Habakkuk 2:11
Habakkuk 2:11 in Multiple Translations
For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork.
For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
For the stone will give a cry out of the wall, and it will be answered by the board out of the woodwork.
Even the stones in the wall cry out in condemnation, and the wooden rafters join in too.
For the stone shall crie out of the wall, and the beame out of the timber shall answere it.
For a stone from the wall doth cry out, And a holdfast from the wood answereth it.
For the stone will cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the woodwork will answer it.
For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
For the stone shall cry out of the wall: and the timber that is between the joints of the building, shall answer.
It is as though the stones in the walls of your houses cry out to accuse you, and it is as though the beams in your ceilings also say the same things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 2:11
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 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
אֶ֖בֶן
מִ/קִּ֣יר
תִּזְעָ֑ק
וְ/כָפִ֖יס
מֵ/עֵ֥ץ
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
מִ/קִּ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Prep | N-ms
תִּזְעָ֑ק
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/כָפִ֖יס
kâphîyç
H3714
rafter
Conj | N-ms
מֵ/עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-ms
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 2:11
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
מִ/קִּ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
תִּזְעָ֑ק
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
וְ/כָפִ֖יס
kâphîyç
H3714
"rafter"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a beam or rafter, a structural part of a building. It appears in the Bible as a part of a house or temple. In the KJV, it is translated as beam.
Definition: rafter, girder (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: beam. See also: Habakkuk 2:11.
מֵ/עֵ֥ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
יַעֲנֶֽ/נָּה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 2:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 2:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:11
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
- Sermons on Habakkuk 2:11
Context — Woe to the Chaldeans
9Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!
10You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life.
11For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork.
12Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity! 13Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:40 | “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.” |
| 2 | Joshua 24:27 | And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” |
| 3 | Job 31:38–40 | if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job. |
| 4 | James 5:3–4 | Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 5 | Genesis 4:10 | “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. |
| 6 | Hebrews 12:24 | to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. |
| 7 | Revelation 6:10 | And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?” |
Habakkuk 2:11 Summary
[Habakkuk 2:11 tells us that when we build our lives on unfair or dishonest foundations, everything around us will ultimately testify against us, even the very walls and structures we have built. This means that our actions have consequences, and we cannot escape the judgment of God. As it says in Proverbs 10:9, the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. We must strive to build our lives on the rock of God's word and live with integrity, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the stones to cry out from the wall in Habakkuk 2:11?
This phrase is a metaphorical expression suggesting that even the very foundations of a house or structure will testify against the unjust actions of its builder, much like the stones of the temple in Jerusalem cried out in praise of Jesus in Luke 19:40.
How do the rafters echo the cry of the stones in Habakkuk 2:11?
The rafters echoing the cry of the stones imply that every part of the structure, from its foundation to its uppermost parts, will resound with the testimony of the wrongdoings of its builder, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of God's judgment, as seen in Proverbs 24:3-4 where wisdom builds a house.
What is the significance of the wall and the woodwork in this verse?
The wall and the woodwork represent the very fabric of the house or structure, symbolizing the lasting impact of the builder's actions, which will ultimately lead to their own downfall, as warned in Psalm 11:3 where the foundations are destroyed.
How does this verse relate to the preceding warnings in Habakkuk 2:9-10?
Habakkuk 2:11 serves as a continuation of the warnings against building one's house by unjust gain and plotting shame, emphasizing that such actions will not go unnoticed, and even the inanimate parts of the structure will bear witness against the perpetrator, much like the condemnation in Micah 6:16 for following the statutes of Omri.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be building my life or my legacy on unjust foundations, and how can I rectify this?
- How can I ensure that my actions and decisions are in line with God's will and do not lead to my own downfall, as warned in this verse?
- In what ways can I be a voice for justice and righteousness in my community, echoing the cry of the stones and the rafters against injustice?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in my personal and professional life?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:11
For the stone shall cry out of the wall,.... Of their own house; some from among themselves, that truly feared God, seeing the evil practices done among them, and abhorring them, such as their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:11
For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. For the stone shall cry out of the wall. Personification.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
For the stone, the strength of thy house, accuseth thee. Shall cry out; as if it had a voice, it crieth to God for vengeance. The beam, on which thy chambers are laid, shall answer it; confirms the charge against thee; and that fabric cannot be long a safe or a beautiful habitation, whose stones and beams are shaken with the strong cries of innocent blood, and families ruined by the oppression of the builder.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
Habakkuk 2:11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.Ver. 11. For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it] Here are woeful echoes; screech owls of woe cry aloud from the beams of the oppressors’ chambers, and make most hideous noises in the ears of their consciences. So that although none other should dare to mute against them, or accuse them of wrong dealing; yet their very houses, built by rapine and blood, shall testify against them; so shall other creatures that groan under their abuses, Romans 8:19-22. They seem all to say unto us those three words, saith Hugo, Accipe, Redde, Fuge; Accipe beneficium, Redde Officium, Fuge Supplicium (Lib. 2, de Ar. cap. 3). Receive, Return, Flee, Receive the favour, Return the honour, Flee Punishment. Now, if we hearken not to them, but do the contrary, they shall be one day as so many swift witnesses against us. And the beam out of the timber shall answer it] Tignum e ligno respondet ei. An allusion to responsers, as in choirs and music; and perhaps the prophet here tacitly taxeth the Babylonian luxury in keeping choristers and musicians for their sinful delight. God, saith he, will fit you with other songsters shortly, that shall twit you by turns with your murders and ravages; for the stone shall cry out of the wall, Woe to him that buildeth a town with bloods! and the beam out of the timber shall answer it, And woe to him that stablisheth a city by iniquity!
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
(11) The stone shall cry out.—Every stone in those giant walls reared by the enforced labour of captives cries aloud to accuse the Babylonian. Every spar out of the woodwork attests the charge.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
Verse 11. The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.] This appears to refer to the ancient mode of building walls; two or three courses of stone, and then one course of timber. See 1Kg 6:36: thus was the palace of Solomon built. The splendid and costly buildings of Babylon have been universally celebrated. But how were these buildings erected? By the spoils of conquered nations, and the expense of the blood of multitudes; therefore the stones and the timber are represented as calling out for vengeance against this ruthless conqueror.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:11
11. stone shall cry out of the wall] For the stone out of the wall shall cry out. The Chaldean gains evil gains to build his nest on high; the materials he uses, the stones and wood, shall cry out against the wrong and oppression perpetrated in procuring them. This sense is preferable to that assumed by Hitzig, that in his constructions the Chaldean kept back the hire of the labourers (Jeremiah 22:13). beam … answer it] i.e. reecho its cry of injustice.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:11
For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it - All things have a voice, in that they are .
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:11
Habakkuk 2:11 gives the reason for the sentence announced in Habakkuk 2:10.
Sermons on Habakkuk 2:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Daniel) the 70 Weeks of Daniel by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy of the 70 weeks in the book of Daniel. He explains that God had a specific plan and timeline for the redemption of Israel. The sp |
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Go Ye by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the last words of Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 28:16-20. He emphasizes that Jesus' words were not just for the eleven disciples, but for |
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Why We Praise by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising the Lord and expresses his frustration with the Western mentality that discourages emotional expression, especiall |
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Songs That David Couldn't Sing by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a deep, intimate relationship with God, focusing on being engaged to Jesus as the bridegroom. It explores the concept of singing son |
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Purge Out the Old Leaven by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others, drawing inspiration from the example of Dale Moody. The preacher also highlights |
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As We Are One (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sacrifices made by early believers who were sent forth by the Holy Ghost. These believers faced persecution, imprisonment, and even deat |
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From "Press Reports of the Fifth Sunderland Convention by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth shares powerful testimonies of divine healing, recounting his own miraculous recovery from appendicitis after a visitor commanded a demon to leave him. He emphas |