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2front:introg1ir0# Introduction to Habakkuk\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of Habakkuk\n\n1. Habakkuk asks Yahweh questions (1:14)\n1. Yahweh responds (1:511)\n1. Habakkuk asks Yahweh more questions (1:122:1)\n1. Yahweh responds again (2:25)\n1. Habakkuk gives five taunts against the wicked (2:620)\n1. Habakkuk prays (3:119)\n\n### What is the Book of Habakkuk about?\n\nOther prophets spoke against Israel sinning and failing to obey Yahweh. But Habakkuk questioned Yahweh about the things he did. Yahweh said he would punish the people of Judah by sending the Babylonian army. Habakkuk complained because the Babylonians were more wicked than the people of Judah. Yahweh assured Habakkuk that he would also punish the Babylonians. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]], [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe traditional title of this book is “The Book of Habakkuk” or just “Habakkuk.” Translators may choose to call it “The Sayings of Habakkuk.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Habakkuk?\n\nThe prophet Habakkuk wrote this book. Scripture does not mention Habakkuk except in this book.\n\nThe Chaldean empire is another name for the Babylonian empire. The Book of Habakkuk mentions it several times. This helps us to date Habakkuks life. The Chaldean empire had power from about 720 to 538 B.C. Habakkuk probably prophesied about the time of Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Nahum during the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoahaz, and Jehoiakim in Judah.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Why did Yahweh use an evil nation to punish Judah?\n\nHabakkuk wanted to know why Yahweh used an evil nation to punish Judah. Yahweh responded that he will judge the evil nations also. But righteous people will live by being faithful to Yahweh.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How do I identify the speaker?\n\nHabakkuk spoke to Yahweh and Yahweh answered him. The translator should be careful to identify whether the speaker is Habakkuk or Yahweh in each section. The translator may wish to make the identity of the speaker explicit. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### What style of writing is the Book of Habakkuk?\n\nIn the first two chapters, Habakkuk asks Yahweh questions and Yahweh answers him. The third chapter is a psalm. Habakkuk ends by telling the choirmaster to use stringed instruments.\n\n### Does Habakkuk question or challenge Yahweh?\n\nHabakkuk spoke directly to Yahweh and seems to be challenging God. Habakkuk was not questioning the authority of Yahweh. He was telling Yahweh that he does not understand what Yahweh is doing. In some cultures, it may be improper to speak to an authority in this way. It may be necessary to rephrase Habakkuks questions to emphasize his sincere desire to learn why God is doing what he is doing, without doubting him.
31:intropub80# Habakkuk 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:117.\n\nThis chapter is arranged in a series of questions and answers between Yahweh and Habakkuk. This was probably intended to show the power of Yahweh.
41:1aip2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe message that Habakkuk the prophet received,0These words introduce the first two chapters of the book. It is implicit that Habakkuk received this message from Yahweh. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “This is the message that Habakkuk the prophet received from Yahweh.”
51:2zqs2Yahweh0This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
61:2h93drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithow long will I cry for help, and you will not hear?0The reader should understand that Habakkuk has been crying to Yahweh for help for a long time. He asks this question because he is frustrated and wants to know how much longer it will be before Yahweh responds. Alternate translation: “how much longer shall I cry for help before you will respond?”
71:3x3ucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsDestruction and violence are before me0The words “destruction” and “violence” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I witness people destroying things and acting violently”
81:3smv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounscontention rises up0The word “contention” refers to conflict between people and can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “there is more conflict between people”
91:4u4lcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe law is weakened0Habakkuk speaks of people not obeying or enforcing the law as if they had made the law weak and unable to act. Alternate translation: “no one enforces the law”
101:4r8dvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe wicked surround the righteous0Habakkuk speaks of wicked people causing righteous people to suffer injustice as if the wicked people surrounded the righteous people.
111:4sqe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfalse justice goes out0Habakkuk speaks of judges giving decisions that they say are just but that are not as if “false justice” were going out to the people. Alternate translation: “judges give verdicts that are not just”
121:5b6nu0# General Information:\n\nYahweh responds to Habakkuk.
