Lexical Summary rathaq: To bind, to chain, to fetter Original Word: רָתַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bind A primitive root; to fasten -- bind. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to bind NASB Translation bound (1), broken (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָתַק] verb bind (Arabic  close up and repair, sew up; Talmud רִיתְקָא fenced enclosure); — Pu`al Perfect3plural רֻתְּקוּ בַזִּקִּים Nahum 3:10 her great ones were bound with fetters Niph`al Imperfect3masculine singular יֵרָתֵק Ecclesiastes 12:6 Qr (ירחק Kt), from context = be snapped, broken; read probably יִנָּתֵק (Pfannkuche Thes and modern). Topical Lexicon Summary of Biblical Usage רָתַק depicts the forcible fastening of a person with chains or shackles, an image of total subjugation that highlights the shame and helplessness of the captive. Immediate Context: Nahum 3:10 “Yet she became an exile, she went into captivity; her young children were dashed to pieces at the head of every street; they cast lots for her honored men, and all her great men were bound with chains.” (Nahum 3:10) Nahum’s oracle against Nineveh recalls the fate of Thebes (No Amon). The mighty Egyptian city had trusted in alliances and worldly power, but when judgment came, her nobles were “bound with chains.” רָתַק thus describes the humiliating conclusion of divine retribution: once-celebrated leaders are reduced to powerless prisoners. Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near East, chains were a public sign of conquest. Conquerors marched captives in fetters of bronze or iron to parade victory and deter rebellion. Such imagery would resonate sharply with the Assyrians, notorious for displaying bound prisoners on reliefs. By invoking רָתַק, Nahum assures Judah that the same ignominious fate awaiting Nineveh had already overtaken Thebes; therefore Assyria’s fall was certain. Theological Themes 1. Divine Justice: רָתַק dramatizes the inescapable judgment of God upon arrogance and cruelty (Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 14:4–6). Ministry and Practical Application • Humility before God: Leaders and nations must remember that authority is granted, not inherent (Daniel 4:35). Illustrative Parallels Though רָתַק is unique to Nahum, other terms reinforce the motif: – אֱסוּרִים “fetters” in Psalm 105:18. – נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם “chains of bronze” in 2 Samuel 3:34. These parallels broaden the biblical portrait of bondage and deliverance. Prophetic and Christological Perspective Nahum’s language anticipates the greater liberation accomplished in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed, “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1; cf. Luke 4:18). The One who was momentarily bound (John 18:12) now breaks every spiritual chain (Hebrews 2:14–15), ensuring that all who believe need never fear the fetters of judgment. Key Takeaway רָתַק stands as a solemn witness that no human strength can resist God’s verdict. It also points forward to the gospel’s liberating power, transforming the darkest symbol of captivity into an occasion for hope and praise. Forms and Transliterations רֻתְּק֥וּ רתקו rut·tə·qū rutteKu ruttəqūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nahum 3:10 HEB: וְכָל־ גְּדוֹלֶ֖יהָ רֻתְּק֥וּ בַזִּקִּֽים׃ NAS: her great men were bound with fetters. KJV: and all her great men were bound in chains. INT: and all her great were bound chains 1 Occurrence |
    |