Resolving the Ambiguity in Nahum 1:12: אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] or משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym]

Philip Chia

doi:10.21697/ct.96.1.01

Published: 2026-02-17

Vol. 96 No. 1 (2026)

Resolving the Ambiguity in Nahum 1:12

אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] or משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym]

Philip Chia

Collectanea Theologica

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.1.01

Abstract

Is the phrase אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] or משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym] found in Nahum 1:12? The textual tradition is divided. The Septuagint (LXX) and the Peshitta support the reading משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym] in Nahum 1:12, whereas the Masoretic text, the Targum, and the Vulgate preserve אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] (‘though they are at full strength’ or ‘though they are complete’). This disagreement prompts significant inquiries regarding the verse’s initial phrasing, its interpretation, and the origins of the differing readings that arose during the transmission process. This article utilizes textual criticism as its main approach – analyzing manuscript evidence, assessing the likelihood of transcription and translation variations, and considering contextual and linguistic elements – to identify the most probable original text and to explore the potential explanations for the discrepancies among these ancient sources.

Keywords:

Ancient Texts, Old Testament, Textual Criticism, Nahum, ʾm šlmm, mšl mym

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Chia, P. (2026). Resolving the Ambiguity in Nahum 1:12: אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] or משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym]. Collectanea Theologica, 96(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.1.01

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Philip Chia

pchia275@students.sbts.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-7497

Affiliation:

University of Pretoria Indonesia

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Affiliation: Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia, Reformed Theological Seminary of Indonesia, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Bethel Theological Seminary of Indonesia – The Way.

Position: Director of Doctoral Studies at Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia, an adjunct professor of Reformed Theological Seminary of Indonesia and Bethel Theological Seminary of Indonesia – The Way.