Habakkuk 3:18 — Word Study
WLCוַאֲנִ֖י בַּיהוָ֣ה אֶעְל֑וֹזָה אָגִ֖ילָה בֵּאלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׁעִֽי׃
BSA◂yet Iʼănîy [personally, as an individual] will exultʻâlaz [jump for joy, rejoice triumphantly] in the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] I will rejoicegîyl [be glad, express strong emotions] in the Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the one supreme God] of my salvationyeshaʻ [deliverance, rescue]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַאֲנִ֖י | and I | Conjunction, pronoun |
| בַּיהוָ֣ה | in Yahweh | Preposition, noun proper |
| אֶעְל֑וֹזָה | I will exult | Verb, Qal, infinitive construct first person common singular |
| אָגִ֖ילָה | I will rejoice | Verb, Qal, infinitive construct first person common singular |
| בֵּאלֹהֵ֥י | in [the] God of | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| יִשְׁעִֽי׃ | salvation my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! |
| KJV | Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. |
| ASV | Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation. |
| YLT | Yet I, in Jehovah I exult, I do joy in the God of my salvation. |
| WEB | yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! |
| BBE | Still, I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation. |
Where they part company is אֶעְל֑וֹזָה — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of two main clauses, each expressing a commitment to joy in God.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲנִי
verbעָלַז
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Habakkuk 3:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Declaration of Joy in Adversitygenerated
Habakkuk 3:18 expresses a profound statement of faith. Despite the bleakness of circumstances described in the preceding verses, the speaker resolves to rejoice in the LORD, emphasizing a personal commitment to find joy in God as their source of salvation. This reflects a deep trust in God's character and promises, even when the world around them seems uncertain.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:18 | Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:1 | At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. |
| 3 | Job 13:15 | Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. |
| 4 | Psalm 33:1 | Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. |
| 5 | Psalm 46:1–5 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 26 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֶעְל֑וֹזָה, 'e'.Lo.zahgenerated
The verb עָלַז, transliterated as alaz, is a Qal infinitive construct meaning 'to exult' or 'to rejoice triumphantly.' It conveys a sense of exuberant joy, often associated with celebration or overwhelming happiness. The parsing indicates it is first person common singular, signifying that the speaker is expressing their own personal emotion.
This word captures the essence of choosing joy as an act of will, especially in challenging times. It is a call to celebrate and express joy, highlighting the importance of personal agency in experiencing and expressing faith.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main action of the verse is governed by two finite verbs: אֶעְל֑וֹזָה and אַגִ֖ילָה, both expressing the speaker's resolve to rejoice. The structure emphasizes the speaker's personal commitment to joy in the LORD, with the prepositional phrases indicating the context of this joy.
The Hebrew word order places the subject אֲנִ֖י first, which highlights the personal nature of the declaration, followed by the actions of exulting and rejoicing. This structure reinforces the individual’s choice to celebrate God amidst adversity.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אֶעְל֑וֹזָה as ἀγαλλιάσομαι, which means 'to rejoice greatly' or 'to exult.' This choice reflects a similar sense of triumph and joy as in the Hebrew, but the Greek word carries a nuance of exuberance that emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's emotion.
This translation choice aligns with the overall theme of the verse, which is about finding joy in God despite circumstances.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Habakkuk 3:18 shows the speaker choosing to rejoice in the LORD, despite difficult circumstances. They express a personal commitment to find joy in God, who is their source of salvation. This highlights the importance of personal faith and joy in the midst of challenges.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To exult in the LORD means to express great joy and triumph in God, celebrating His goodness and faithfulness, regardless of external circumstances.
Rejoicing in God during difficult times involves focusing on His character and promises, choosing to trust Him, and expressing that joy through worship and gratitude.
The personal commitment expressed in this verse highlights the individual's choice to find joy in God, emphasizing that faith is an active decision even in tough situations.
This verse connects joy and salvation, indicating that true joy comes from recognizing God as the source of deliverance and hope.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some specific ways I can choose to rejoice in God this week?
- How can I remind myself of God's faithfulness when facing challenges?
- In what ways does my faith influence my emotions and choices?
- How does understanding God as my source of salvation affect my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers reference this verse to discuss themes of joy and salvation, illustrating its significance in understanding God's character and faithfulness.
But as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord, and exult in God my savior. God, the Lord, is my strength, and he will make my feet like the feet of deer. And he will lead me up to the high places triumphantly, singing in Psalms.Early Church Fathers on Habakkuk 3 →
“And [Joseph] called his name Jesus.” “Jesus” in Hebrew means “saving” or “Savior” in Latin. It is clear that the prophets most certainly call upon his name.Early Church Fathers on Habakkuk 3 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Habakkuk 3:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleYet I will rejoice in the Lord,.... In the Word of the Lord, as the Targum; the essential Word of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ; in his person, the greatness and glory of it; in his offices, as
Read John Gill on Habakkuk 3 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryYet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Yet I will rejoice. The prophet speaks in the name of his people.
Read Robert Jamieson on Habakkuk 3 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAs for my part, I will, saith the prophet, rejoice; look for joy, expect matter of rejoicing in the Lord, who will preserve a remnant and redeem them, who will rebuke Babylon, and will very strangely destroy it. I will joy in the God of my salvation: the prophet renews his own faith, and confirms ours. All shall end in salvation to him and believers.
