Habakkuk 2:18

Translations

Modern

What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

Traditional

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Literal

What profit is an image when its fashioner has carved it, a molten image and a teacher of falsehood? For the one fashioning trusts upon it in his fashioning, making mute idols.

Latin

Quid prodest sculptile, quia sculpsit illud fictor suus, conflatile, et imaginem falsam? quia speravit in figmento fictor ejus, ut faceret simulacra muta.

Original

Hebrew

English

What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

Notes

Habakkuk 2:18–20

In the fifth taunt song, the Babylonians face criticism for worshiping idols. Whether people carve or cast idols, they cannot save or teach their worshipers (Isaiah 42:17). Only the Lord truly deserves worship (Habakkuk 2:20; Exodus 20:2–6; compare Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).

Habakkuk 2:6–20

Five taunt songs describe God's future judgment on the Babylonians and others who act violently and unjustly (Habakkuk 2:6–8, 9–11, 12–14, 15–17, 18–20). God lets them bring about their own destruction. Those who suffer will repeat these taunts when the wicked face judgment (see Habakkuk 1:14–17). Each taunt includes:

a statement of sorrow,
a judgment, and
the reason for God's judgment.

Habakkuk 2:2–20

God answers Habakkuk's second complaint (Habakkuk 1:12–2:1) but does not explain why he chose the Babylonians. Instead, he assures Habakkuk that he will punish all violence and injustice.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Confusion and God’s Purpose

Events

Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC

Related verses

Jeremiah 10:8
But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!
1 Corinthians 12:2
You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
Isaiah 44:9–10
All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.
Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Jeremiah 2:27–28
…say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’
Isaiah 42:17
But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
Psalm 115:4–8
Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
Isaiah 45:16
They will all be put to shame and humiliated; the makers of idols will depart together in disgrace.
Psalm 135:15–18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
Jonah 2:8
Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.
Jeremiah 10:14–15
Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them.
2 Thessalonians 2:9–11
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,

Glossary

Book of Habakkuk Muteness

Topics

Carving: Idols Manufactured By Idol: Manufacture of Idolatry: Folly of Idolatry: Objects of Described as Dumb Idols Idolatry: Objects of Described as Molten Images Idolatry: Objects of Described as Teachers of Lies Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Idols

Habakkuk 2:18

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