King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 1:6 Mean?

Habakkuk 1:6 in the King James Version says “For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to p...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Habakkuk 1:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. fierce: Heb. sharp

Read Habakkuk 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response shocks Habakkuk: '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' (ki-hineni meqim eth-haKasdim haggoy hammar vehanmhar haholekh lemmerchave-eretz laresheth mishkenoth lo-lo). God is actively raising up (meqim) the Chaldeans (Babylonians)—not merely permitting but orchestrating their rise. They're described as 'bitter' (mar, cruel) and 'hasty' (nmhar, impetuous, swift). They will 'march through the breadth of the land' (holekh merchave-eretz)—conquering vast territories. Their purpose: 'to possess dwellingplaces not theirs' (laresheth mishkenoth lo-lo)—seizing lands belonging to others. This is God's answer to Habakkuk's complaint about injustice: He will judge it, but through an even more wicked nation. This creates deeper perplexity that Habakkuk addresses in his second complaint (1:12-17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Chaldeans (Babylonians) under Nebuchadnezzar II were emerging as the ancient Near East's dominant power. They defeated Assyria (Nineveh fell 612 BC), crushed Egypt at Carchemish (605 BC), and were poised to conquer westward into Syria-Palestine. Their military reputation was fearsome—disciplined, ruthless, and successful. Within years of Habakkuk's prophecy, Babylon would besiege Jerusalem multiple times (605, 597, 586 BC), eventually destroying the city and exiling Judah's population. God's announcement that He was raising up this terrifying empire to judge His own people was both stunning and troubling. It demonstrated God's sovereignty over international affairs but raised profound questions about His methods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of wicked Babylon to judge less-wicked Judah illustrate the mystery of divine providence?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty over pagan empires and their role in accomplishing His purposes?
  3. How should believers understand God working through evil people and nations without approving their wickedness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּֽי1 of 15
H3588

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

הִנְנִ֤י2 of 15
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵקִים֙3 of 15

“For lo I raise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת4 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים5 of 15

“the Chaldeans”

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

הַגּ֖וֹי6 of 15

“nation”

H1471

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

הַמַּ֣ר7 of 15

“that bitter”

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

וְהַנִּמְהָ֑ר8 of 15

“and hasty”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

הַֽהוֹלֵךְ֙9 of 15

“which shall march”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְמֶרְחֲבֵי10 of 15

“through the breadth”

H4800

enlargement, either literally (an open space, usually in a good sense), or figuratively (liberty)

אֶ֔רֶץ11 of 15

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָרֶ֖שֶׁת12 of 15

“to possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

מִשְׁכָּנ֥וֹת13 of 15

“the dwellingplaces”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

לֹּא14 of 15
H3808

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

לֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H0

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 24:22 Chronicles 36:6Jeremiah 5:152 Chronicles 36:17Jeremiah 4:6Deuteronomy 28:49-52

Places in This Verse

ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
View all places in Habakkuk 1 →

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