Read Matthew Poole on Habakkuk 3 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsHabakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.Ver. 18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation] This joy of the Lord was the prophet s strength, and kept his head above all waters of affliction, Nehemiah 8:10. So it was David’ s at the sack of Ziklag, 1 Samuel 30:6, when Saul at the same time for want of it ran first to the witch, and thence to the sword’ s point. A good man hath God for his portion; and if any occasion of discontent or trouble befall him he retireth into his counting house, and there seeth himself so well stored with unlosable graces and invaluable privileges that he cannot be greatly moved, Psalms 62:2.…
Read John Trapp on Habakkuk 3 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Yet—i.e., in spite of all the afflictions predicted in Habakkuk 3:17. We are reminded of St. Paul’s expression of confidence in Romans 8:37.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Habakkuk 3 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord] Comp. Psalms 5:11; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 33:1; Isaiah 61:10. In spite of calamities the people will joy in God; though earthly blessings perish He remains their portion. The joy is partly a present one in the possession of God, as Psalms 73:23, “Nevertheless I am continually with thee”; and partly one of hope in His salvation; Psalms 18:46; Micah 7:7; Isaiah 17:12 ff.
Read Cambridge on Habakkuk 3 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleYet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. - The words are very impressive, as they stand in the Hebrew.
Read Albert Barnes on Habakkuk 3 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleHabakkuk 3:17-19 contain one of the most sublime expressions of confidence in Jehovah found anywhere in the Old Testament. If the above suggested interpretation of 16b is correct, Habakkuk 3:17 becomes the natural continuation.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Habakkuk 3 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
I will rejoice because of the Lord; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me!
Tyndale line
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
But I will reioyce in the Lord: I will ioy in the God of my saluation.
Strictly literal
Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I, in Jehovah I exult, I do joy in the God of my salvation.
Yet I, in YHWH I exult, || I am joyful in the God of my salvation.
Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will exult in the God of my salvation.
Still, I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful because of the God of my salvation.
From the Latin
But I will rejoice in the Lord: and I will joy in God my Jesus.
Simplified
still I will be happy in the Lord, joyful in the God of my salvation.
Still, I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: וַאֲנִ֖י בַּיהוָ֣ה אֶעְל֑וֹזָה אָגִ֖ילָה בֵּאלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׁעִֽי׃. The Septuagint matches the Hebrew closely, maintaining the same structure and meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration but align with the Masoretic Text in essence, confirming the integrity of the verse across these witnesses.
וַאֲנִ֖י בַּיהוָ֣ה אֶעְל֑וֹזָה אָגִ֖ילָה בֵּאלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׁעִֽי׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ואני] [ביהוה] [אעלוזה] אגילה באלהי ישע׳י
1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Habakkuk 3:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Conj | Pron — Conjunction · pronounHC/Pp1bs
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npt
עָלַז (alaz) is a primitive root meaning to exult or rejoice. It conveys a sense of jumping for joy and encompasses feelings of triumph and joyfulness. The entries consistently emphasize its use in expressing exuberant joy.
[עָלַז] vb. exult
base
H5937 [עָלַז] exult
5937 `alaz aw-laz'
a primitive root; to jump for joy, i.e. exult:--be joyful,
rejoice, triumph.
עָלַז (a.laz) — to exult.
(Qal) to exult, rejoice, triumph
V-Qal-1cs — Verb · Qal · infinitive construct first person common singularHVqc1cs
גִּיל (giyl) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad, often associated with a sense of excitement or levity. It can also imply trembling, particularly from fear. The word is built from a root that conveys the idea of spinning around due to strong emotions, covering both joy and fear.
[גִּיל] vb. rejoice (go around or about, be excited to levity)
Qal
rejoice
tremble
base
H1523 גִּיל rejoice (go around or about, be excited to levity)
1523 giyl gheel
or (by permutation) guwl {gool}; a primitive root; properly,
to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion),
i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear:--be glad, joy,
be joyful, rejoice.
גִּיל (gil) — to rejoice.
1) to rejoice, exult, be glad
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to rejoice
1a2) to tremble (from fear)
V-Qal-1cs — Verb · Qal · infinitive construct first person common singularHVqc1cs
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יֵ֫שַׁע (yesha`) refers to concepts of deliverance, rescue, and salvation, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. It also includes ideas of safety, welfare, and prosperity. The entries consistently emphasize its use in contexts of divine rescue and victory.
יֵ֫שַׁע n.m. deliverance, rescue, salvation, also safety, welfare
safety, welfare, prosperity
salvation, i.e. primarily physical rescue, by God, oft. with added spiritual idea
victory
base
H3468 יֵ֫שַׁע deliverance, rescue, salvation, also safety, welfare . safety, welfare, prosperity
. salvation, i.e. primarily physical rescue, by God, oft. with added spiritual idea
. victory
3468 yesha` yeh'-shah
or yeshai {yay'-shah}; from 3467; liberty, deliverance,
prosperity:--safety, salvation, saving.
see HEBREW for 03467
יֵ֫שַׁע (ye.sah) — salvation.
1) deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare
1a) safety, welfare, prosperity
1b) salvation
1c) victory
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs