Habakkuk 1:2
Habakkuk 1:2 in Multiple Translations
How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
O Jehovah, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? I cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save.
How long, O Lord, will your ears be shut to my voice? I make an outcry to you about violent behaviour, but you do not send salvation.
Lord, how long do I have to cry out for help and you don't listen? I cry out, “Violence!” but you don't save us from it.
O Lord, howe long shall I crye, and thou wilt not heare! euen crye out vnto thee for violence, and thou wilt not helpe!
Till when, O Jehovah, have I cried, And Thou dost not hear? I cry unto Thee — 'Violence,' and Thou dost not save.
LORD, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you “Violence!” and will you not save?
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out to thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
How long, O Lord, shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? shall I cry out to thee suffering violence, and thou wilt not save?
I said, “Yahweh, how long must I continue to call to you for help before you respond? I cry out to you for help, saying that people are acting violently everywhere, but you do not rescue us!
Berean Amplified Bible — Habakkuk 1:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Habakkuk 1:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
אָ֧נָה
יְהוָ֛ה
שִׁוַּ֖עְתִּי
וְ/לֹ֣א
תִשְׁמָ֑ע
אֶזְעַ֥ק
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
חָמָ֖ס
וְ/לֹ֥א
תוֹשִֽׁיעַ
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֧נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שִׁוַּ֖עְתִּי
shâvaʻ
H7768
to cry
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶזְעַ֥ק
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
חָמָ֖ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Habakkuk 1:2
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֧נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שִׁוַּ֖עְתִּי
shâvaʻ
H7768
"to cry"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To cry out in the original Hebrew means to shout for help or freedom from trouble. This verb is used to describe calling out for assistance in times of need.
Definition: (Piel) to cry out (for help), shout
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cry (aloud, out), shout. See also: Job 19:7; Psalms 22:25; Psalms 18:7.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶזְעַ֥ק
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חָמָ֖ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Habakkuk 1:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Habakkuk 1:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
- Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:2
- Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
- Sermons on Habakkuk 1:2
Context — Habakkuk’s First Complaint
1This is the burden that Habakkuk the prophet received in a vision:
2How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?
3Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. 4Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 22:1–2 | My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:9 | Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us! |
| 3 | Psalms 13:1–2 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:8 | Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer. |
| 5 | Revelation 6:10 | And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?” |
| 6 | Psalms 94:3 | How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? |
| 7 | Psalms 74:9–10 | There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer any prophet. And none of us knows how long this will last. How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
Habakkuk 1:2 Summary
Habakkuk 1:2 is a cry for help from the prophet Habakkuk, who feels like God is not hearing his prayers or saving him from the violence and injustice around him. He is asking God how long He will have to cry out for help before God answers, similar to the psalmist in Psalms 13:1-2. This verse shows that even in difficult times, we can be honest with God about our feelings and questions, and trust that He will answer us in His time, as promised in Isaiah 40:31. By trusting in God's character and faithfulness, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, we can have hope and peace, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Habakkuk feel like God is not hearing his prayers?
Habakkuk feels like God is not hearing his prayers because he is surrounded by violence and injustice, and despite his cries for help, God seems to be silent, as seen in Habakkuk 1:2, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 13:1-2 and Psalms 22:1-2.
Is Habakkuk's question an expression of doubt or faith?
Habakkuk's question is an expression of faith, as he is crying out to God and expecting an answer, much like the psalmist in Psalms 38:21-22, and this demonstrates his trust in God's character, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23.
What is the 'violence' that Habakkuk is crying out about?
The 'violence' that Habakkuk is crying out about refers to the wickedness and injustice that he sees around him, as described in Habakkuk 1:3, and this is similar to the violence and corruption that God hates, as seen in Isaiah 61:8 and Jeremiah 22:3.
How can we apply Habakkuk's experience to our own lives?
We can apply Habakkuk's experience to our own lives by being honest with God about our feelings and questions, just like Habakkuk, and trusting that He will answer us in His time, as promised in Isaiah 40:31 and Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God is not hearing my prayers, and how can I trust Him in those situations?
- How can I, like Habakkuk, cry out to God about the injustices I see in the world, and what can I do to make a difference?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even when I don't understand what He is doing, like Habakkuk in Habakkuk 1:2?
- What are some ways that I can remember God's character and faithfulness, even in difficult times, as described in Lamentations 3:22-23 and Psalms 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on Habakkuk 1:2
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear!.... The prophet having long observed the sins and iniquities of the people among whom he lived, and being greatly distressed in his mind on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Habakkuk 1:2
O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! O Lord, how long shall I cry ... even cry out unto thee of violence ... Why dost thou show me iniquity?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
O Lord: unto God alone he makes his application, as only able to redress all grievances. How long! it may be some years he had preached, and in preaching had complained and cried out against wickedness. Shall I cry, unto men in thy name, and unto thee in prayer and supplication. And thou wilt not hear; give answer by correcting or punishing the bad, and by rescuing and delivering the good; by appearing a just Arbitrator and Judge of both. Cry out, with submission, not murmuring, not impatient, not distrusting the justice or mercy of God. Unto thee, who art more displeased than I or any one else can be disquieted with that I complain of, who art by office and word bound to restrain violence, &c. Of violence; the unjust and wicked oppressions which I see, others feel, and all good people are endangered by. And thou wilt not save; by changing the bad, or restraining them, or by overthrowing them, and setting up just and upright men in their room, both in Jerusalem and in Judea, and every where else.
