Habakkuk 1:10

Authorized King James Version

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
בַּמְּלָכִ֣ים
at the kings
a king
#3
יִתְקַלָּ֔ס
And they shall scoff
to disparage, i.e., ridicule
#4
וְרֹזְנִ֖ים
and the princes
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
#5
מִשְׂחָ֣ק
shall be a scorn
a laughing-stock
#6
ל֑וֹ
H0
#7
ה֚וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מִבְצָ֣ר
every strong hold
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#10
יִשְׂחָ֔ק
unto them they shall deride
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#11
וַיִּצְבֹּ֥ר
for they shall heap
to aggregate
#12
עָפָ֖ר
dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#13
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָֽהּ׃
and take
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

Analysis

Within the broader context of Habakkuk, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Habakkuk's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection