King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:14 Mean?

Habakkuk 2:14 in the King James Version says “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. with: or, by kno...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Habakkuk 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

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

13

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?

14

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

15

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!

16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory. with: or, more with shame than with glory

Read Habakkuk 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amidst woe oracles against Babylon, God promises ultimate restoration: 'For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea' (ki-timale ha'aretz lade'ath eth-kevod Yahweh kammayim yal-yam yekhassu). This is one of Scripture's most magnificent promises. 'The earth shall be filled' (timale ha'aretz)—complete, comprehensive saturation. 'With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD' (lade'ath eth-kevod Yahweh)—not mere intellectual knowledge but experiential knowing of God's manifest glory. The comparison 'as waters cover the sea' (kammayim yal-yam yekhassu) suggests absolute, universal coverage—just as water comprehensively fills and covers the sea, knowledge of God's glory will fill the earth. This promise looks beyond immediate judgment to ultimate redemption when God's glory universally revealed. It anticipates Christ's kingdom, the Great Commission's fulfillment, and ultimately the New Creation where God's presence fills all in all.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse echoes Isaiah 11:9, suggesting common prophetic vision of Messiah's kingdom. The 'knowledge of the LORD' promised here contrasts with the ignorance, idolatry, and rebellion characterizing current age. Though Babylon seemed to dominate Habakkuk's world, God promises a future when His glory, not human empires, fills the earth. This was partially fulfilled through Israel's return from exile, more substantially through Christ's first advent and gospel spread, and will be consummated at Christ's return when 'every knee shall bow' (Philippians 2:10-11) and God is 'all in all' (1 Corinthians 15:28). The promise sustained believers through exile and continues to encourage the church through trials—present suffering is temporary; coming glory is eternal and universal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this promise of universal knowledge of God's glory provide hope during periods of judgment and suffering?
  2. In what ways has this prophecy begun fulfillment through Christ and the gospel, and how will it be consummated at His return?
  3. What does 'knowledge of the glory of the LORD' mean practically—how will this manifest when fully realized?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּ֚י1 of 11
H3588

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

תִּמָּלֵ֣א2 of 11

“shall be filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָאָ֔רֶץ3 of 11

“For the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָדַ֖עַת4 of 11

“with the knowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת5 of 11
H853

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

כְּב֣וֹד6 of 11

“of the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כַּמַּ֖יִם8 of 11

“as the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יְכַסּ֥וּ9 of 11

“cover”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

עַל10 of 11
H5921

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

יָֽם׃11 of 11

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Habakkuk 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 11:9Psalms 22:27Psalms 72:19Isaiah 6:3Psalms 86:9Zechariah 14:8-9

Test Your Knowledge

Habakkuk 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHabakkuk Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Habakkuk 2 with CommentaryAll Habakkuk ChaptersComplete Habakkuk QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes