Habakkuk 1:15

Authorized King James Version

They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֻּלֹּה֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
בְּחַכָּ֣ה
all of them with the angle
a hook (as adhering)
#3
הֵֽעֲלָ֔ה
They take up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
יְגֹרֵ֣הוּ
they catch
to drag off roughly; by implication, to bring up the cud (i.e., ruminate); by analogy, to saw
#5
בְחֶרְמ֔וֹ
them in their net
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#6
וְיַאַסְפֵ֖הוּ
and gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#7
בְּמִכְמַרְתּ֑וֹ
them in their drag
a (fisher's) net
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#10
יִשְׂמַ֥ח
therefore they rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#11
וְיָגִֽיל׃
and are glad
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection