King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:18 Mean?

Habakkuk 2:18 in the King James Version says “What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? maker of: Heb. fashioner of his fashion”

Habakkuk 2:18 · King James Version

Context

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

17

For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? maker of: Heb. fashioner of his fashion

19

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

20

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. let: Heb. be silent all the earth before him

Read Habakkuk 2 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
God mocks idolatry: 'What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?' (mah-ho'il pesel ki-fesalo yotzro massekhah umoreh sheqer ki-vatach yotzer yitzro alav la'asoth elilim illeim). The rhetorical question expects the answer: nothing. Idols profit nothing because they're merely human creations. The 'maker' (yotzer) creates something, then absurdly 'trusteth therein' (vatach)—trusting what he himself fabricated. It's a 'teacher of lies' (moreh sheqer) because it falsely claims to be divine. Worst irony: they're 'dumb idols' (elilim illeim)—speechless, powerless. The passage exposes idolatry's fundamental irrationality: worshiping created things as if they were Creator, trusting human products as if they possessed divine power. This applies to all idolatry, ancient and modern—trusting anything created (wealth, power, success, relationships) rather than Creator.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian religion was elaborate, featuring numerous gods represented by ornate idols housed in magnificent temples. Vast resources went into crafting, maintaining, and honoring these images. Yet prophets consistently mocked their impotence (Isaiah 44:9-20, Jeremiah 10:1-16, Psalm 115:4-8). When Babylon fell to Persia (539 BC), its gods couldn't prevent conquest—proving their powerlessness. Cyrus's conquest demonstrated that Babylon's deities were useless. Only Yahweh, the living God, controls history. The biblical critique of idolatry remains relevant: modern people worship money, pleasure, success, technology—created things that cannot ultimately satisfy or save. Only the Creator deserves worship and provides genuine security.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern forms of idolatry—trusting created things rather than Creator—exist in contemporary culture?
  2. How does recognizing that humans create their own idols expose the irrationality of trusting them?
  3. What is the difference between appropriately using created goods versus idolatrously trusting them for what only God can provide?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מָֽה1 of 17
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הוֹעִ֣יל2 of 17

“What profiteth”

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

פֶּ֗סֶל3 of 17

“the graven image”

H6459

an idol

כִּ֤י4 of 17
H3588

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

פְסָלוֹ֙5 of 17

“thereof hath graven”

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

יֹֽצְר֔וֹ6 of 17

“of his work”

H3336

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

מַסֵּכָ֖ה7 of 17

“it the molten image”

H4541

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

וּמ֣וֹרֶה8 of 17

“and a teacher”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

שָּׁ֑קֶר9 of 17

“of lies”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

כִּ֣י10 of 17
H3588

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

בָטַ֞ח11 of 17

“trusteth”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

יִצְרוֹ֙12 of 17

“that the maker”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

יִצְרוֹ֙13 of 17

“that the maker”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

עָלָ֔יו14 of 17
H5921

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

לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת15 of 17

“therein to make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֱלִילִ֥ים16 of 17

“idols”

H457

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

אִלְּמִֽים׃17 of 17

“dumb”

H483

speechless

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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 10:81 Corinthians 12:2Isaiah 44:9-10Zechariah 10:2Jeremiah 2:27-28Isaiah 42:17

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