King James Version
What Does Habakkuk 3:15 Mean?
“Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters. heap: or, mud”
Context
13
Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. by: Heb. making naked
14
Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. came: Heb. were tempestuous
15
Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters. heap: or, mud
16
When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. invade: or, cut them in pieces
17
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: fail: Heb. lie
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **Thou didst walk.**—Better, *Thou walkest. *“Heap” is probably the correct translation of *chômer* here, as in Exodus 8:10. With this glance at the miraculous passage of the Red Sea (see Habakkuk 3:8) this prophetic poem comes to a sudden termination. The new paragraph begins with Habakkuk 3:16, not, as is indicated in the Authorised Version, with Habakkuk 3:17.
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 3:15 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 3:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge