New International VersionThe mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.
New Living TranslationIn his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed.
English Standard VersionThe mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it.
Berean Standard BibleThe mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers.
King James BibleThe mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
New King James VersionThe mountains quake before Him, The hills melt, And the earth heaves at His presence, Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.
New American Standard BibleMountains quake because of Him, And the hills come apart; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it.
NASB 1995Mountains quake because of Him And the hills dissolve; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it.
NASB 1977 Mountains quake because of Him, And the hills dissolve; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it.
Legacy Standard Bible Mountains quake because of Him, And the hills melt; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it.
Amplified BibleThe mountains quake before Him And the hills melt away; Indeed the earth is shaken by His presence— Yes, the world and all that dwell in it.
Christian Standard BibleThe mountains quake before him, and the hills melt; the earth trembles at his presence — the world and all who live in it.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all who live in it.
American Standard VersionThe mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
Contemporary English VersionAt the sight of the LORD, mountains and hills tremble and melt; the earth and its people shudder and shake.
English Revised VersionThe mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe mountains quake because of him. The hills melt. The earth draws back in his presence. The world and all who live in it draw back as well.
Good News TranslationMountains quake in the presence of the LORD; hills melt before him. The earth shakes when the LORD appears; the world and all its people tremble.
International Standard VersionMountains shake because of him, and the hills melt. The earth goes into upheaval at his presence, as does the world with all of its inhabitants.
NET BibleThe mountains tremble before him, the hills convulse; the earth is laid waste before him, the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste.
New Heart English BibleThe mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, even the world, and all that dwell therein. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers.
World English BibleThe mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMountains have shaken because of Him, "" And the hills have been melted; And the earth [is] lifted up at His presence, "" And the world and all dwelling in it.
Young's Literal Translation Mountains have shaken because of Him, And the hills have been melted; And lifted up is the earth at His presence, And the world and all dwelling in it.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe mountains shook from him, and the hills melted, and the earth will lift up from his face, and the habitable globe and all dwelling in it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe mountains tremble at him, and the hills are made desolate: and the earth hath quaked at his presence, and the world, and all that dwell therein.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe mountains have trembled before him, and the hills have become desolate, and the earth has quaked before his face, both the world and all that dwells in it.
New American BibleThe mountains quake before him, and the hills dissolve; The earth is laid waste before him, the world and all who dwell in it.
New Revised Standard VersionThe mountains quake before him, and the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who live in it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe mountains quake before him and the hills break loose; the earth trembles at his presence, yea, the world and all that dwell therein.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedMountains shook from before him and the hills are broken apart; the Earth shook from before him, the world and all its inhabitants OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The mountains quake at Him, And the hills melt; And the earth is upheaved at His presence, Yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThe mountains quake at him, and the hills are shaken, and the earth recoils at his presence, even the world, and all that dwell in it.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Oracle of Nineveh… 4He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. 5The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. 6Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.…
Cross References Psalm 97:5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
Isaiah 64:1-3If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, / as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence! / When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence.
Micah 1:4The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.
Habakkuk 3:6He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting.
Exodus 19:18Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.
Judges 5:5The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel.
Psalm 114:7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,
Isaiah 2:19Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.
Jeremiah 4:24I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying.
Revelation 6:14-17The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. / Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. ...
Hebrews 12:26-27At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” / The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.
Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
2 Peter 3:10-12But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.
Revelation 16:18-20And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake. / The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. / Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.
Isaiah 13:13Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger.
2 Samuel 22:8
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth. Psalm 29:5,6
The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon… Psalm 68:8
The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. the hills. Judges 5:5
The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel. Psalm 46:6
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. Psalm 97:5
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. the earth. 2 Peter 3:7-12
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… Jump to Previous Burned Dissolve Dwell Dwelling Earth Falling Flowing Hills Indeed Inhabitants Laid Melt Melted Mountains Presence Quake Shaken Shaking Therein Trembles Waste WorldJump to Next Burned Dissolve Dwell Dwelling Earth Falling Flowing Hills Indeed Inhabitants Laid Melt Melted Mountains Presence Quake Shaken Shaking Therein Trembles Waste WorldNahum 1 1. The majesty of God in goodness to his people, and severity against his enemies.The mountains quake before HimThis phrase emphasizes God's immense power and authority over creation. Mountains, often seen as symbols of strength and permanence, are depicted as trembling before the Lord. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as Psalm 97:5, where mountains melt like wax before the Lord. It underscores the idea that nothing in creation is beyond God's control or influence. The quaking of mountains can also be seen as a metaphor for the upheaval of nations and powers in the presence of divine judgment. and the hills melt away
The melting of hills further illustrates the overwhelming presence of God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hills and high places were often associated with the worship of deities. The imagery of hills melting signifies the futility of idolatry and the supremacy of the one true God. This can be connected to Isaiah 64:1-3, where the mountains quake at God's presence, highlighting His ability to dismantle human constructs and false gods. the earth trembles at His presence
The trembling of the earth signifies a universal recognition of God's majesty and power. This is reminiscent of the theophany at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:18, where the whole mountain trembled violently as God descended upon it. Such imagery serves to remind believers of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. It also foreshadows the eschatological shaking of the earth described in Hebrews 12:26-27, where God will once more shake not only the earth but also the heavens. the world and all its dwellers
This phrase extends the scope of God's dominion to include all inhabitants of the earth. It emphasizes that every person and creature is subject to God's authority. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Psalm 24:1, which declares that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord. It serves as a reminder of human accountability to God and the inevitability of His judgment. The comprehensive nature of this statement also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship, as prophesied in Philippians 2:10-11. Persons / Places / Events 1. NahumA prophet whose name means "comfort" or "consolation." He prophesied the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which was a significant power and oppressor of Israel. 2. Mountains and HillsSymbolic of stability and permanence in the ancient world, representing the natural order and creation itself. 3. The EarthRepresents the entirety of creation, emphasizing the scope of God's power and presence. 4. The World and Its DwellersRefers to all humanity and living creatures, highlighting the universal impact of God's presence. 5. God's PresenceThe central theme of the verse, illustrating God's overwhelming power and authority over creation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe imagery of mountains quaking and hills melting underscores God's absolute authority over the natural world. This should remind believers of His control over all aspects of life. The Power of God's PresenceThe earth trembling at God's presence serves as a powerful reminder of His holiness and might. Believers are called to live in reverence and awe of God. Judgment and ComfortWhile Nahum's message is one of judgment against Nineveh, it also offers comfort to God's people, assuring them of His justice and protection. Response to God's MajestyRecognizing God's power should lead to worship and submission. Believers are encouraged to respond with humility and trust in God's plans. Universal Impact of God's ActionsThe verse highlights that God's actions affect the entire world, reminding believers of the global scope of His plans and purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nahum 1:5?
