Keraia
Habakkuk 2

Habakkuk 2:6

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

Translations

Modern
Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’
Traditional
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
Literal
Will not these, all of them, take up a clever saying against him, and a taunt with riddles against him, and say, ‘Woe to the one multiplying what is not unto him. Until when will will he load on humself many pledges?’
Latin
Numquid non omnes isti super eum parabolam sument, et loquelam ænigmatum ejus, et dicetur: Væ ei qui multiplicat non sua? usquequo et aggravat contra se densum lutum?

Original

Hebrew
English
Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’

Notes

Habakkuk 2:6–8

  • In the first of Habakkuk’s taunt songs, he condemns the Babylonians for plundering other nations.

  • him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans: The image compares the Babylonians to creditors (people who lend money) who demand harsh repayment. Their oppression causes those they exploit to rise up against them. Greed can damage the spiritual life of both individuals and nations (Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:3).

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

Topics

Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Oppression: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Increase, by Oppression Riches: Thick Clay Rulers: Wicked