Translations
Modern
“Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you.
Traditional
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
Literal
“Look among the nations and observe them, and be utterly astonished. For a work I am doing in your days, that you would not believe even if it were recounted.
Latin
Aspicite in gentibus, et videte; admiramini, et obstupescite: quia opus factum est in diebus vestris, quod nemo credet cum narrabitur.
Original
Hebrew
English
“Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you.
Notes
Look … observe: Two different Hebrew verbs are also translated as see and tolerate in Habakkuk 1:3. This creates a literary connection between Habakkuk’s questions in Habakkuk 1:3 and God’s reply in 1:5–11.
God's answer to Habakkuk's question is surprising. God would send a violent group (the Babylonians) to address the violence in Judah. The Babylonian army, well-trained and experienced in battle, was unstoppable.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Habakkukc. 607 BC
Glossary
Topics
Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church