2. How does Nahum 1:5 illustrate God's power over creation and our lives?
3. What does "mountains quake" reveal about God's authority in Nahum 1:5?
4. How can Nahum 1:5 deepen our understanding of God's sovereignty in Scripture?
5. In what ways should Nahum 1:5 impact our daily trust in God's power?
6. How does Nahum 1:5 connect with other biblical passages on God's majesty?
7. What does Nahum 1:5 reveal about God's power over nature and the earth?
8. How does Nahum 1:5 reflect God's judgment and authority?
9. Why do mountains and hills tremble in Nahum 1:5?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nahum 1?
11. What is God's Holy Mountain?
12. How could “mountains melt like wax” (Psalm 97:5) be taken literally without contradicting known geological processes?
13. How literally should we interpret the “mountains skipping” in Psalm 114:4, and what scientific mechanisms could explain this imagery?
14. Nahum 1:5 mentions mountains quaking and hills melting; is there any historical or geological evidence for such dramatic events tied to divine wrath?What Does Nahum 1:5 Mean The mountains quake before HimWhen the prophet Nahum pictures mountains shaking, he is declaring that even the most immovable parts of creation respond to God’s presence. Scripture repeatedly shows mountains as symbols of permanence, yet they crumble when the Lord appears (Psalm 97:5, “The mountains melt like wax in the presence of the LORD”). That literal truth underscores: • God’s sovereignty is not theoretical; it is felt in the physical world. • Nothing created—no nation, no problem, no enemy—stands immovably against Him, echoing Exodus 19:18 when Mount Sinai shook at His descent.
and the hills melt awayHills are smaller than mountains, but Nahum’s pairing widens the scope: from towering peaks down to rolling rises, all terrain yields to God. This melting recalls Micah 1:4, “The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart.” The imagery serves two purposes: • To reveal God’s consuming holiness that dissolves whatever is tainted by sin (Hebrews 12:29). • To comfort His people—if hills melt, so do obstacles to their deliverance (Isaiah 40:3-4).
the earth trembles at His presenceNahum shifts from specific features to the entire planet. The trembling is literal, like the earthquakes that accompanied divine appearances—see Matthew 27:51 when the earth shook at Jesus’ death. It also signals moral accountability: the Judge has arrived (Psalm 114:7). Key take-aways: • God’s presence is not passive; it produces measurable change. • Trembling reminds us to approach Him with reverence (Philippians 2:12-13).
the world and all its dwellersFinally, Nahum makes it personal. Every person living anywhere is included. This truth parallels Revelation 6:15-17, where kings and slaves alike seek refuge from God’s face. Practical implications: • No one is exempt from answering to the Lord (Acts 17:31). • For believers, His universal rule assures ultimate justice and protection (Psalm 46:1-3).
summaryNahum 1:5 proclaims that when God moves, the steadfast quakes, the small dissolves, the planet shudders, and every human is confronted. His presence is overwhelming yet reassuring: overwhelming to the rebellious, reassuring to the redeemed. Trusting this literal reality fuels awe, repentance, and confident hope in His unshakeable reign. (5) Is burned.--Better, heaves.Verse 5. - The mountains quake. The mountains, the very emblems of stability, tremble before him (Adios 8:8). The hills melt; Οἱ βουνοὶ ἐσαλεύθησαν, "The hills were shaken" (Septuagint). The hills dissolve like wax or anew at his presence (see Amos 4:13; Micah 1:4). Burned; Septuagint, ἀνεστάλη, "recoils," "is upheaved," as by an earthquake. This rendering has the greatest authority. The world; i.e. the habitable world, and all living creatures therein ( Joel 1:18-20). Nature animate and inanimate is represented as actuated by the terror of conscious guilt.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The mountainsהָרִים֙ (hā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill countryquakeרָעֲשׁ֣וּ (rā·‘ă·šū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7493: To undulate, through fear, to springbefore Him,מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out ofand the hillsוְהַגְּבָע֖וֹת (wə·hag·gə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1389: A hillockmelt away;הִתְמֹגָ֑גוּ (hiṯ·mō·ḡā·ḡū)Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4127: To meltthe earthהָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, landtremblesוַתִּשָּׂ֤א (wat·tiś·śā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, takeat His presence—מִפָּנָ֔יו (mip·pā·nāw)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The facethe worldוְתֵבֵ֖ל (wə·ṯê·ḇêl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8398: The earth, the globe, its inhabitants, a particular landand allוְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everyits dwellers.יֹ֥שְׁבֵי (yō·šə·ḇê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry
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OT Prophets: Nahum 1:5 The mountains quake before him and (Nah. Na) |
