Book of Nahum — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 3 · Written by: Nahum · Approximate date: c. 663–612 BC · Theme: Jehovah's Judgment on Wickedness

Summary of the Book of Nahum

Nahum declares the fall of Nineveh — the mighty Assyrian capital — as a demonstration that Jehovah is slow to anger but will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, and is a stronghold for those who take refuge in him.

The book of Nahum is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 3 chapters. It was written by Nahum approximately c. 663–612 BC. The central theme running throughout Nahum is jehovah's judgment on wickedness — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Nahum

  • Nah 1:3
  • Nah 1:7

Notable Passages in Nahum

Nahum 1:3

The declaration that Jehovah is 'slow to anger but great in power' and 'will by no means leave the guilty unpunished' balances his patience with the certainty of his justice.

Nahum 1:7

Jehovah being 'a stronghold in the day of distress' and knowing 'those seeking refuge in him' gives personal assurance that he cares for and protects the faithful.

Nahum 1:2

Jehovah described as 'a God who is zealous and one who takes vengeance' on his adversaries affirms that he will ultimately defend his name and vindicate his people.

Study Questions for Nahum

As you read the book of Nahum, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What qualities of Jehovah does Nahum 1:2–7 describe — his jealousy, slowness to anger, and greatness — and how do they work together?
  2. What does the fall of Nineveh teach about how even the mightiest human powers are ultimately subject to Jehovah's judgment?
  3. How does Nahum 1:7 — 'Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; and he knows those seeking refuge in him' — provide comfort during difficult times?
  4. How does the contrast between Jehovah's treatment of Nineveh in Jonah (mercy upon repentance) and Nahum (judgment for returning to wickedness) teach about the limits of Jehovah's patience?
  5. What principle about Jehovah's justice — that he 'will by no means leave the guilty unpunished' — do we see demonstrated in the fall of Nineveh?

How to Study Nahum with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 3 chapters of Nahum in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Nahum as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Nahum

The book of Nahum is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Explore all 12 Minor Prophets — from Hosea to Malachi — in a powerful 30-day journey. (30 days, 67 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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