King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:11 Mean?

Habakkuk 1:11 in the King James Version says “Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.”

Habakkuk 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand. their: or, the supping up of their faces, etc: or, their faces shall look (Heb. the opposition of their faces) toward the east

10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

11

Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.

12

Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. mighty: Heb. rock. established: Heb. founded

13

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? iniquity: or, grievance

Read Habakkuk 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god. This crucial verse marks the transition from describing Babylon's God-ordained role to identifying its fatal flaw. His mind change (אָז חָלַף רוּחַ/az chalaf ruach)—literally "then the spirit/wind passes over." This could mean Babylon's spirit changes, becoming even more arrogant, or that like wind, Babylon passes away after accomplishing God's purposes. The ambiguity suggests both: Babylon will become prouder, and this pride will cause its passing.

Pass over, and offend (וַיַּעֲבֹר וְאָשֵׁם/vayya'avor ve'ashem)—they transgress and become guilty. The same power God used to judge Judah becomes Babylon's condemnation. Imputing this his power unto his god (זוּ כֹחוֹ לֵאלֹהוֹ/zu kocho le'loho)—attributing their strength to their deity rather than recognizing YHWH's sovereignty. This is Babylon's damning sin: failing to recognize that their power is derivative, a temporary gift from Israel's God for His purposes, not proof of their gods' superiority.

This verse introduces the book's central theological tension: How can God use a nation that attributes its success to false gods? The answer appears in chapter 2—Babylon's very pride and idolatry will bring its destruction. God uses wicked nations to accomplish His purposes, then judges them for the wickedness He used. This mysterious providence affirms both divine sovereignty and human moral responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's pride is documented in both biblical and extrabiblical sources. Daniel 4 records his boast: "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power?" Immediately after this self-glorification, God judged him with madness. Babylonian inscriptions credit victories to Marduk and other Babylonian deities. Nebuchadnezzar never acknowledged that his power came from YHWH, Israel's God. This failure to recognize the true source of his authority was precisely the sin Habakkuk identifies. When Persia conquered Babylon (539 BC), it demonstrated that Babylon's gods were powerless and its pride unfounded. The empire that seemed invincible "passed over" like wind, gone in a moment of divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does attributing success to our own abilities or false sources constitute the sin of pride that brings judgment?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between God's use of sinful people/nations and His eventual judgment of them?
  3. How can believers avoid Babylon's error by consistently acknowledging God as the source of all gifts, talents, and successes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אָ֣ז1 of 8
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

חָלַ֥ף2 of 8

“change”

H2498

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

ר֛וּחַ3 of 8

“Then shall his mind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר4 of 8

“and he shall pass over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וְאָשֵׁ֑ם5 of 8

“and offend”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

ז֥וּ6 of 8

“imputing this”

H2098

this or that

כֹח֖וֹ7 of 8

“his power”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

לֵאלֹהֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“unto his god”

H433

a deity or the deity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Habakkuk. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Habakkuk 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Habakkuk 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:20Daniel 4:30-34Jeremiah 4:11-12Daniel 5:3-4

Test Your Knowledge

Habakkuk 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHabakkuk Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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