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Habakkuk 2

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe to the Chaldeans · Habakkuk 2:6–20
Read Habakkuk 2

Translations

Modern
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!
Traditional
Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
Literal
Woe to the one biting off evil gain for his house, to set his nest in the heights, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
Latin
Væ qui congregat avaritiam malam domui suæ, ut sit in excelso nidus ejus, et liberari se putat de manu mali!

Original

Hebrew
English
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!

Notes

Habakkuk 2:9–11

In the second taunt song, the Babylonians face condemnation for their dishonest actions. They used deceit to gain resources for building large houses, which cost them their lives.

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

Glossary

Bloodguilt Book of Habakkuk Covet, Covetousness Riches

Topics

Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Oppression: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Rulers: Wicked