Meaning of the Name Nahum
Nahum is connected with the Hebrew semantic field of comfort, consolation, and compassion. It is often explained as "comfort" or "one who is comforted." The root connection is linguistically strong.
Origin
The name Nahum is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Nahum in the Bible?
Nahum is the Minor Prophet who announces judgment against Nineveh. His book combines the message of Assyria's downfall with themes of God's justice and his refuge for the oppressed. Although the name may occur elsewhere, the prophet of the book of Nahum is the best-known bearer.
The story of Nahum in the Bible
Nahum is one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament, and his book is introduced as the oracle of Nahum of Elkosh concerning Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire that had long crushed Israel and Judah. His words announce that the end of this ruthless power has come. The prophet presents the LORD as a God who never fails to bring justice yet is slow to anger, and in the same breath stresses his goodness: the LORD is a refuge in the day of trouble who knows those who take shelter in him. The book therefore reads like a message of comfort for an oppressed people, fitting the sense of consolation tied to the prophet's name. Nahum paints Nineveh's fall in vivid scenes of charging chariots, plundered treasures, and a scattered army; in the end all who see the ruined city flee, and no one mourns or comforts her. Others in the Bible bear the same name, but this prophet remains the best known.
Is Nahum mentioned in the Quran?
The name Nahum does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament it belongs to the minor prophet who announced the fall of Nineveh and described the LORD as a refuge in the day of trouble.
Verses where Nahum appears
- Nahum 1:1 —
An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
- Nahum 1:7 —
Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
- Nahum 3:7 —
It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, ‘Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”