Home › Glossary › Letter N

Nineveh

Historical Location
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The capital of Assyria, to which Jonah was sent to preach repentance

Detailed Definition
Nineveh was a vast, powerful city whose repentance at Jonah’s preaching shocked the prophet. It symbolizes divine mercy extended even to enemies. In poetry, Nineveh represents the possibility of collective redemption, the universality of God’s concern, and the irony of the reluctant prophet—often used to critique narrow nationalism or self-righteousness.
Example
Example in poetry:
In the Book of Jonah, Nineveh’s repentance overturns divine judgment, a poetic reversal; The prophet Nahum’s entire book is a poetic oracle against Nineveh’s cruelty; Lord Byron references Nineveh in “Childe Harold” as a colossal ruin; Modern Iraqi poets reclaim Nineveh as Mosul’s ancient twin and cultural root; Contemporary eco-poetry uses Nineveh to reflect on empire’s fragility and riverine life.
Additional Notes
Nineveh, Assyria’s capital, is central to Jonah’s story and Nahum’s oracle. In poetry, it symbolizes repentance (Jonah 3) and imperial cruelty (Nahum). Modern Iraqi poets mourn its destruction near Mosul. Students should note its size (“three days’ walk”) and its use as a warning against arrogance.
Also Known As
Assyrian Metropolis City of Repentance Great City Mosul’s Ancestor
Skip to main content