A Linguistic Analysis of the Book of Nahum Part 3 NIV But, Word Choice and Distancing.

Today we continue with Part 3 of our linguistic analysis of the book of Nahum.

In chapter 1 v 3 we see, “The Lord is slow to anger BUT great in power.” We would question why, “great in power” is expressed? This reiterates that the Lord has the power to undertake anything he says.

The Lord being slow to anger highlights his patience allowing people time to repent whilst being great in power demonstrates his ability to carry out judgement and to save.

The verse adds, "The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished" affirming God's justice, holding people accountable for their actions.

It also acts as a reminder of God's commitment to justice and the opportunity for repentance that He provides to those who repent.

In the same verse we have noted the use of the word 'but.' It is often said that the word “but” is the most important in a sentence as it refutes or minimises that which preceded it. Behold the Underlying Truth (BUT). Whatever comes after the word “but” in a sentence is the most important.

In Chapter 1 v 7 and 8 we see something similar, “he cares for those who trust in him, 'but' with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh”

Here, Nahum continues the theme of The Lords anger towards Nineveh. Order is important, “he cares for those who trust in him” BUT with (use of the word 'with' can show distance) “an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh.” He cares firstly and seeks to distance himself from Nineveh. At this point we aren’t told why but there must be a reason for the distancing language. This will become apparent later. The language used is consistent and truthful.

Throughout a statement or story, the author will use their own words and language. This is referred to as their own “Internal Dictionary”. Certain words mean certain things to a specific individual. To one person, a specific word may have a certain meaning, to somebody else it might mean something completely different. In a truthful statement, the internal dictionary will remain constant unless there is a justification for change. This is noted throughout the book of Nahum. We see an example of this later in Ch 3 v 15.

In verse 2, “vengeance” is consistent. Throughout the book, the language is consistent denoting truth.

Remember to look for specific words used as everything a person says has meaning.

When this is combined with the fact that people mean exactly what they say, you can begin to recognise what a person is really telling you. (See Ch 3 v 7) It’s good to ask yourself, “what is this person telling me based on the language they are using?”

For example, when someone says, “I didn’t really hear from them for 6 months”. You are being told that they have had contact with them in the last 6 months.

Verse 7 tells us, “He cares for “those” who trust in him”.

Those is a form of distancing language, whilst “these” is used to describe something close to you. I.e. “Those over there and these here” This language isn’t out of context in this verse as “those” refers to everyone spread far and wide throughout the earth.

In context, this is a truthful statement.

In verse 12, we see, “This is what the Lord says”

The word “this” indicates closeness, whilst “that” indicates distance. For example, if you were out with a friend and they paid for the drinks, they might say, “this is my coffee, that is yours”

Verse 12 is truthful as Nahum is recounting what the Lord says. He is speaking on behalf of the Lord as opposed to requoting what someone said the Lord has said.

In Part 4 tomorrow, we will consider the impact pronouns, explainers and communication language can have on the text.