King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 3:19 Mean?

Habakkuk 3:19 in the King James Version says “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high place...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. stringed: Heb. Neginoth”

Habakkuk 3:19 · KJV

Strength

Context

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

18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. stringed: Heb. Neginoth

Read Habakkuk 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Habakkuk concludes with triumphant declaration: 'The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places' (Yahweh Adonai cheyli veyasem raglai ka'ayaloth ve'al-bamothai yadrikheni). After describing total agricultural failure (v.17) and declaring he'll rejoice anyway (v.18), he affirms God as 'my strength' (cheyli)—source of power and ability. God 'will make my feet like hinds' feet' (veyasem raglai ka'ayaloth)—deer's feet, sure-footed on dangerous mountain terrain. 'Make me to walk upon mine high places' (ve'al-bamothai yadrikheni)—navigate successfully through difficult circumstances. This isn't presuming prosperity but expressing confidence that God will provide what's needed to navigate whatever comes. The imagery suggests agility, stability, and ability to traverse dangerous terrain successfully—not by avoiding difficulties but by divine enablement to get through them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The musical notation 'To the chief singer on my stringed instruments' (lamnatzeach bingino'atay) indicates this prayer became part of temple worship. Habakkuk's personal spiritual journey—from complaint through revelation to confident faith—became resource for community worship. During exile, this conclusion would provide immense encouragement: regardless of circumstances, God remains strength, and He enables His people to navigate impossible situations. Post-exilic community, facing ongoing difficulties rebuilding, could sing Habakkuk's declaration, affirming faith despite hardships. The passage teaches that faith's goal isn't avoiding difficulties but developing confidence that God will sustain through them. This same confidence characterizes New Testament faith—'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of 'hinds' feet' and 'high places' depict God's enabling believers to navigate difficult spiritual terrain?
  2. What is the difference between faith that expects ease and faith that expects divine enablement through difficulty?
  3. How can Habakkuk's progression from complaint to confidence guide believers through their own spiritual struggles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יְהוִ֤ה1 of 11
H3068

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

אֲדֹנָי֙2 of 11

“God”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

חֵילִ֔י3 of 11

“is my strength”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וַיָּ֤שֶׂם4 of 11

“and he will make”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

רַגְלַי֙5 of 11

“my feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כָּֽאַיָּל֔וֹת6 of 11

“like hinds”

H355

a doe or female deer

וְעַ֥ל7 of 11
H5921

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

בָּמוֹתַ֖י8 of 11

“upon mine high places”

H1116

an elevation

יַדְרִכֵ֑נִי9 of 11

“feet and he will make me to walk”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

לַמְנַצֵּ֖חַ10 of 11

“To the chief singer”

H5329

properly, to glitter from afar, i.e., to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the temple services and its music); to be permanent

בִּנְגִינוֹתָֽי׃11 of 11

“on my stringed instruments”

H5058

properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram

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 3:19 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 3:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 22:34Psalms 18:33Philippians 4:13Psalms 46:1Deuteronomy 32:13Psalms 27:1

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