Nahum 3:5
Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.
Nahum 3:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Nahum in the Bible speaks of God's judgement upon Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The phrase "Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts" conveys a sense of divine opposition towards the city. God declares that He will expose Nineveh's sins and bring shame upon them. The metaphor of "discovering thy skirts upon thy face" signifies the humiliation and disgrace that will come upon the city. By revealing their nakedness to the nations and kingdoms, God will bring judgement upon Nineveh for their wickedness and evil deeds. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and disobedience, showing that God sees all and will hold individuals and nations accountable for their actions.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Nahum reveals a powerful and vivid image of God's judgment upon a sinful nation. The use of the metaphor of uncovering someone's skirts upon their face symbolizes the exposure of their shame and vulnerability to the world. In this context, it represents the humiliation and downfall of the nation being addressed. The phrase "I am against thee" emphasizes the opposition of the Lord towards those who have strayed from His ways. The word "nakedness" and "shame" further underscore the consequences of disobedience and betrayal of God's covenant. This verse serves as a warning to nations and individuals alike, urging them to repent and turn back to the ways of righteousness before facing the wrath of the Almighty.
Nahum 3:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, I am against thee, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will uncover thy skirts upon thy face; and I will show the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.
World English Bible
“Behold, I am against you,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.
Douay-Rheims
Behold I come against thee, saith the Lord of hosts: and I will discover thy shame to thy face, and will shew thy nakedness to the nations, and thy shame to kingdoms.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beholde, I come vpon thee, saith the Lord of hostes, and will discouer thy skirtes vpon thy face, and will shewe the nations thy filthines, and the kingdomes thy shame.