Habakkuk 2:7
Habakkuk 2:7 in Multiple Translations
Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey.
Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booty unto them?
Will not your creditors suddenly be moved against you, and your troublers get up from their sleep, and you will be to them like goods taken in war?
Won't your debtors suddenly act? Won't they wake up to the situation and make you tremble? You will be plunder for them!
Shall they not rise vp suddenly, that shall bite thee? and awake, that shall stirre thee? and thou shalt be their praye?
Do not thy usurers instantly rise up, And those shaking thee awake up, And thou hast been for a spoil to them?
Won’t your debtors rise up suddenly, and wake up those who make you tremble, and you will be their victim?
Shall they not rise suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall disturb thee, and thou shalt be for booties to them?
Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee: and they be stirred up that shall tear thee, and thou shalt be a spoil to them?
Suddenly those whom you ◄oppressed/treated cruelly► will cause you to tremble, and they will take away all the things that you have stolen from them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 2:7
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 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
פֶ֗תַע
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
נֹשְׁכֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/יִקְצ֖וּ
מְזַעְזְעֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ
לִ/מְשִׁסּ֖וֹת
לָֽ/מוֹ
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
פֶ֗תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
suddenness
Adv
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
נֹשְׁכֶ֔י/ךָ
nâshak
H5391
to bite
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/יִקְצ֖וּ
qûwts
H6974
to awake
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מְזַעְזְעֶ֑י/ךָ
zûwaʻ
H2111
to tremble
V-l | Suff
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לִ/מְשִׁסּ֖וֹת
mᵉshiççâh
H4933
plunder
Prep | N-fp
לָֽ/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 2:7
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
פֶ֗תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
"suddenness"
Adv
This Hebrew word means suddenness or quickness, often used to describe something happening in an instant. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of urgency or surprise. In the KJV, it is translated as 'at an instant' or 'suddenly'.
Definition: suddenness, in an instant
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: at an instant, suddenly, [idiom] very. See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 29:1; Proverbs 6:15.
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
נֹשְׁכֶ֔י/ךָ
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
וְ/יִקְצ֖וּ
qûwts
H6974
"to awake"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to wake up or be awake, like when God told Samuel to arise and anoint a new king in 1 Samuel 16:3. It can also mean to be watchful, as in Psalm 102:7.
Definition: 1) to awake, wake up 1a) (Hiphil) to awaken, arouse, show signs of waking, awake
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: arise, (be) (a-) wake, watch. See also: 1 Samuel 26:12; Proverbs 23:35; Psalms 3:6.
מְזַעְזְעֶ֑י/ךָ
zûwaʻ
H2111
"to tremble"
V-l | Suff
This Hebrew word means to tremble or shake with fear, like when God's people feared His power in Exodus. It describes a strong emotional response, often to something frightening or overwhelming. The prophet Isaiah used it to convey the fear of God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to tremble, quiver, quake, be in terror 1a) (Qal) to tremble, quake 1b) (Pilpel) 1b1) to shake violently 1b2) to cause to tremble Aramaic equivalent: zu.a (זוּעַ "to tremble" H2112)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: move, tremble, vex. See also: Esther 5:9; Ecclesiastes 12:3; Habakkuk 2:7.
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ/מְשִׁסּ֖וֹת
mᵉshiççâh
H4933
"plunder"
Prep | N-fp
Meshissah means plunder or spoil, referring to the booty or spoils of war, like the treasures or riches taken from an enemy, as seen in the conquests of the Israelites.
Definition: booty, spoil, plunder Also means: me.shu.sah (מְשׁוּסָה "spoil" H4882)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: booty, spoil. See also: 2 Kings 21:14; Jeremiah 30:16; Isaiah 42:22.
לָֽ/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Habakkuk 2:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:7
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
- Sermons on Habakkuk 2:7
Context — Woe to the Chaldeans
5and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own.
6Will 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?’
7Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey.
8Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. 9Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 2 | Isaiah 47:11 | But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 8:17 | “For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:25 | I have raised up one from the north, and he has come— one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 50:21–32 | Go up against the land of Merathaim, and against the residents of Pekod. Kill them and devote them to destruction. Do all that I have commanded you,” declares the LORD. “The noise of battle is in the land— the noise of great destruction. How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations! I laid a snare for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it. You were found and captured because you challenged the LORD. The LORD has opened His armory and brought out His weapons of wrath, for this is the work of the Lord GOD of Hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. Come against her from the farthest border. Break open her granaries; pile her up like mounds of grain. Devote her to destruction; leave her no survivors. Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment. Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple. Summon the archers against Babylon, all who string the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her as she has done. For she has defied the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets, and all her warriors will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD. “Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, “for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to pick him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities to consume all those around him.” |
| 6 | Daniel 5:25–31 | Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 51:11 | Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD— vengeance for His temple. |
| 8 | Isaiah 48:14–15 | Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans. I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I have brought him, and he will succeed in his mission. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 10 | Isaiah 46:11 | I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
Habakkuk 2:7 Summary
Habakkuk 2:7 warns that those who exploit or oppress others will eventually face the consequences of their actions, as their creditors or those they have wronged will rise up against them. This can be seen as a principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions have inevitable outcomes, as noted in Galatians 6:7-8. The idea is not just about financial debt but about how we treat others and the world around us, emphasizing the importance of living with integrity and fairness, as encouraged in Micah 6:8. By considering this verse, we are reminded to examine our own behaviors and relationships, striving to act with kindness and justice towards all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for creditors to 'suddenly arise' in Habakkuk 2:7?