131:5xx8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletbe amazed and astonished0The words “amazed” and “astonished” share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the strength of the emotion. Alternate translation: “be very amazed”
141:5j1ayrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomin your days0This idiom refers to Habakkuks lifetime. Alternate translation: “during your lifetime”
151:5ubc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewhen it is reported to you0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when someone reports it to you” or “when you hear about it”
161:6hw6slook!0The word “look!” here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
171:6cc7fimpetuous0This could mean: (1) “violent” or (2) “hasty.”
181:6l91vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolethe breadth of the land0This could mean: (1) everywhere in Judah or (2) everywhere in the world. This would be an exaggeration to emphasize how powerful the Chaldean army is.
191:7rf3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletThey are terrifying and fearsome0The words “terrifying” and “fearsome” share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the fear that the Chaldeans instilled in other people. Alternate translation: “They cause others to be greatly terrified”
201:7rl2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortheir judgment and splendor proceed from themselves0The word “splendor” represents their pride in how they view themselves. Yahweh speaks of their opinion of themselves as if the qualities of judgment and splendor came from them. Alternate translation: “because they are prideful, they decide for themselves what judgment looks like”
211:8de5lTheir horses … their horses0the horses of the Chaldean soldiers
221:8mf8crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownleopards0large, swift cats
231:8aan3the evening wolves0This refers to wolves that hunt their prey at night.
241:8cmk6their horsemen0the Chaldean soldiers who ride the horses
251:8s39irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey fly like an eagle hurrying to eat0Yahweh speaks of how quickly the Chaldeans move in order to conquer their enemies as if they were flying, like an eagle flies swiftly to capture its prey.
261:9t84xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortheir multitudes go like the desert wind0Yahweh speaks of how quickly the Chaldeans move as if they were a strong wind that blows in the desert.
271:9w7jfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey gather captives like sand0This could mean: (1) the Chaldeans take people captive as easily as one would scoop up sand with his hand. Alternate translation: “they gather captives as one gathers sand” or (2) the Chaldeans take a great number of people captive, as if those people were as many as the grains of sand in the desert. Alternate translation: “they capture as many people as there are grains of sand”
281:10t1vbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismSo they mock kings, and rulers are only a mockery for them0These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The word “mockery” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “So they mock kings, and rulers are only something for them to mock”
291:11m8ujrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe wind will rush on0Yahweh speaks of how swiftly the Chaldean army moves from one city to the next as it conquers each one as if it were a wind that blows swiftly along.
301:11vm3yguilty men, those whose might is their god0This refers to the Chaldean soldiers.
311:12z6170# General Information:\n\nHabakkuk speaks to Yahweh about the Chaldeans.
321:12esj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAre you not from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One?0Habakkuk asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You surely are from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One.”
331:12kq2afrom ancient times0Alternate translation: “eternal”
341:12dxz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounshas ordained them for judgment, and you, Rock, have established them for correction0The word “them” refers to the Chaldeans. The words “judgment” and “correction” can be translated with verbs. The reader should understand that the Chaldeans will judge and correct Yahwehs people. Alternate translation: “has ordained them to judge his people, and you, Rock, have established them to correct your people”
351:12b4f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorRock0Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh being the one who protects him and keeps him safe as if he were a rock upon which Habakkuk could stand in order to be out of his enemies reach.
361:13cyi1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheYour eyes are too pure0Here the word “eyes” represents Yahweh who sees. Alternate translation: “You are too pure”
371:13y39ythose who betray0This refers to the Chaldeans. The word “betray” refers to people who have been disloyal or have broken agreements that they have made.
381:13m99erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhy are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they are?0Habakkuk speaks of wicked people destroying others as if the wicked were swallowing them. Alternate translation: “Why are you silent while the wicked destroy those more righteous than they are?”
391:13f9bvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironythose more righteous than they are0This refers to the Israelites, about whom Habakkuk had been complaining. The reader should understand that these are wicked people, but they are “more righteous than” or not as wicked as the Chaldeans.
