King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:16 Mean?

Habakkuk 1:16 in the King James Version says “Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and the...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Habakkuk 1:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Habakkuk describes Babylon's idolatry: 'Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous' (al-ken yezabbeach lechormo vayeqatter lemikhmarto ki-vahem shamein chelqo umaakalo beri'ah). They worship their weapons—literally sacrificing to nets and dragnets. Why? 'Because by them their portion is fat' (ki-vahem shamein chelqo)—military might provides prosperity. This is idolatry in its essence: worshiping created things (weapons, strength, success) rather than Creator. Babylon attributes success to its own power rather than recognizing divine sovereignty. This self-worship and military glorification characterized ancient empires and characterizes modern nations trusting in military might, economic power, or technological superiority apart from God. The passage warns that such idolatry, though temporarily successful, ultimately brings judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures commonly deified weapons and military power. Babylon's religion involved extensive rituals celebrating military victories and seeking divine favor for campaigns. But Habakkuk exposes the absurdity: they worship the tools they themselves created. This self-glorification would eventually result in Babylon's own destruction. Isaiah 10:12-19 articulates the same principle: God uses Assyria to judge Israel, but then judges Assyria for its pride in believing it succeeded through its own power. The pattern repeats throughout history—nations trusting in military might rather than moral righteousness ultimately collapse. Babylon fell to Persia in 539 BC, proving that worshiping one's own strength provides no lasting security.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents exist to Babylon's worship of military nets—trusting in technology, weapons, or human power?
  2. How does attributing success to our own abilities rather than God's providence constitute practical idolatry?
  3. What does this passage teach about the relationship between national pride and eventual judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַל1 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙2 of 12
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יְזַבֵּ֣חַ3 of 12

“Therefore they sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לְחֶרְמ֔וֹ4 of 12

“unto their net”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

וִֽיקַטֵּ֖ר5 of 12

“and burn incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לְמִכְמַרְתּ֑וֹ6 of 12

“unto their drag”

H4365

a (fisher's) net

כִּ֤י7 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָהֵ֙מָּה֙8 of 12

“because by them”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שָׁמֵ֣ן9 of 12

“is fat”

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

חֶלְק֔וֹ10 of 12

“their portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וּמַאֲכָל֖וֹ11 of 12

“and their meat”

H3978

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

בְּרִאָֽה׃12 of 12

“plenteous”

H1277

fatted or plump

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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 1:11Ezekiel 28:3Deuteronomy 8:17Daniel 5:23Daniel 4:30Isaiah 37:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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