King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:13 Mean?

“Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? for: or, in vain?”

Context

For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. beam: or, piece, or, fastening answer it: or, witness against it

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! blood: Heb. bloods

Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? for: or, in vain?

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. with: or, by knowing the glory

Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **In the very fire . . . for very vanity.** The preposition is the same in both clauses, and means “for an equivalent in.” The sense is sufficiently conveyed if we render “*labour only for the fire* . . . *weary themselves all for nothing.*” The same expressions occur in Jeremiah’s denunciation of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:58). Both prophets predict that Jehovah shall render all this compulsory service fruitless. Jeremiah adds the explanatory clauses, “the broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). 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 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.