King James Version
What Does Habakkuk 1:14 Mean?
“And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? creeping: or, moving”
Context
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
14
And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? creeping: or, moving
15
They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad. drag: or, flue net
16
Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. plenteous: or, dainty: Heb. fat
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**25. they shall drive thee--**a Chaldee idiom for "thou shalt be driven." Hypochondriacal madness was his malady, which "drove" him under the fancy that he was a beast, to "dwell with the beasts"; Da 4:34 proves this, "mine understanding returned." The regency would leave him to roam in the large beast-abounding parks attached to the palace.
**eat grass--**that is, vegetables, or herbs in general (Ge 3:18).
**they shall wet thee--**that is, thou shalt be wet.
**till thou know, &c.--**(Psa 83:17, 18; Jr 27:5).
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.