A Linguistic Analysis of the Book of Nahum Part 2 NIV Articles, Repetition, With and Pronouns.

In the opening verse, we see the use of Articles, A, An or The. Articles are instinctive. When someone or something is introduced, “a” (an indefinite article) is used and then “the” (definite article) is used after the introduction. When an article is “incorrect”, we are likely looking at deception. When the word “The” is used before “A”, the person or article is known and recognised by the person. The indefinite articles (a, an) are used to identify someone or something that has not been previously recognised. The definite article “the” is used once a person or thing has been recognised.

For example, in describing being a victim of crime, someone said, “A man pointed a gun at me. He told me to give him all my money. He stuck the gun in my ribs and reached into my pocket and took all of my money”. This would be deemed a truthful statement whereas, if a person reporting an alleged incident said, “A man pointed the gun at me. He asked me to give him all my money...” would be classed as likely deception. Context is key.

Can you spot the other indicator of deception in the last sentence above?

The answer is at the bottom of the blog.

In Nahum, A prophecy is correct as it’s at this point unknown and is one of many prophecies and is followed by THE book of Nahum as this is known. In the next sentence, THE Lord is introduced correctly as he is known. The articles are in context of what is expected and are truthful.

Verse 2 says, “The Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath”. When the word, “with” is in between something, it shows distance.

For example, if someone says, “I went shopping with my wife,” 'I' is at one end of the sentence, whilst 'wife' is at the other showing distance indicating that they likely didn't want to go. We could take a ruler and measure the distance inside the sentence between the pronoun and the person at either end. The distance expressed in the sentence is an indicator of reality. As in language as in life.

It would be better to say, 'we' went shopping, which shows unity and cooperation.

The shortest answer in context is the best.

In this verse, The Lord is taking Vengeance (infliction of punishment in return for a wrong committed) but showing distance from Wrath (extreme anger, rage and fury)

Also in verse 2 we see the first Repeated words, “takes vengeance” and "wrath."

Repetition indicates Sensitivity. We repeat something because it’s important or sensitive to us. It may be sensitive due to impact or it may be sensitive because it is deceptive. It is not always for nefarious reasons.

Both the things which are repeated and not repeated are noted. (If someone has been wrongly accused of doing something, we would expect them to repeat that they didn’t do what they were accused of if they were innocent. If they don’t, we might wonder why)

Sensitivity indicators are noted in the hope that a conclusion will identify itself (which we see later in Chapter 3 v 4) In context we will see if there is any justification for an “infliction of punishment for a wrong committed”

We know there is a reason for the sensitivity but as yet, we don’t know what it is.

In verse 2, we see the first Pronoun; “The Lord takes vengeance on his foes”.

Pronouns are used to refer to a thing or things, which belong to or are associated with a person. Verse 2 is in context. Ultimately, if someone is telling the truth, then the pronouns will be consistent throughout their story. When pronouns change, then deception can be present.

Throughout the book of Nahum, the pronouns are consistent making it a truthful account.

Answer: The other indicator of deception is the word 'asked.' This 'soft' language is incongruent with what is being alleged. This would be indicative of the event not coming from memory. (It's made up) The expected is to see stronger language such as 'told.'