King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:3 Mean?

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Context

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. tower: Heb. fenced place unto me: or, in me when: or, when I am argued with: Heb. upon my reproof, or, arguing

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: Yea: or, How much more

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **For the vision is yet for an appointed time** . . .—Better, *For the vision is to have its appointed day, and it pants for the end. and it shall not disappoint, i.e.,* it pants for the day of completion, which shall do it justice. It longs to fulfil its destiny. **It will not tarry.**—This translation is unfortunate. The prophet has just said that it *will* tarry. Nevertheless, he adds, men are to wait for it, because “it will surely come, and *shall not be behindhand,*”* seil,* on its appointed day. This and Habakkuk 2:4 are welded into the Apostle’s exhortation in Hebrews 10:37. The citation is not from the Hebrew, but is an adaptation of the equally familiar LXX. variant, ὅτι ἐρχόμενος ἥξει καὶ οὐ μὴ χρονίσῃἐὰν ὑποστείληται, οὐκ εὐδοκεῖ ἡ ψυχή μου ἐν αὐτῷ.

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 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.