Trapp's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
Habakkuk 1:2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!Ver. 2. O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?] Lo, this is the confidence of a good conscience towards God, 1 Peter 3:21, when it is parleying with him by prayers and bold intercessions (εντευξεις), 1 Timothy 2:1, it dare plead, as Jeremiah 12:1, and interrogate, as Romans 8:33-35 Isaiah 63:15, and expostulate, as David often: when God seems to be asleep, he wakes him; when to delay, he quickens him; when to have lost his wonted kindness, he finds it for him; so doth Habakkuk here; for he knew he might do it. See his holy boldness beneath, Habakkuk 1:12, and learn to continue instant in prayer, Romans 12:12, crying, Quousque Domine? How long, Lord? This was Mr Calvin’ s motto, ever in his mouth, as Deo gratias grace to God, was in Austin’ s. Even cry out unto thee of violence] i.e. Of all sorts of heinous sins, which I have long cried out upon, and sought by preaching and prayer to redress, but cannot; so incorrigibly flagitious are they grown, that I have now no other way left, but to turn them over to thee, with a Non convertentur, They will not be converted. Shall they still "escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God," Psalms 56:7, and let them feel the power of thy wrath that will not submit to the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thus the holy prophet maketh intercession to God against Israel (when once incorrigible, uncurable), for whose souls’ health he would have spent and been spent, Impendam et expendar.
Ellicott's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
(2) Even cry out.—The latter half of the verse is best rendered “Even cry unto thee ‘Violence!’ and thou wilt not save.” The single word “violence!” (châmâs) occurs elsewhere, as an appeal for assistance, used as we use the cry “murder!” “fire!” &c., among ourselves. (See Jeremiah 20:8, Job 19:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
Verse 2. O Lord, how long shall I cry] The prophet feels himself strongly excited against the vices which he beheld; and which, it appears from this verse, he had often declaimed against, but in vain; the people continued in their vices, and God in his longsuffering. Habakkuk begins his prophecy under a similar feeling, and nearly in similar words, as Juvenal did his Satires: - Semper ego auditor tantum? Nunquamne reponam? Vexatus toties rauci Theseide Codri? Sat. i. 1. "Shall I always be a hearer only? Shall I never reply? So often vexed?" Of violence] The most unlawful and outrageous acts.
Cambridge Bible on Habakkuk 1:2
2–4. The Prophet’s complaint that he has long cried out against evils unheard 2. how long shall I cry] lit. shall I have cried? Exodus 10:3; Exodus 16:28; Psalms 80:4. The prophet’s cry extends back into the past. But though he has been long crying he has received no answer from Heaven; the evil proceeds unchecked, even unregarded of God (Habakkuk 1:3). wilt not hear] dost not hear. even cry out unto thee of violence] I cry out unto thee of violence (or, Violence! this being the word which forms his cry). Job 19:7; Jeremiah 20:8. The term “violence” is equivalent to wrong, injury, whether accompanied with force or not, Genesis 16:5. wilt not save] dost not save, or, give deliverance, Psalms 18:41 (Heb. 42). The cry of wrong and injury though long continued has evoked no interposition of God, nor been met with any help. The prophet seems certainly to complain not only of injury which he sees around him, but which he suffers (Job 19:7; Jeremiah 20:8). But it may be a question when he says “I” whether he does not make himself one with some class in Israel, namely, the godly, who are wronged by the wicked, or with Israel as a people, which suffers injury at the hands of a foreign oppressor.
Barnes' Notes on Habakkuk 1:2
O Lord, how long shall I cry - Literally, “how long have I cried so intensely to Thee?” Because it is always the cry of the creature to the One who alone can hear or help - its God.
Whedon's Commentary on Habakkuk 1:2
2. How long shall I cry — Literally, have I cried. The Hebrew verb implies the idea “for help,” that is, to bring about a change in the terrible condition in which the prophet finds himself.
Sermons on Habakkuk 1:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Questioning God by David Platt | This sermon delves into the book of Habakkuk, where the prophet wrestles with God over injustice, evil, and suffering. Habakkuk questions God's actions amidst the impending Babylon |
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(Through the Bible) Galatians 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that true belief in God is not just a verbal assent to the truth, but it is demonstrated through actions. He uses the example of a hypotheti |
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The Victory of Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and injustices faced in a society filled with gang warfare and corruption in the legal system. The speaker shares a personal ex |
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The Coming King by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation 19, highlighting the worship in heaven, the anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb, and the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ as King of kings and |
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Reflection on the Election and a Call to Revival by Brian Brodersen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to challenging times with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It encourages believers to pray for mercy, revival, and to have |
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
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Only Believers Experience the Problem of Pain by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that the problem of pain is uniquely felt by believers, as it arises in the context of faith and the awareness of God's presence. He explains that whi |