Habakkuk 1:7
Habakkuk 1:7 in Multiple Translations
They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.
They are terrible and dreadful; their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves.
They are greatly to be feared: their right comes from themselves.
They are fearsome and terrifying, and so proud of themselves that they set their own rules.
They are terrible and fearefull: their iudgement and their dignitie shall proceede of theselues.
Terrible and fearful it [is], From itself its judgment and its excellency go forth.
They are feared and dreaded. Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves.
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed from themselves.
They are dreadful, and terrible: from themselves shall their judgment, and their burden proceed.
They are people whom others fear very much [DOU], and they do whatever they want to, paying no attention to the laws of other countries.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 1:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Habakkuk 1:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָיֹ֥ם
וְ/נוֹרָ֖א
ה֑וּא
מִמֶּ֕/נּוּ
מִשְׁפָּט֥/וֹ
וּ/שְׂאֵת֖/וֹ
יֵצֵֽא
אָיֹ֥ם
ʼâyôm
H366
terrible
Adj
וְ/נוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Niphal
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מִמֶּ֕/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
מִשְׁפָּט֥/וֹ
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms | Suff
וּ/שְׂאֵת֖/וֹ
sᵉʼêth
H7613
elevation
Conj | N-fs | Suff
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 1:7
אָיֹ֥ם
ʼâyôm
H366
"terrible"
Adj
Ayom means something or someone that is terrible or frightful, causing fear or dread. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or awe.
Definition: terrible, dreadful
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: terrible. See also: Song of Solomon 6:4; Song of Solomon 6:10; Habakkuk 1:7.
וְ/נוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מִמֶּ֕/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מִשְׁפָּט֥/וֹ
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ/שְׂאֵת֖/וֹ
sᵉʼêth
H7613
"elevation"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, elevation can refer to a physical rise in the land or a sense of pride and dignity. It is used to describe the exaltation of God and the dignity of kings. The word appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) elevation, exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising 1a) dignity, exaltation, loftiness 1b) swelling 1c) uprising
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising. See also: Genesis 4:7; Leviticus 13:43; Psalms 62:5.
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 1:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 1:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:7
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
- Sermons on Habakkuk 1:7
Context — The LORD’s Answer
5“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.
6For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans — that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own.
7They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty.
8Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. 9All of them come bent on violence; their hordes advance like the east wind; they gather prisoners like sand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 39:5–9 | But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon. The Chaldeans set fire to the palace of the king and to the houses of the people, and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem. Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away to Babylon the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 52:9–11 | The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah. There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon, where he kept him in custody until his dying day. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:27 | Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 5:19 | You shall not steal. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 52:25–27 | Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as seven trusted royal advisers. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land. |
| 6 | Isaiah 18:7 | At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts— from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people widely feared, from a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers— to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD of Hosts. |
Habakkuk 1:7 Summary
This verse is saying that the Chaldeans are a powerful and feared nation that makes its own rules and decides what is right and wrong. They do not look to God for guidance or authority, but instead trust in their own strength and power (as seen in Psalm 49:6-7). However, as Christians, we know that true justice and righteousness come from God, and that He is the one who will ultimately bring about justice and judgment (as seen in Revelation 20:11-15). We can trust that God is sovereign and just, even when the world around us seems chaotic and unfair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Chaldeans derive justice and sovereignty from themselves?
This means that the Chaldeans make their own rules and decide what is right and wrong, rather than submitting to a higher authority, as seen in Romans 1:25 where people exchange the truth of God for a lie.
How can a nation be both dreaded and feared, yet still be used by God?
The Bible shows that God can use anyone or any nation to accomplish His purposes, even if they do not acknowledge Him, as seen in Isaiah 45:5 where God says He gives strength to the righteous, but also uses the wicked for His purposes.
Is this verse saying that might makes right?
No, this verse is simply describing the Chaldeans' attitude and actions, not condoning them; in fact, the Bible teaches that true justice and righteousness come from God, as seen in Psalm 89:14 where righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Habakkuk?
This verse is part of Habakkuk's lament about the violence and injustice of the Chaldeans, which sets the stage for his questions to God about why the wicked seem to prosper, as seen in Habakkuk 1:3 where Habakkuk asks God how long he must cry out for help before God hears him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I try to derive my own justice and sovereignty, rather than submitting to God's authority?
- How can I balance the reality of living in a fallen world with the truth that God is still sovereign and just?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's justice and sovereignty, rather than trying to take control myself?
