Habakkuk 3:5
Habakkuk 3:5 in Multiple Translations
Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
Before him went the pestilence, And fiery bolts went forth at his feet.
Before him went disease, and flames went out at his feet.
Plague goes before him, disease follows at his feet.
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coales went forth before his feete.
Before Him goeth pestilence, And a burning flame goeth forth at His feet.
Plague went before him, and pestilence followed his feet.
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
Death shall go before his face. And the devil shall go forth before his feet.
He sent plagues in front of him, and other plagues came behind him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 3:5
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 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
יֵ֣לֶךְ
דָּ֑בֶר
וְ/יֵצֵ֥א
רֶ֖שֶׁף
לְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
יֵ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
N-ms
וְ/יֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רֶ֖שֶׁף
resheph
H7565
flash
N-ms
לְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
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 3:5
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יֵ֣לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
וְ/יֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | 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.
רֶ֖שֶׁף
resheph
H7565
"flash"
N-ms
This word means a flash of fire or lightning, and can also describe a burning fever or a spark. It is used figuratively to describe God's power and judgment, as seen in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) flame, firebolt, spark 1a) flame 1b) fire-bolt
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: arrow, (burning) coal, burning heat, [phrase] spark, hot thunderbolt. See also: Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalms 78:48; Psalms 76:4.
לְ/רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 3:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 3:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 3:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 3:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 3:5
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 3:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
- Sermons on Habakkuk 3:5
Context — Habakkuk’s Prayer
3God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth.
4His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden.
5Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.
6He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. 7I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:29–30 | Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:46–49 | Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:50–51 | He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:24 | They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust. |
| 5 | Numbers 14:12 | I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are.” |
| 6 | Psalms 18:7–13 | Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet. He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him. From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded— hailstones and coals of fire. |
| 7 | Nahum 1:2–3 | The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. |
Habakkuk 3:5 Summary
Habakkuk 3:5 tells us that when God moves, He is often accompanied by signs of His power and judgment, like plague and fever. This reminds us of God's holiness and His desire for us to live according to His will, as seen in verses like Leviticus 11:44-45. Just like a parent disciplines their child to teach them right from wrong, God sometimes uses difficult circumstances to correct and guide us (Hebrews 12:5-11). By understanding God's character and His ways, we can grow in our trust and obedience to Him, even in challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'plague' refer to in Habakkuk 3:5?
The 'plague' in Habakkuk 3:5 likely refers to a divine judgment or punishment, similar to the plagues God sent upon Egypt in the book of Exodus, as seen in Exodus 7-12. This highlights God's power and authority over all creation.
How does fever 'follow in His steps'?
The phrase 'fever followed in His steps' suggests that wherever God moves, judgment or discipline may follow, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:21-22, where God warns of fevers and diseases as a consequence of disobedience.
Is this verse describing a historical event or a prophetic vision?
Habakkuk 3:5 is part of a prophetic vision, where the prophet Habakkuk sees God coming in judgment, similar to Isaiah 64:1-3, where Isaiah describes God coming down to shake the mountains.
What is the significance of plague and fever in this context?
The plague and fever in Habakkuk 3:5 symbolize God's holiness and His response to sin, as seen in Leviticus 26:21-25, where God warns of diseases and plagues as a result of disobedience.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of plague and fever following God affect my understanding of His character and holiness?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's judgment and discipline to my own life and walk with Him?
- What does this verse reveal about God's power and authority over creation, and how should this impact my trust in Him?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in verses like John 3:16 and Psalm 103:8?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 3:5
Before him went the pestilence,.... Either in the land of Egypt, when he marched through that, and slew all their firstborn, Psalms 78:50 or rather which he sent before him, and Israel his people
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 3:5
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
Before him: when God was leading the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan, he made the pestilence to go before him, so preparing room for his people. The pestilence, which wasted the inhabitants of Canaan, swept them out. Burning coals; burning fevers, and other distempers of fiery and destructive nature, which destroyed the accursed nations. Went forth; as sent, and observing the way he directed. At his feet; kept even pace, or waited on him, were his immediate forerunners. All this mentioned as arguments to prevail for somewhat like these for Israel, and against Israel’ s enemies. O God, revive some such work amidst us.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
Habakkuk 3:5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.Ver. 5. Before him went the pestilence] Dever, the word signifieth such a disease as cometh by a Divine decree, θεηλατον. So Hippocrates call the pestilence τοθειον, because sent by God in a spiritual manner, a stroke of his own bare hand as it were. Here it is made one of his apparitors or pursuivants, sent before him to destroy the Canaanites, as it had done the Egyptians. And burning coals went forth at his feet] Or, the carbuncle burning bile, Deuteronomy 32:24. The Vulgate translate it the devil; others Aνθραξ, a deadly inflammation, whereof good Oecolampadius died, and was lamented by Melancthon. But Luther very uncharitably (the best have their failings) wrote that he believed Oecolampadium ignitis Satanae telis et hastis confossum, subitanea metre periisse (Lib. de Missa privat.), that Oecolampadius died suddenly, being stabbed to death with the fiery darts of the devil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
(5) Before him went the pestilence. . . .—Better, Before Him shall go the plague, and burning pestilence shall go forth where He sets His feet. Kleinert remarks that it was with these angels of death that Jehovah revealed Himself in the south, and destroyed the armies of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
Verse 5. Before him went the pestilence] This plague was several times inflicted on the disobedient Israelites in the wilderness; see Numbers 11:33; Numbers 14:37; Numbers 16:46; and was always the proof that the just God was then manifesting his power among them. Burning coals event forth at his feet.] Newcome translates, "And flashes of fire went forth after him." The disobedient Israelities were consumed by a fire that went out from Jehovah; see Leviticus 10:2; Numbers 11:1; Numbers 16:35. And the burnt-offering was consumed by a fire which came out from before Jehovah, Leviticus 11:24.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 3:5
5. went the pestilence] goeth pestilence. His manifestation carries death in its train. burning coals went forth] and burning plague goeth forth at his feet, i.e. behind Him. The word again in this sense Deuteronomy 32:24.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 3:5
Before Him went (goeth) the pestilence - then to consume His enemies.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 3:5
Jehovah’s terrible approach, Habakkuk 3:3-7.3. Teman — See on Amos 1:12. Mount Paran — In all probability the mountain range between Mount Seir and Mount Sinai.
Sermons on Habakkuk 3:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:29-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the last judgment and the final plague that was coming upon the land of Egypt. The land of Goshen had previously escaped the last three plagu |
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Fast for Prayer in the Square – Day 3 by Carter Conlon | The video shown in the sermon is a two-minute preview of what God is expected to do in the future. The pastors will distribute this video to their congregations to give them an ide |
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The Reluctant God - Part 3 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his initial reluctance to answer God's call. Despite Moses' objections, God became angry with him and Moses ultimatel |
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The Lamb by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and Moses in Egypt as a way to illustrate how God prepares for his people. He emphasizes that everything in the world bel |
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God's Passover Lamb (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, drawing parallels between the Old Testament Passover and Christ's sacrifice. He highlights the importance of |
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No Less Than Our All by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that true resignation to God's will requires a genuine act of faith, not just empty words. He illustrates that many people only surrender when they are a |