Habakkuk 1:2

Authorized King James Version

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#2
אָ֧נָה
H575
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
#3
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
שִׁוַּ֖עְתִּי
H7768
how long shall I cry
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
#5
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תִשְׁמָ֑ע
H8085
and thou wilt not hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
אֶזְעַ֥ק
H2199
even cry out
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#8
אֵלֶ֛יךָ
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
חָמָ֖ס
H2555
unto thee of violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#10
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃
H3467
and thou wilt not save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Habakkuk. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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