401:14l8zjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYou make men like fish in the sea0Habakkuk compares the way in which the Chaldeans will kill people without remorse with the way in which people will kill fish without remorse. Alternate translation: “You cause men to become no more important than fish”
411:14r8p4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsislike creeping things without a ruler over them0The words “creeping things” refer to insects and other bugs that crawl about. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “you make men as defenseless as insects that have no ruler”
421:15g2sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheHe brings … he drags … his fishnet … he gathers … his dragnet … he rejoices … he is glad0The words “he” and “his” refer to a Babylonian solider who represents all of the Babylonian soldiers. These pronouns can be stated as plural. Alternate translation: “They bring … they drag … their fishnets … they gather … their dragnet … they rejoice … they are glad”
431:15qt1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personall of them … drags men away … gathers them0Here “them” and “men” refer to people in general. This can be stated in first person to include Habakkuk as one of the people. Alternate translation: “all of us … drags us away … gathers us”
441:15x5s1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe brings all of them up with a fishhook … in his dragnet0Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldeans conquering people easily as if the people were fish that the Chaldeans catch with fishhooks and fishnets.
451:15h1eyfishhook … fishnet … dragnet0tools used to catch fish
461:16ey7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe sacrifices … his net … his dragnet … he lives … his food0Habakkuk speaks of the weapons that the Chaldeans use to conquer people and nations as if the weapons were fishing nets that they use to catch fish. These pronouns can be stated as plural. Alternate translation: “they sacrifice … their nets … their dragnets … they live … their food”
471:17y2y3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitWill he therefore keep emptying his net, and will he continually slaughter the nations without mercy?0Habakkuk asks this question because he is frustrated and wants to know how long Yahweh will allow the Chaldeans to continue to destroy people and nations. Alternate translation: “Will you therefore let them empty their fishing nets and continue to slaughter the nations while they feel no compassion?”
481:17re7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheWill he … keep emptying his net … will he continually slaughter0In 1:1517 the singular pronoun “he” and “his” refer to a Babylonian solider who represents all of the Babylonian soldiers. These pronouns can be stated as plural. Alternate translation: “Will they … keep emptying their net … will they continually slaughter”
491:17rz38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorkeep emptying his net0Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldeans preparing to conquer more nations as if they were fishermen who empty their nets so that they can use them to catch more fish.
502:introqke10# Habakkuk 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:120.\n\nThis chapter is arranged in a series of questions and answers between Yahweh and Habakkuk.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### “The righteous will live by his faith”\nThis is an important phrase in Scripture. Paul also uses it to explain that man is justified by his faith. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
512:1m4n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismI will stand at my guard post and station myself on the watchtower0These two phrases mean basically the same thing.
522:1s5adto see what he will say to me0Alternate translation: “to see what Yahweh will say to me”
532:1lcz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhow I should turn from my complaint0Here the word “turn” refers to returning an answer. Habakkuk considers what answer he will give concerning the things that he has said.
542:2z55g0# General Information:\n\nYahweh answers Habakkuk.
552:2p6bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismRecord this vision, and write plainly on the tablets0Both of these phrases are saying the same thing in two different ways. Alternate translation: “Write this vision clearly on the tablets”
562:2f1dytablets0These are flat pieces of stone or clay that were used for writing.
572:3mw1nwill not tarry0This could mean: (1) “will not be late” or (2) “will not come slowly”
582:4viq4Look!0The word “Look!” here adds emphasis to what follows.
592:4f5n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoris puffed up0Yahweh speaks of the person who is prideful as if the person were “puffed up.” Alternate translation: “is very prideful”
602:5es27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationFor wine is a betrayer of the arrogant young man0Yahweh speaks of how a persons judgment is impaired by drinking too much wine as if wine were a person who betrays the one who drinks it. Alternate translation: “For the arrogant young man does not get from wine what he wants”
612:5zbh2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorso that he will not abide0Here the word “abide” refers to dwelling in a home and is a metaphor for having no place to rest. Alternate translation: “so that he will not be able to rest”
622:5en8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorenlarges his desire like the grave and, like death, is never satisfied0Yahweh speaks of there always being more people to die as if “the grave” and “death” were people who are never satisfied with eating. In the same way, this person always wants more and is never satisfied.
632:5fz6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe gathers to himself every nation and gathers up for himself all of the peoples0These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “He conquers for himself the people of every nation”
642:6jr6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill not all these create0The words “all these” refer to the nations and peoples from [Habakkuk 2:5](../02/05.md). This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “All of these nations and peoples will certainly create”
652:6f8s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitWoe to the one increasing what is not his0It is implicit that he is increasing his possession of things that do not belong to him. Alternate translation: “Woe to the one who claims for himself more and more things that do not belong to him”
662:6jhf8For how long will you increase the weight of the pledges you have taken?0The word “pledges” refers to objects that people give to others from whom they have borrowed money as a guarantee that they will repay their debt. As the man collects more and more pledges, the total weight of the pledges that he carries increases.
672:6f4ytrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor how long will you increase the weight of the pledges you have taken?0The Chaldeans robbing the people of the nations of their wealth is spoken of as if the Chaldeans were a person who forces others to give him pledges and to pay him what they do not owe. Alternate translation: “For how long will you make yourself rich by extorting others?”
682:7j97nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill the ones biting at you not rise up suddenly, and the ones terrifying you awaken?0This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The ones biting at you will certainly rise up suddenly, and the ones terrifying you will awaken.”
692:7dc6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe ones biting at you0The Hebrew word translated here as “the ones biting” can also mean “the ones paying interest” or “debtors.” In this context, the word probably has both meanings. The phrase is a metaphor in which those whom the man has oppressed and made debtors by forcing them to give him pledges will now oppress him, which is spoken of as if they were biting him.
702:7sv25the ones terrifying you0This refers to the same debtors. They will terrify the Chaldeans by attacking them in revenge for the pledges that they were forced to give.
712:7g3a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorrise up … awaken0The people of the nations beginning to act against the Chaldeans is spoken of as if they were to “rise up” and to “awaken” from sleep.
722:8dmt3plunder0to rob or take things by force
732:8eji9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomyou have shed human blood0The idiom “to shed blood” means “to murder.” Alternate translation: “you have murdered people”
742:9yq1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe one who carves out evil gains0A person making a profit by violent means is spoken of as if he were “carving out” gains from something.
752:9xk13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe one who carves out evil gains for his house0The word “house” is a metonym for “family”. Alternate translation: “the one who makes his family rich by violent means”
762:9m1uhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorso he can set his nest on high to keep himself safe from the hand of evil0The person who builds his house is spoken of as if he were a bird that builds its nest in a high place. The man thinks that his house is secure and free from danger, just as predators are unable to reach the nest.
772:9xw3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymysafe from the hand of evil0Here the word “hand” is a metonym for power, and the word “evil” is a metonym for people who do evil things. Alternate translation: “safe from the power of evil” or “safe from people who will harm him”
782:10my1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou have devised shame for your house0Here to “devise shame” means that the plans that the man devised have resulted in shame. One possible meaning is that the word “house” is a metaphor in which the Babylonian empire is spoken of as if it were a house that the man has built. Alternate translation: “By your plans, you have brought shame on the house that you have built” Another possibility is that the word “house” is a metonym for “family.” Alternate translation: “By your plans, you have brought shame on your family” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
792:10n587rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorcutting off many people0Killing many people is spoken of as if it were cutting those people off, like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “killing many people”
802:10sg2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhave sinned against yourself0The idiom “to sin against oneself” means that the person has done things that will result in his own death or destruction. Alternate translation: “have caused your own ruin” or “have brought about your own death”
812:11ukn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationFor the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters of timber will answer them0Here the materials with which the man has built his house are personified as witnesses of the crimes that he has committed. If your culture uses different materials to build houses, you could consider using those materials here.
822:11bt1fcry out0Alternate translation: “cry out against you” or “cry out to accuse you”
832:11b8izwill answer them0Alternate translation: “will agree with the stones”
842:12i4d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWoe to the one who builds a city with blood, and who establishes a town in iniquity0These two phrases are saying the same thing in different ways. Alternate translation: “A warning to the Chaldeans who built their cities with what they have stolen from the people they have killed”
852:12dh3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe one who builds a city with blood0Here the word “blood” is a metonym for murder. It is implicit that the person builds a city by means of the goods that he stole from those whom he has killed. Alternate translation: “the one who kills people and steals their goods in order to build a city” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
862:12zan9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitwho establishes a town in iniquity0It is implicit that the person builds a city by means of the goods that he stole from those whom he has killed. Here the word “establishes” means “to begin.” Alternate translation: “who starts a town by means of the profit that he has acquired through evil behavior”
872:13gru9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it not from Yahweh of hosts that peoples labor for fire and all the other nations weary themselves for nothing?0This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer that it anticipates. The two clauses share similar meanings that the work that people do will not last. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is the one who has determined that the things that people work hard to build will be destroyed by fire and result in nothing.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
882:13s42erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitpeoples labor for fire0This means that the things that people labor to build are ultimately destined to be fuel for fire. Alternate translation: “peoples labor to build things that will be used as fuel for fire”
892:14j8ngrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethe land will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea0This simile compares the way in which people everywhere will know of Yahwehs glory with how water fills every part of the sea.
902:14y4eqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe land will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh0The word “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people throughout the land will know the glory of Yahweh” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
912:15xbs7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe one who forces his neighbors to drink … you make them drunk0The way that the Chaldeans cruelly treated other nations is spoken of as if they were a man who forces his neighbors to become drunk so that he can humiliate them.
922:15k19hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe one who forces his neighbors to drink0It is implied that he makes his neighbor drink wine. Alternate translation: “the one who forces his neighbors to drink wine”
932:15tyu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitin order to look at their nakedness0“so you can look at them when they are naked.” This refers to the practice of publicly humiliating people by stripping them naked in front of others. Alternate translation: “so that you can humiliate them publicly by stripping them naked”
942:16dx69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou will be filled with shame instead of glory0The Chaldeans passionately pursuing their own glory is spoken of as if they were eating or drinking it greedily and excessively. Instead of attaining glory, they will find only shame. Alternate translation: “You will bring shame upon yourself instead of the glory that you seek”
952:16m5q9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorDrink0Others treating the Chaldeans the way that the Chaldeans had treated others is spoken of as if the Chaldeans were to drink the wine that they had forced others to drink. Alternate translation: “Drink from the cup” or “Drink the wine” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
962:16kv1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicityou will expose your uncircumcised foreskin0This phrase is similar to the Chaldeans forcing others to strip naked so that they could look at their nakedness. Here the words “uncircumcised foreskin” indicate that they will be humiliated not just by being naked, but because their uncircumcision proves that they do not belong to Yahwehs people.
972:16r8rjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe cup in Yahwehs right hand is coming around to you0Yahweh punishing the Chaldeans is spoken of as if he were forcing them to drink wine from a cup that he holds in his hand. Yahwehs right hand represents his power.
982:16psa7The cup in Yahwehs right hand0Alternate translation: “The cup that Yahweh holds in his right hand” or “The cup that Yahweh is holding”
992:16f71bis coming around to you0Alternate translation: “will come to you as it did to others” or “will pass along to you”
1002:16nv8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordisgrace will cover your glory0The Chaldeans experiencing disgrace instead of glory is spoken of as if disgrace were an object that covers the glory that they thought they had. Alternate translation: “disgrace will replace your glory” or “people will disgrace you instead of honor you”
1012:17j29erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you0The Chaldeans being punished for the violence done to Lebanon is spoken of as if their violent actions were a person who will overpower them.
1022:17a82qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe violence done to Lebanon0Here, **Lebanon** represents the people of Lebanon. Alternate translation: “The violence done to the people of Lebanon”
1032:17e9szrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe destruction of animals will terrify you0The Chaldeans being punished for destroying the animals in Lebanon is spoken of as if their destruction were a person who will terrify them.
1042:17q3zeFor you have shed human blood … all who live in them0See how you translated this sentence in [Habakkuk 2:8](../02/08.md).
1052:17ag1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomyou have shed human blood0The idiom “to shed blood” means “to murder.” Alternate translation: “you have murdered people”
1062:18g5ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat does the carved figure profit you?0This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The carved figure profits you nothing!”
1072:18qb9wyou0The word “you” refers to the Chaldeans.
1082:18n4unmolten metal0This describes metal when it is in its liquid form.
1092:18hdm4a teacher of lies0This phrase refers to the one who carved or cast the figure. By making a false god, he is teaching a lie.
1102:19nlw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisOr to the silent stone0The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “Woe to the one saying to the silent stone”
1112:19a365rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo these things teach?0This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “These things cannot teach.” or “Wood and stone cannot teach.”
1122:19u5fxSee, it is overlaid0Alternate translation: “Look at it. You can see for yourself that it is overlaid”
1132:19xks1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveit is overlaid with gold and silver0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a person overlays the wood or stone with gold and silver”
1142:19uq17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthere is no breath at all within it0The idiom “no breath … within it” means that it is not alive, but dead. Alternate translation: “it is not alive” or “it is dead”
1152:20qts3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyall the land0Here the word “land” is a metonym for the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “everyone in the land” or “everyone on earth”
1163:introi7n70# Habakkuk 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:119.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Poetry\n\nAlthough this is a prayer, it is in the form of poetry. Habakkuk uses startling imagery to show his fear of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]])
1173:1j4yfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe prayer of Habakkuk the prophet:0These words introduce the third chapter of this book. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “This is the prayer that Habakkuk the prophet prayed to Yahweh.”
