Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Nineveh is like a pool whose water is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. New Living Translation Nineveh is like a leaking water reservoir! The people are slipping away. “Stop, stop!” someone shouts, but no one even looks back. English Standard Version Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away. “Halt! Halt!” they cry, but none turns back. Berean Standard Bible Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. Berean Literal Bible And Nineveh was like a pool of water, from the days of her, and they flee: “Stand, stand,” and no one is turning back. King James Bible But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. New King James Version Though Nineveh of old was like a pool of water, Now they flee away. “Halt! Halt!” they cry; But no one turns back. New American Standard Bible Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, Yet they are fleeing; “Stop, stop,” But no one turns back. NASB 1995 Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, Now they are fleeing; “Stop, stop,” But no one turns back. NASB 1977 Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, Now they are fleeing; “Stop, stop,” But no one turns back. Legacy Standard Bible Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, Now they are fleeing; “Stand! Stand!” But no one turns back. Amplified Bible Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, Now her inhabitants are fleeing; “Stop! Stop!” [a few cry,] But no one turns back. Berean Annotated Bible Nineveh (abode of Ninus) has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. Christian Standard Bible Nineveh has been like a pool of water from her first days, but they are fleeing. “Stop! Stop! ” they cry, but no one turns back. Holman Christian Standard Bible Nineveh has been like a pool of water from her first days, but they are fleeing.” Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.” American Standard Version But Nineveh hath been from of old like a pool of water: yet they flee away. Stand, stand, they cry; but none looketh back. Contemporary English Version Nineveh is like a pond with leaking water. Shouts of "Stop! Don't go!" can be heard everywhere. But everyone is leaving. English Revised Version But Nineveh hath been from of old like a pool of water: yet they flee away; Stand, stand, they cry; but none looketh back. GOD'S WORD® Translation Nineveh was like a pool of water from its first day on. But now its people are fleeing. "Stop! Stop!" But no one turns around. Good News Translation Like water from a broken dam the people rush from Nineveh! "Stop! Stop!" the cry rings out--but no one turns back. International Standard Version Nineveh is a reservoir whose water is draining away. "Wait! Wait!" they cry, yet not even one person looks back. NET Bible Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days, but now her people are running away; she cries out: "Stop! Stop!"--but no one turns back. New Heart English Bible But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. "Stop. Stop." they cry, but no one looks back. Webster's Bible Translation But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. World English Bible But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one looks back. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Nineveh [is] as a pool of waters, "" From of old it [is]—and they are fleeing! “Stand, stand”; and none is turning! Berean Literal Bible And Nineveh was like a pool of water, from the days of her, and they flee: “Stand, stand,” and no one is turning back. Young's Literal Translation And Nineveh is as a pool of waters, From of old it is -- and they are fleeing! 'Stand ye, stand;' and none is turning! Smith's Literal Translation And Nineveh it is as a pool of water from the days, and they fleeing, stood: they stood, and none looking back. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd as for Ninive, her waters are like a great pool, but the men flee away. They cry: Stand, stand, but there is none that will return back. Catholic Public Domain Version And Nineveh, her waters are like a fish pond. Yet truly, they have fled away: “Stand, stand!” But there is no one who will turn back. New American Bible Nineveh is like a pool whose waters escape; “Stop! Stop!” but none turns back. New Revised Standard Version Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away. “Halt! Halt!”— but no one turns back. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Nineveh is like a lake, and she is situated by the waters; her warriors flee away. Make a stand, make a stand, their officers cry; but none turns back. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Nineva is like a lake of waters and she is between the waters, and those men have fled. Stand! Stand! And there is none who returns OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But Nineveh hath been from of old like a pool of water; Yet they flee away; 'Stand, stand'; But none looketh back. Brenton Septuagint Translation And as for Nineve, her waters shall be as a pool of water: and they fled, and staid not, and there was none to look back. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Overthrow of Nineveh…7It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts. 8Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. 9“Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!” There is no end to the treasure, an abundance of every precious thing.