Habakkuk 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
יְזַבֵּ֣חַ
Therefore they sacrifice
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#4
לְחֶרְמ֔וֹ
unto their net
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#5
וִֽיקַטֵּ֖ר
and burn incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#6
לְמִכְמַרְתּ֑וֹ
unto their drag
a (fisher's) net
#7
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
בָהֵ֙מָּה֙
because by them
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
שָׁמֵ֣ן
is fat
greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich
#10
חֶלְק֔וֹ
their portion
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#11
וּמַאֲכָל֖וֹ
and their meat
an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)
#12
בְּרִאָֽה׃
plenteous
fatted or plump

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