1183:2v94eI have heard your report0This could mean: (1) “I have heard people talk about what you have done in the past” or (2) “I have heard what you just said.”
1193:2ne6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorrevive your work0Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh doing again the things that he has done in the past as if Yahweh were to cause his work to live again. Alternate translation: “bring your work back to life” or “what you did before, do again”
1203:2ah3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomin the midst of these times0This idiom refers to the time at which Habakkuk prayed this prayer, as opposed to times when Yahweh had acted in the past to rescue his people. Alternate translation: “in our own times”
1213:2epw6make it known0Alternate translation: “make your work known” or “cause people to know your work”
1223:3ac8uGod came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran0Teman and Mount Paran were both located south of Judah. Habakkuk speaks of God coming to Judah from the direction of Mount Sinai.
1233:3f9a6His glory covered the heavens0“His splendor covered the sky.” Here the word “glory” refers to the bright light that biblical writers often associate with Gods presence.
1243:3ixb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe earth was full of his praise0Here the word “praise” is a metonym for Gods qualities that cause people to praise him. Alternate translation: “the earth was full of his glory”
1253:4yln4With brightness like the light0Here the word “brightness” likely refers to the brightness that is often associated with Yahwehs glory. This could mean: (1) the brightness of Yahwehs glory was like flashes of lightning or (2) the brightness of Yahwehs glory was like the rising of the sun.
1263:4mnk6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortwo-pronged rays flash from his hand0Habakkuk speaks of flashes of lightning as if they were two-pronged weapons that Yahweh holds in his hand.
1273:4d92sthere he hid his power0The word “there” refers to Yahwehs hand. This could mean: (1) the lightning bolts that Habakkuk can see are only a small representation of the full power that he cannot see hidden in Yahwehs hand or (2) Yahweh hides his power in his hand until he is ready to use it.
1283:6gh3fHe stood0This means that Yahweh stopped walking and stood still, not that he stood up from a seated position.
1293:6yt5mmeasured the earth0This could mean: (1) the word translated as “measured” can be “shook” or (2) he surveyed the earth the way a conqueror would before assigning portions to his governors.
1303:6id6peternal mountains … everlasting hills0“mountains that have existed since the beginning of time … hills that will exist until the end of time.” If your language has no different words for “hills” and “mountains” or for “eternal” and “everlasting,” you can combine them as the UST has done.
1313:6ey5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveEven the eternal mountains were shattered0If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Even the eternal mountains crumbled” or “He shattered even the eternal mountains”
1323:6g6cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe everlasting hills bowed down0The hills being flattened like level ground is spoken of as if they were people who bow down before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the everlasting hills collapsed”
1333:6a4zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis path is everlasting0The words “His path” may be a metaphor that speaks of Yahweh and his actions as a path on which he walks. Alternate translation: “He is everlasting”
1343:7ydk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI saw the tents of Cushan in affliction, and the fabric of the tents in the land of Midian trembling0The words “the tents” and “the fabric of the tents” are metonyms for the people who live in those tents. Alternate translation: “I saw the people who live in tents in the land of Cushan in affliction, and the people who live in tents in the land of Midian trembling”
1353:7b5marc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesCushan0Here, **Cushan** could mean (1) the name of a people group otherwise unknown or (2) the same as Cush.
1363:8a3lqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletyou rode upon your horses and your victorious chariots0The phrases “your horses” and “your victorious chariots” both refer to the same thing. This speaks of Yahweh as if he were a warrior riding a horse-drawn chariot into battle. Alternate translation: “you rode your horse-drawn chariots to victory”
1373:9avl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitYou have brought out your bow without a cover0This means that Yahweh has removed his bow from its protective case and is prepared to shoot. Alternate translation: “You have prepared to shoot your bow”
1383:9t8zvYou divided the earth with rivers0This could mean: (1) “You created rivers that divide the lands through which they run” or (2) “You split open the earth and rivers flowed forth.”
1393:10k9nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe mountains saw you and twisted in pain0The effects that Yahwehs presence has on the mountains is spoken of as if the mountains were people who writhe in pain. This may refer either to the mountains shaking from an earthquake or to the water from the storm eroding the sides of the mountains as the streams flow down.
1403:10rcw1Downpours of water passed over them0This could mean: (1) torrential rains fell on the mountains or (2) the rain caused raging streams to flow down the mountains.
1413:10fhs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe deep sea raised a shout0The loud noises that the sea makes as the wind and storm pass over it are spoken of as if the sea were a person who begins to shout loudly. Alternate translation: “the deep sea became loud”
1423:10t3k6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationIt lifted up its waves0The level of the water in the sea rising and the storm winds causing waves in the sea is spoken of as if the sea were a person who lifts its waves. Alternate translation: “Waves began to form in the sea”
1433:11f391rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe sun and moon stood still0The sun and moon not moving in the sky is spoken of as if they were people who stopped walking and stood still. Alternate translation: “The sun and moon stopped moving”
1443:11wrz3in their high places0Alternate translation: “in the sky”
1453:11hqb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismat the flash of your arrows … at the lightning of your flashing spear0These two phrases share similar meanings and tell why the sun and moon have stood.
1463:11zte1the flash of your arrows as they fly0Alternate translation: “the flash of your flying arrows”
1473:12vd76indignation0anger of a person who has suffered injustice
1483:12q7ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou have threshed the nations0Yahweh punishing the people of the nations is spoken of as if he threshed the nations. Threshing refers to the practice of having an ox or some other animal trample upon grain stalks in order to crush them and remove the grain.
1493:13air3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsYou went out for the salvation of your people0The word “salvation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “You went out to save your people”
1503:13qtl6your anointed one0Here this phrase refers to one whom Yahweh has chosen. This could mean: (1) “the people you have chosen” or “the nation you have chosen” or (2) “the king you have chosen.”
1513:14yv9wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey came like a storm0The power and quickness of the Chaldeans as they attacked the people of Israel is compared to the coming of a sudden storm. Alternate translation: “they came quickly like a storm”
1523:14srm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounstheir gloating was like one who devours the poor in a hiding place0The word “gloating” here means to rejoice for bad reasons and can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “they gloated like a person who secretly abuses poor people”
1533:15n6rzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorheaped up the great waters0Yahweh causing the waters to surge is spoken of as if he heaped the water up into piles. Alternate translation: “caused the great waters to surge”
1543:16b9nf0# General Information:\n\nHabakkuk describes his reaction to his vision of Yahweh.
1553:16m7xfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI heard0You may indicate what it is that Habakkuk heard. This could mean: (1) “I heard everything in that vision” or (2) “I heard Yahweh approach like a great storm”
1563:16y78yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmy inner parts trembled0The word translated here as “inner parts” is literally “belly.” If your language has a specific internal organ that it uses to express the feeling of great fear, you could consider using it here. Alternate translation: “my heart beat rapidly” or “my stomach turned”
1573:16ull6My lips quivered at the sound0Quivering lips is another spontaneous response that comes with great fear.
1583:16tz73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomDecay comes into my bones0Habakkuk speaks of having no strength in his body as if his bones began to decay. You may consider using an idiom from your own language here. Alternate translation: “My body goes limp, as if my bones were rotting”
1593:16y61brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomunder myself I tremble0The words “under myself” refer to what is below him. This idiom could mean: (1) “my legs tremble” or (2) “I tremble where I stand.”
1603:17t3s60# General Information:\n\nHabakkuk describes his reaction to his vision of Yahweh.
1613:17e3u3though the produce of the olive tree disappoints0Alternate translation: “though the produce of the olive tree fails” or “though the olive tree fails to produce olives”
1623:17wcs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthough the flock is cut off from the fold0The word “flock” may refer to sheep or goats, or both. The word “fold” refers to the fenced-in area where shepherds keep their flock. Habakkuk speaks of the flock dying as if someone were to cut off the flock, as a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “though all the flock dies and the folds are empty”
1633:18zwf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe God of my salvation0The word “salvation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “the God who saves me”
1643:19ny4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe makes my feet like the deers. He makes me go forward on my high places0Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh keeping him safe and enabling him to survive during difficult times as if Yahweh were to make him as sure-footed as a deer that can climb easily on rugged and dangerous mountain sides.