Habakkuk 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

Word-by-Word Analysis

טְה֤וֹר

H2889

Thou art of purer

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

עֵינַ֙יִם֙

H5869

eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֵרְא֣וֹת

H7200

than to behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

רָ֔ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

תַבִּיט֙

H5027

not look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָמָ֖ל

H5999

on iniquity

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוּכָ֑ל

H3201

and canst

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#10

לָ֤מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#11

תַבִּיט֙

H5027

not look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#12

בּֽוֹגְדִ֔ים

H898

thou upon them that deal treacherously

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

#13

תַּחֲרִ֕ישׁ

H2790

and holdest thy tongue

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#14

בְּבַלַּ֥ע

H1104

devoureth

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

#15

רָשָׁ֖ע

H7563

when the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#16

צַדִּ֥יק

H6662

the man that is more righteous

just

#17

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Habakkuk. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Habakkuk chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?