King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:20 Mean?

Habakkuk 2:20 in the King James Version says “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. let: Heb. be silent all the earth before ...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Habakkuk 2:20 · KJV

Context

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

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After mocking dead idols, God declares His living presence: 'But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him' (vaYahweh beheikhal qodsho has mipanav kol-ha'aretz). Contrast is stark: idols are dead; Yahweh lives and reigns. 'In his holy temple' (beheikhal qodsho) indicates both heavenly throne room and earthly presence. 'Let all the earth keep silence before him' (has mipanav kol-ha'aretz) commands reverent awe—the only appropriate response to divine majesty. Silence here isn't mere quiet but reverential worship, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and holiness. This verse transitions from chapter 2's woes against Babylon to chapter 3's prayer of faith. Having established God's sovereignty over idolatrous empires, Habakkuk now approaches Him in worship. The call to silence reminds all creation that before the living God, arguments cease, complaints quiet, and humble adoration alone remains appropriate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'the LORD is in his holy temple' would resonate with Judeans familiar with temple worship in Jerusalem. Yet the command for 'all the earth' to keep silence indicates God's presence transcends any earthly structure—His throne room is in heaven, His presence fills creation. When Babylon destroyed Jerusalem's temple (586 BC), this truth became crucial: God's presence doesn't depend on buildings. He remains sovereign regardless of earthly circumstances. The exile taught Israel that God isn't limited to geography or architecture. This prepared for the new covenant revelation that God dwells not in temples made with hands but in His people through the Spirit (Acts 7:48-49, 1 Corinthians 3:16). The call to silence echoes throughout Scripture (Psalm 46:10, Zechariah 2:13) as the posture appropriate before God's awesome presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'keep silence before the LORD'—in worship, prayer, and daily life?
  2. How does recognizing God's presence 'in his holy temple' (both heavenly and among His people) affect daily living?
  3. Why is silence, rather than speech, sometimes the most appropriate response to God's holiness and majesty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַֽיהוָ֖ה1 of 7

“But the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּהֵיכַ֣ל2 of 7

“temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

קָדְשׁ֑וֹ3 of 7

“is in his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הַ֥ס4 of 7

“keep silence”

H2013

to hush

מִפָּנָ֖יו5 of 7

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָּל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃7 of 7

“let all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 2:13Zephaniah 1:7Psalms 46:10Psalms 11:4Isaiah 6:1Jonah 2:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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