1172: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mistress</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of sorcery,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשָׁפִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·šā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3785.htm">Strong's 3785: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sorcery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who betrays</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֹּכֶ֤רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mō·ḵe·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nations</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹיִם֙</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by her prostitution</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּזְנוּנֶ֔יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(biz·nū·ne·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2183.htm">Strong's 2183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adultery, idolatry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and clans</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִשְׁפָּח֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by her witchcraft.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּכְשָׁפֶֽיהָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(biḵ·šā·p̄e·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3785.htm">Strong's 3785: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sorcery</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nahum/3-4.htm">Nahum 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">OT Prophets: Nahum 3:4 Because of the multitude of the prostitution (Nah. Na) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nahum/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nahum 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nahum 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nahum/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nahum 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nahum 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>