This phrase suggests that those to whom one is indebted will unexpectedly demand payment, much like the sudden arrival of judgment in Isaiah 13:6, highlighting the inevitability of reckoning for one's actions.
How does this verse relate to the idea of 'disturbing' others?
The disturbance referred to in Habakkuk 2:7 implies causing trouble or unrest for others, similar to the concept in Proverbs 11:12, where it is clear that such behavior will ultimately lead to one's own downfall.
What does 'becoming their prey' signify in this context?
Becoming prey signifies a reversal of power, where the one who once had control or advantage now becomes vulnerable and subject to the will of others, a concept echoed in Ezekiel 22:25, where the strong prey on the weak, only to face judgment themselves.
Is this verse only talking about financial debt?
While financial debt is part of the context, the principle extends to any form of exploitation or oppression, as seen in James 5:4, where the cries of the oppressed are heard by God, indicating a broader application of accountability for one's actions towards others.
Reflection Questions
- How do I treat those who are indebted to me or those I have influence over, and what does this reveal about my character?
- In what ways might I be 'disturbing' others, whether through my actions or inactions, and what steps can I take to rectify this?
- Reflect on times when you have seen or experienced a sudden reversal of fortunes; what lessons can be drawn from these experiences about the nature of power and accountability?
- Consider the concept of 'becoming prey' in the context of your relationships and actions; how can you ensure that your interactions with others are marked by mutual respect and fairness?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 2:7
Shall not they rise up suddenly that shall bite thee,.... Or, "thy usurers", or "creditors" (d), as some render it; the Christians, whose money, goods, and substance, they had spoiled them of, but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 2:7
Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? Shall they not rise up suddenly - the answer to the question, "how long?" (Habakkuk 2:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
Shall they not? this question doth more fully ascertain the thing. Rise up; either grow up, or else, as men who resolve to do a thing thoroughly, get upon their feet and stand to it. The Medes and Persians were growing to power, and would ere long rise up to ruin Babylon. Suddenly; and surprise it in security, so they were down ere they did perceive themselves falling; and such sudden ruin is most dreadful. Bite thee; devour and eat thee up. And awake; thou, O Belshazzar, (and Babylon with thee,) wilt in drunken slumbers (unable to resist) fall into the hands of the awakened Medes and Persians. Vex thee; as thou hast been, O Babylon, vexation to others by thy proud and insolent behaviour, by scoffs and cruelties, so others shall now be a vexation unto thee. Thou shalt be for booties; not only your lands, houses, and goods, but your persons, and those of your relations, shall be booties, taken and sold for slaves, to the profit of them, Medes and Persians.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
Habakkuk 2:7 Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?Ver. 7. Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee?] Rend and tear thee as hunting dogs do the beast they pursue. See Isaiah 13:14; Isaiah 13:21 Jeremiah 51:58. The interrogation here used importeth both the certainty of the thing and their security, as if no such thing could possibly befall them. Suddenly, therefore, saith the prophet, shalt thou be surprised and spoiled by the Persians, when thy city Babylon is held impregnable, and boasteth of provision enough laid in for twenty years’ siege. Security is the certain usher of destruction, as we see in Benhadad’ s army, and those Midianites, Judges 7:12; Judges 7:20-23, and the Amalekites, 1 Samuel 30:16-17; and Pompey’ s marching against Caesar; and the French at the battle of Agincourt; so confident they were of a victory, that they sent to our King Henry V, who was then in the field against them, and got the day, to know what ransom he would give.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
(7) Bite.—This verb nâshac also means “to oppress with usury,” and this is its force here. Thy turn shall come, and men shall exact usury from thee. Similarly, the verb translated “vex” is, literally, to shake violently, in allusion to a creditor’s forcible seizure of his debtor. (Comp. Matthew 18:28.) The prediction of Habakkuk in these verses was fulfilled by the rise of the Medo-Persian power, and the capture of Babylon by the forces of Cyrus, cir. B.C. 538.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
Verse 7. Shall they not rise up suddenly] Does not this refer to the sudden and unexpected taking of Babylon by Cyrus, whose troops entered into the city through the bed of the Euphrates, whose waters they had diverted by another channel; so that the Babylonians knew nothing of the matter till they saw the Persian soldiers rise up as in a moment, in the very heart of their city?
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 2:7
7. that shall bite thee] Such is the usual sense of the word, which is used of the serpent, Genesis 49:17; Numbers 21:8-9; cf. Micah 3:5. The term is employed here in a figurative sense of the attack of enemies. In one form the verb means to exact usury from one, Deuteronomy 23:20, and some would render here thy creditors. This double sense is supposed by some to be one of the taunting allusions (Habakkuk 2:6). shall vex thee] Or, violently shake thee. Ecclesiastes 12:3; Esther 5:9; cf. Daniel 5:19; Daniel 6:27; Deuteronomy 28:25; Isaiah 28:19.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 2:7
Shall not they rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee? - The destruction of the wicked is ever sudden at last.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 2:7
7. Retribution will surely come; the nations will not submit forever.They… that shall bite thee — The verb has a twofold meaning, “to bite” (Genesis 49:17; Numbers 21:8-9), and “to exact usury”
Sermons on Habakkuk 2:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(So Great a Salvation) Awakening by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |
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Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his |
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The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls, |
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Attitudes on Spiritual Dating by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and why people are tempted in different areas. He emphasizes the importance of not being critical of others who are no |
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How to Change Your Heart by Charles Finney | In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the wo |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 11-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer facing the Philistine army. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan and his compan |
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Sudden Death by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the unpredictability of death and the importance of being prepared for it. He uses examples of individuals who met sudden death without havin |