King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 2:6 Mean?

Habakkuk 2:6 in the King James Version says “Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increase...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! Woe: or, Ho, he”

Habakkuk 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

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

5

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

6

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! Woe: or, Ho, he

7

Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?

8

Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. blood: Heb. bloods

Read Habakkuk 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! The conquered nations will take up a parable (יִשְׂאוּ מָשָׁל/yis'u mashal)—lift up a proverbial taunt song. The term מָשָׁל (mashal) can mean proverb, parable, or mocking poem. The oppressed will mock their former oppressor, pronouncing Woe (הוֹי/hoy)—a prophetic cry of judgment and lament.

To him that increaseth that which is not his (מַרְבֶּה לֹּא־לוֹ/marbeh lo-lo)—accumulating what doesn't belong to him. This describes imperial plunder—seizing the wealth, land, and people of conquered nations. How long? (עַד־מָתַי/ad-matai) echoes Habakkuk's original complaint (1:2)—the cry of all oppressed peoples wondering when justice will arrive. And to him that ladeth himself with thick clay (וּמַכְבִּיד עָלָיו עַבְטִיט/umakhbid alav avtit)—loading himself with heavy pledges or debts. Some translate עַבְטִיט (avtit) as 'pledges' (ill-gotten goods held as collateral), others as 'thick clay' (burden). Either way, the image is of someone weighted down with stolen wealth that will ultimately crush them. Proverbs 13:11 warns that wealth gained hastily will dwindle—Babylon's plunder becomes its burden.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's wealth came almost entirely from conquest and tribute. Nebuchadnezzar plundered Jerusalem's temple (2 Kings 24:13, 25:13-17), carried off treasures from Egypt, Tyre, and countless other cities. The Ishtar Gate and Hanging Gardens—Babylon's architectural wonders—were built with slave labor and plundered materials. Yet within decades, this wealth couldn't save Babylon from Persian conquest. The treasures flowed to new masters. The same pattern recurs: colonial empires built on plunder eventually lose their wealth. The taunt song proves prophetic—history remembers Babylon as the great oppressor whose fall is celebrated, not mourned.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does accumulating wealth or success through exploitation of others create a burden rather than a blessing?
  2. What does it mean that ill-gotten gains become 'thick clay'—a weight that drags down rather than lifts up?
  3. How should the certainty of this woe affect how believers pursue wealth, success, and influence in this world?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הֲלוֹא1 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֵ֣לֶּה2 of 19
H428

these or those

כֻלָּ֗ם3 of 19
H3605

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

עָלָיו֙4 of 19
H5921

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

מָשָׁ֣ל5 of 19

“a parable”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

יִשָּׂ֔אוּ6 of 19

“Shall not all these take up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וּמְלִיצָ֖ה7 of 19

“against him and a taunting”

H4426

an aphorism; also a satire

חִיד֣וֹת8 of 19

“proverb”

H2420

a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim

ל֑וֹ9 of 19
H0
וְיֹאמַ֗ר10 of 19

“against him and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ה֚וֹי11 of 19

“Woe”

H1945

oh!

הַמַּרְבֶּ֣ה12 of 19

“to him that increaseth”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לֹּא13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ל֔וֹ14 of 19
H0
עַד15 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֕י16 of 19
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

וּמַכְבִּ֥יד17 of 19

“that which is not his! how long and to him that ladeth”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עָלָ֖יו18 of 19
H5921

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

עַבְטִֽיט׃19 of 19

“himself with thick clay”

H5671

something pledged, i.e., (collectively) pawned goods

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 20:15-29Numbers 23:7Isaiah 14:4-19Jeremiah 29:22Micah 2:4Jeremiah 50:13

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