… Cross References Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days, Isaiah 8:7-8 the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates—the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. / It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! Jeremiah 47:2 This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail Isaiah 17:12-13 Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. / The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. but now it is draining away. Isaiah 19:5-7 The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. / The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither. / The bulrushes by the Nile, by the mouth of the river, and all the fields sown along the Nile, will wither, blow away, and be no more. Jeremiah 15:18 Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there. Zephaniah 2:13-15 And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria; He will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as a desert. / Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. / This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” but no one turns back. Matthew 24:17-18 Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak. Jeremiah 46:5 Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. Luke 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife! Jeremiah 51:13 You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut. Isaiah 47:1-5 “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate. / Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. / Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.” … Revelation 17:1-2 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.” Isaiah 13:19-22 And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. … Treasury of Scripture But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. of old. Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, like. Jeremiah 51:13 O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness. Revelation 17:1,15 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: … Stand. Nahum 3:17 Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they are. Isaiah 13:14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. Isaiah 47:13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. look back. Jump to Previous Cry Existed Flee Fleeing Flowing Halt Looks Nineveh Nin'eveh Pool Run Stand Stop Throughout Turning Turns Water WatersJump to Next Cry Existed Flee Fleeing Flowing Halt Looks Nineveh Nin'eveh Pool Run Stand Stop Throughout Turning Turns Water WatersNahum 2 1. The fearful and victorious armies of God against Nineveh.Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was known for its wealth, power, and influence, much like a pool of water that is full and abundant. The city was strategically located on the Tigris River, contributing to its prosperity and making it a center of trade and culture. Historically, Nineveh was a symbol of Assyrian dominance, having been a formidable force in the ancient Near East. The imagery of a "pool of water" suggests stability and abundance, reflecting the city's long-standing prominence and security. but now it is draining away “Stop! Stop!” they cry but no one turns back Persons / Places / Events 1. NinevehThe capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and wealth, but also for its wickedness and cruelty. In Nahum's prophecy, Nineveh is depicted as a city facing imminent destruction. 2. The Assyrians The inhabitants of Nineveh and the broader Assyrian Empire, known for their military prowess and harsh rule over conquered peoples. They are the primary subjects of Nahum's prophecy of judgment. 3. The Prophet Nahum A minor prophet in the Old Testament, Nahum's message is primarily focused on the impending judgment and fall of Nineveh, serving as a warning and a message of hope for Judah. 4. The Pool Symbolically represents Nineveh's resources, strength, and people, which are depicted as draining away, signifying the city's decline and eventual fall. 5. The Cry to 'Stop!' Represents the futile attempts of Nineveh's inhabitants to halt their impending doom, highlighting the inevitability of God's judgment once decreed. Teaching Points The Inevitability of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is certain and cannot be thwarted by human efforts. Just as Nineveh's cries to "Stop!" were in vain, so too are any attempts to resist God's decrees. The Consequences of Unrepentance Nineveh's fall serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God after experiencing His mercy. True repentance must be sustained to avoid judgment. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The fall of Nineveh illustrates God's control over the rise and fall of empires. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and justice, even when worldly powers seem dominant. The Call to Repentance The account of Nineveh encourages individuals and nations to heed God's call to repentance. It is a reminder that God's patience has limits, and His justice will prevail. Hope for the Oppressed For Judah and other nations oppressed by Assyria, Nahum's prophecy was a message of hope, showing that God hears the cries of the oppressed and will act in His time. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nahum 2:8?2. How does Nahum 2:8 illustrate God's judgment on Nineveh's unfaithfulness? 3. What lessons can we learn from Nineveh's fate in Nahum 2:8? 4. How does Nahum 2:8 connect with Jonah's earlier warning to Nineveh? 5. How can we avoid spiritual complacency as seen in Nahum 2:8? 6. What does Nahum 2:8 teach about the consequences of ignoring God's warnings? 7. What historical events does Nahum 2:8 refer to regarding Nineveh's downfall? 8. How does Nahum 2:8 illustrate God's judgment on nations? 9. What is the significance of Nineveh's comparison to a pool in Nahum 2:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nahum 2? 11. Why does Nahum 2:8 suggest Nineveh’s sudden downfall when other historical records indicate a more protracted conflict? 12. What is the main theme of the Book of Nahum? 13. Proverbs 11:4 claims riches are worthless in the day of wrath—what archaeological or historical evidence supports the claim of divine judgment? 