King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:5 Mean?

Habakkuk 1:5 in the King James Version says “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.”

Habakkuk 1:5 · KJV

Faith

Context

3

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

4

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. wrong: or, wrested

5

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs. breadth: Heb. breadths

7

They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. their judgment: or, from them shall proceed the judgment of these, and the captivity of these

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. God's response to Habakkuk's complaint is stunning and unexpected. Rather than immediately addressing injustice in Judah, God declares He is orchestrating something so shocking that Habakkuk won't believe it even when explicitly told. The imperative "Behold" (רְאוּ/re'u) commands intense, careful observation—God is about to reveal His sovereign activity in history.

"Among the heathen" (בַּגּוֹיִם/baggoyim, "among the nations") indicates God's work extends beyond Israel's borders to the international stage. God is not merely Israel's tribal deity but the sovereign Lord of all nations, using them to accomplish His purposes. This cosmic perspective challenges narrow nationalism and reminds believers that God's kingdom transcends ethnic and political boundaries.

The phrase "I will work a work" (פֹּעֵל פֹּעַל/po'el po'al) uses Hebrew repetition for emphasis—God is actively, definitively working. Divine sovereignty doesn't mean passivity; God acts decisively in history, though His timing and methods often confound human expectations. The verb tense indicates ongoing action—God is already working, though it's not yet visible.

"Which ye will not believe, though it be told you" warns that God's methods will seem incredible, even impossible. God plans to use the brutal Chaldeans (Babylonians) as His instrument to judge Judah. This raises profound theological questions: How can a holy God use an even more wicked nation to punish His own people? This paradox points toward the mystery of divine providence—God works through human agency, including sinful agency, without being tainted by that sin and without absolving human responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse introduces God's shocking answer: He will raise up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) to judge Judah. In 605 BC, Babylon had just emerged as the dominant Near Eastern power after defeating Egypt at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar II would soon begin his conquests, ultimately destroying Jerusalem in 586 BC and exiling the population to Babylon.

For Habakkuk and his contemporaries, the idea that God would use pagan Babylon—known for extreme cruelty, idolatry, and imperialism—to judge His covenant people was almost incomprehensible. Judah, despite its corruption, still possessed the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic monarchy. How could God allow these covenant institutions to be destroyed by pagans?

This verse is quoted in Acts 13:41 by Paul during his synagogue sermon in Pisidian Antioch, warning Jews who rejected the gospel that God was doing a new, unexpected work through the Gentile mission. Just as ancient Jews couldn't believe God would use Babylon, first-century Jews struggled to believe God would include uncircumcised Gentiles in His covenant people. God's ways consistently transcend human expectations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of wicked nations to accomplish His purposes challenge your understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. In what ways might God be working in your life or in world events that seem unbelievable or contrary to what you expected?
  3. How does the truth that God works through all nations (not just Israel or the church) affect your view of politics and international relations?
  4. What does it mean to trust God's purposes even when His methods seem harsh or confusing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
רְא֤וּ1 of 13

“Behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בַגּוֹיִם֙2 of 13

“ye among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְֽהַבִּ֔יטוּ3 of 13

“and regard”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

תְּמָ֑הוּ4 of 13

“and wonder”

H8539

to be in consternation

תְּמָ֑הוּ5 of 13

“and wonder”

H8539

to be in consternation

כִּי6 of 13
H3588

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

פֹ֙עַל֙7 of 13

“a work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

פֹּעֵ֣ל8 of 13

“for I will work”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם9 of 13

“in your days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לֹ֥א10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַאֲמִ֖ינוּ11 of 13

“which ye will not believe”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

כִּ֥י12 of 13
H3588

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

יְסֻפָּֽר׃13 of 13

“though it be told”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:40-41Lamentations 4:12Isaiah 29:14Jeremiah 5:12-13Isaiah 29:9Jeremiah 18:18

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

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