Habakkuk 2:12
Habakkuk 2:12 in Multiple Translations
Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity!
¶ Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!
A curse on him who is building a place with blood, and basing a town on evil-doing!
What disaster is coming to you who build cities with bloodshed, who found cities built on wickedness!
Wo vnto him that buildeth a towne with blood, and erecteth a citie by iniquitie.
Woe [to] him who is building a city by blood, And establishing a city by iniquity.
Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and prepareth a city by iniquity.
Terrible things will happen to you people of Babylonia who kill people [MTY] in order to build cities, cities that you build by using money that you have gotten by committing crimes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֛וֹי
בֹּנֶ֥ה
עִ֖יר
בְּ/דָמִ֑ים
וְ/כוֹנֵ֥ן
קִרְיָ֖ה
בְּ/עַוְלָֽה
ה֛וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
בֹּנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
בְּ/דָמִ֑ים
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-mp
וְ/כוֹנֵ֥ן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Conj | V-o-3ms
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
town
N-fs
בְּ/עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
Prep | N-cs
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 2:12
ה֛וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
בֹּנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בְּ/דָמִ֑ים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/כוֹנֵ֥ן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Conj | V-o-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
"town"
N-fs
This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.
Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.
בְּ/עַוְלָֽה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
Prep | N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
- Sermons on Habakkuk 2:12
Context — Woe to the Chaldeans
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? 14For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:10 | who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:27–31 | Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.” All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. |
| 3 | Nahum 3:1 | Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:13–17 | “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 5 | Revelation 17:6 | I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her. |
| 6 | Joshua 6:26 | At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.” |
| 7 | John 11:47–50 | Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 16:34 | In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun. |
| 9 | Genesis 4:11–17 | Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” “Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. And Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 24:9 | Yes, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed! I, too, will pile the kindling high. |
Habakkuk 2:12 Summary
This verse is warning against the dangers of building something, like a city or a community, through violent or unjust means. It's saying that when we establish systems or societies on foundations of bloodshed and iniquity, we are ultimately building on shaky ground, as seen in Psalm 11:3 and Proverbs 10:25. Instead, we should strive to build our lives and communities on foundations of justice, compassion, and righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 7:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. By doing so, we can create stronger, more just societies that reflect God's love and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to build a city with bloodshed?
This phrase refers to the act of establishing a city or a system of power through violent and unjust means, as seen in Habakkuk 2:12, and is condemned by God, as noted in Proverbs 28:17 and Isaiah 1:15.
How does this verse relate to the concept of social justice?
This verse highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in the establishment and maintenance of societies, echoing the teachings of Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24, which emphasize the need for fairness and compassion in our treatment of others.
What is the significance of the phrase 'establishes a town by iniquity'?
This phrase suggests that not only are the physical structures of the city built on unjust foundations, but also the social and economic systems that govern it, as seen in Jeremiah 22:13 and Ezekiel 22:29, which condemn the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we are accountable to God for how we treat others and the impact we have on our communities, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8 and James 1:27, which encourage us to live justly and compassionately.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be contributing to systems of injustice or oppression in my own community, and how can I work to change this?
- How can I ensure that my own actions and decisions are guided by a commitment to justice and righteousness, rather than self-interest or convenience?
- What does it mean to 'establish a town by iniquity' in the context of my own life and relationships, and how can I work to build stronger, more just relationships with those around me?
- In what ways can I use my own voice and influence to speak out against injustice and promote righteousness in my community, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Isaiah 58:1?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:12
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!] This is what the stone and beam should say, if others were silent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:12
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood - namely, Babylon, rebuilt and enlarged by blood-bought spoils (cf. Daniel 4:30).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
Whosoever he be that lays foundations in blood, is here threatened, and none so great as to keep Off the woe, deserved and menaced. A town, Heb. city. With blood; in the guilt and with the cruelty of murdering the innocents it is the worst cement which is tempered with blood of murdered men, women, and children. And stablisheth; goeth about or thinketh to establish the foundations of a city. A city; Babylon in particular. By iniquity; by force and fraud, by riches extorted from the just possessor. Whosoever he be that lays foundations in blood, is here threatened, and none so great as to keep Off the woe, deserved and menaced. By iniquity; by force and fraud, by riches extorted from the just possessor.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
Habakkuk 2:12 Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!Ver. 12. Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood] This seemeth to be the senseless creatures, black Cantus Song, (as they call it), chanted out against the wrong doer, by God’ s own appointment, cui obscura clarent, muta respondent, silentium confitetur, saith an ancient (Juvonal), - “ cui servi ut taceant, iumenta loquentur, ” The very beasts have a verdict to pass upon oppressors; as the dumb ass did upon Balaam: yea, the lifeless creatures shall ring a doleful knell of woe and alas in their ears, and cry them guilty; as the earth did Cain, and the heaven did Phocas; and as the tignum e ligno logs of wood, doth here Nebuchadnezzar. His town of Babylon was built in blood by Semiramis, who slew her husband, so was Rome by Romulus, so was Alexandria, in Egypt, by Alexander, that great manslayer, the founder of populous No, of whose woe read Nahum 3:8; Nahum 3:10. And for Alexander himself, he lay unburied thirty days together, neither did his bloody conquest above ground purchase him any title for a habitation underground. The like befell our conqueror William, who laid his foundation here upon fireworks; and was punished in his posterity for his depopulations at New Forest and elsewhere. And stablisheth a city by iniquity] That thinketh so to establish it, but it proveth otherwise. Josephus telleth us that Nebuchadnezzar set three different walls of brick about his Babylon, one within another; but all would not do when once God took it to do. Oppression is a bony sin, Amos 5:12-13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
(6-20) The destruction of the Chaldæans has hitherto been only implied. It is now plainly foretold in a denunciatory song, put into the mouths of the invader’s victims. In this song there are five strophes, of three verses each, 6-8; 9-11; 12-14; 15-17; 18-20.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
Verse 12. Wo to him that buildeth a town with blood] At the expense of much slaughter. This is the answer of the beam to the stone. And these things will refer to the vast fortunes gained, and the buildings erected, by means of the slave-trade; where, to a considerate and humane mind, the walls appear as if composed of the bones of negroes, and cemented by their blood! But the towns or houses established by this iniquity soon come to ruin; and the fortunes made have, in most cases, become as chaff and dust before the whirlwind of God's indignation. But where are the dealers in the souls and bodies of men? Ask him who has them in his keeping. He can tell.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:12
12–14. Third woe: his oppression of the peoples to gratify his architectural pride 12. buildeth a town with blood] The meaning appears to be that the means of building the city are acquired through bloodshed, conquest and slaughter of the nations, and deportation of them to be employed in forced labour. Comp. Micah 3:10, “They build up Zion with blood,” i.e. by the goods of those slain by judicial murder (1 Kings 21). by iniquity] Cf. Jeremiah 22:13, where the iniquity consists in the forced labour; here it may be more general. The terms “town” and “city” refer to any city or to many. Isaiah 14:21.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:12
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity! - Nebuchadnezzar “encircled the inner city with three walls and the outer city also with three, all of burnt brick.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:12
12. Town… city — Synonymous; they cannot be restricted to the capital, but include cities scattered throughout the empire, wherever building enterprises were carried on.
Sermons on Habakkuk 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Innocent Blood by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of repentance in Jesus' message of the kingdom, emphasizing the need to turn away from arrogance before God and mercilessness towards o |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.4:1-5:31 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his encounter with God. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a great tree that provided shade and food for all liv |
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Give God His Rightful Place by Friedel Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of losing one's royal authority and the feeling of emptiness and desolation that comes with it. He uses the example of a ki |
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Titus 3:8-11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of maintaining good works and avoiding unprofitable disputes and contentions. He encourages believers to be diligent in almsgiving and to |
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John 17:6-13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the manifestation of God's Name to humanity through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the Father's love for the Son and the unity between them. He explains how |
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Nineveh and Her Testimony by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of Nineveh's repentance as a powerful testimony to the present generation, contrasting it with the indifference of contemporary society. |
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New Discoveries by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the discovery of new records found, such as the achievements of Sennacherib and the ancient civilization of Ethiopia, which confirm certain pa |