14. Who is the author of the Book of Nahum? What Does Nahum 2:8 Mean Nineveh’s Long-Standing Prosperity• “Nineveh has been like a pool of water throughout her days” (Nahum 2:8a) paints the city as a vast, calm reservoir—stable, deep, teeming with life and wealth. • A pool gathers and holds resources; likewise, Assyria’s capital had gathered tribute, trade, and captive peoples (Isaiah 10:13-14). • Scripture often links “many waters” with abundance: Babylon is rebuked as one “who dwells by many waters, rich in treasures” (Jeremiah 51:13), and wealth-laden Tyre is pictured “in the heart of the seas” (Ezekiel 27:4). • For years Nineveh seemed untouchable, just as Psalm 1:3 describes a tree “planted by streams of water” that “prospers in all he does.” The image stresses outward strength, yet hints that true security must come from God, not stolen riches (Psalm 62:10). The Sudden Draining Away • “But now it is draining away” (Nahum 2:8b). In one swift stroke, what took centuries to stockpile is vanishing. • God foretold this reversal earlier: “With an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh” (Nahum 1:8). The pool that once brimmed will be emptied by His judgment. • Isaiah 19:6 pictures Egypt’s rivers “wasting away and drying up”; the same divine hand can siphon the lifeblood from any empire. • Zephaniah 2:13 echoes Nahum: “He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria… Nineveh will be a desolation.” The draining is not chance but covenant justice—God keeping His promise to oppose pride (Proverbs 16:18). The Desperate Cry • “‘Stop! Stop!’ they cry” (Nahum 2:8c). Panic grips the streets; officers bark orders; citizens plead for order. • Yet terror scatters resolve. Jeremiah 46:5 paints a similar scene: “Why have I seen them terrified? They draw back… terror on every side!” • Proud Nineveh, once the taunter of nations (Nahum 2:11-12), now begs mercy. But the same lips that once cried “Submit!” to others find no audience for their own pleas (James 2:13). No One Turns Back • “But no one turns back” (Nahum 2:8d). The defenders break ranks, every man for himself. • Nahum 3:7 predicted this flight: “All who see you will flee from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated.’” • Jeremiah 4:29 echoes the unstoppable rout: “Every city flees at the sound of the horsemen and bowmen.” When God ordains collapse, courage evaporates; no command, no wall, no strategy can reverse His decree (Psalm 33:10-11). • The fleeing throng fulfills Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Nineveh’s empty streets become a testimony: without repentance, even the mightiest fall. summary Nahum 2:8 traces Assyria’s capital from serene reservoir to empty ditch. Years of accumulated power (“a pool of water”) cannot withstand the moment God pulls the plug (“now it is draining away”). Panic erupts (“Stop! Stop!”), yet flight prevails (“no one turns back”). The verse reminds us that earthly security is fragile, divine judgment is certain, and prideful powers eventually drain to dust while God’s word stands firm. (8) We prefer to adopt the slight change of reading favoured by the LXX. (meymeyha for mimey hi, and to render, And Nineveh, like a pool of water are her waters, and they [her inhabitants] are fleeing away. The waters which formerly flowed in river-courses and dykes are now one vast expanse of inundation. A panic thereupon seizes the inhabitants. If the present text be maintained, the rendering of the Authorised Version will stand. We may then suppose the heterogeneous population of Nineveh to be compared to "countless drops, full, untroubled, with no ebb or flow, fenced in from the days that she hath been, yet even therefore stagnant and corrupted; not 'a fountain of living waters'" (Pusey). But this appears to us a farfetched comparison.The pregnant terseness of the last part of the verse will give the English reader a good idea of Nahum's style and the difficulties therewith connected. Verse 8. - The prophet compares the past and present condition of Nineveh. But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water; and (or, though) Nineveh hath been like a pool of water all her days. Others, altering the points in accordance with the Septuagint and Vulgate, translate, "But as for Nineveh, her waters are like a pool of water." This is what she has come to, for "her waters" represent herself. She is compared to a pool or reservoir (Nehemiah 2:15; Nehemiah 3:15) from the multitude of her inhabitants gathered from all parts of the world, and streaming unto her, both as tributary and for commercial purposes (comp. Jeremiah 51:13; Revelation 17:1, 15). Yet they shall flee away. In spite of their numbers, the multitudes represented by "the waters" fly before the enemy. In vain the captains cry, Stand, stand. They pay no attention. None shall look back. No one of the fugitives turns rounder gives a thought to anything but his own safety.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ninevehוְנִינְוֵ֥ה (wə·nî·nə·wêh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5210: Nineveh -- capital of Assyr has been like a pool כִבְרֵֽכַת־ (ḵiḇ·rê·ḵaṯ-) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1295: A pool, pond of water מַ֖יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen throughout הִ֑יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are her days, מִ֣ימֵי (mî·mê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day but now וְהֵ֣מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They it is draining away. נָסִ֔ים (nā·sîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away “Stop! עִמְד֥וּ (‘im·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations Stop!” they cry, עֲמֹ֖דוּ (‘ă·mō·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations but no וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle one turns back. מַפְנֶֽה׃ (map̄·neh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look Links Nahum 2:8 NIVNahum 2:8 NLT Nahum 2:8 ESV Nahum 2:8 NASB Nahum 2:8 KJV Nahum 2:8 BibleApps.com Nahum 2:8 Biblia Paralela Nahum 2:8 Chinese Bible Nahum 2:8 French Bible Nahum 2:8 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Nahum 2:8 But Nineveh has been from of old (Nah. 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