- How can I pray for those in positions of power, that they would submit to God's authority and seek true justice and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:7
They [are] terrible and dreadful,.... For the fierceness of their countenances; the number and valour of their troops; the splendour of their armour; the victories they had obtained, and the cruelty
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:7
They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
They are terrible and dreadful: to affect the incredulous Jews with greater fear, it is doubled, they are of all nations most terrible; in the fierceness wherewith they assault, and cruelty with which they use their captives. Their judgment, the law they observe, is their own will, and what they please you must submit unto, nor complain of wrong done, forasmuch as they do it. Their dignity; their authority and superiority, for which you must reverence them; the lordliness of their deportment toward you, or the right they assume to send you captives; all is from themselves, without respect to any other law or rule whatever. How miserable are you like to be, when enslaved to such a barbarous cruelty, and unbounded pride! They are terrible and dreadful: to affect the incredulous Jews with greater fear, it is doubled, they are of all nations most terrible; in the fierceness wherewith they assault, and cruelty with which they use their captives. Their judgment, the law they observe, is their own will, and what they please you must submit unto, nor complain of wrong done, forasmuch as they do it. Their dignity; their authority and superiority, for which you must reverence them; the lordliness of their deportment toward you, or the right they assume to send you captives; all is from themselves, without respect to any other law or rule whatever. How miserable are you like to be, when enslaved to such a barbarous cruelty, and unbounded pride!
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
Habakkuk 1:7 They [are] terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.Ver. 7. They are terrible and dreadful] Or horrible, such as were those giants called Emims, Deuteronomy 2:10-11 Genesis 14:5, and far more formidable than that disputant at Paris, who would needs be styled horribilis Sophista, the horrible Sophister, non minorem eam appellationem ratus (saith Vires) quam Africani aut Asiatici, taking it for as great an honour as to be a conqueror. Their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves] i.e. They shall do as they list; their lust shall be their law, Pellitur e medio sapientia, vi geritur res. See Psalms 12:4-5 Exodus 5:2. These Chaldeans will be their own carvers; ministering law according to their own pleasures. The honour also and dignity of this nation (now base and obscure) shall grow up and appear. Ipsa sibi iudicabit, et decretum suum exequetur: vel ex decreto sue exequetur. So Symmachus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
(7) Their judgment . . .—Their “judgment” means their claim to adjudge the affairs of mankind. It proceeds from “themselves,” as irresponsible, recognising no Supreme Being as the source of justice. Their dignity, in like manner, proceeds from “themselves,” because self-sustained, unsanctioned by the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
Verse 7. Their judgment - shall proceed of themselves.] By revolting from the Assyrians, they have become a great nation. Thus, their judgment and excellence were the result of their own valour. Other meanings are given to this passage.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:7
7. terrible and dreadful] The first word occurs again only Son 6:4; Son 6:10 “terrible as an army with banners.” The noun is frequently used of the terror inspired by the sight of an object, Job 39:20; Job 41:14; of the terror caused by the manifestation of the Almighty, Job 9:34; Job 13:21, and of the terrors of death, Psalms 55:4. The second word is that usually rendered “terrible” in A.V., meaning, to be feared. Their judgment and their dignity] from himself proceedeth his Judgment and his dignity. The words carry on the idea of “terrible and dreadful,” and describe the Chaldean’s manner of bearing himself among the nations, though it may be uncertain whether “his judgment” be that which regulates his own conduct or that which he imposes on the nations. The former sense is the more vigorous. The Chaldean’s own sense of himself corresponds to the dread he inspires. He is imperious and autocratic, allows no considerations from without to modify his action, his own haughty mind alone determines his procedure. Similarly his “dignity” or majesty is the supremacy and sovereignty which he assumes and exercises.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:7
They are terrible - איום 'âyôm occurs here only and Son 6:4, Son 6:10, compared with the “bannered host,” but the root is common in אימה 'ēymâh. And dreadful - He describes them, first in themselves, then in act.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:7
JEHOVAH’S REPLY TO THE PROPHET’S CRY, Habakkuk 1:5-11.Jehovah meets the perplexity of his servant by declaring that he is not indifferent, and that punishment is about to be meted out by his agents,
Sermons on Habakkuk 1:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Daniel) the Book, the Boy, the Babylon Bondage by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Despite being young, th |
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Promise Believers #1 - Man's Promises or God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the assurance that God will never leave or forsake His people. He encourages believers to boldly declare that the Lord is their helper, guar |
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Acceptable Present to the Lord of Hosts by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches about the nature of the present that is brought to the Lord of hosts, describing a people who are scattered, peeled, meted out, trodden under foot, and whos |