Habakkuk 1:3

Authorized King James Version

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֣מָּה
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תַרְאֵ֤נִי
H7200
Why dost thou shew
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
אָ֙וֶן֙
H205
me iniquity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#4
וְעָמָ֣ל
H5999
grievance
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#5
תַּבִּ֔יט
H5027
and cause me to behold
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#6
וְשֹׁ֥ד
H7701
for spoiling
violence, ravage
#7
וְחָמָ֖ס
H2555
and violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#8
לְנֶגְדִּ֑י
H5048
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#9
וַיְהִ֧י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
רִ֦יב
H7379
strife
a contest (personal or legal)
#11
וּמָד֖וֹן
H4066
and contention
a contest or quarrel
#12
יִשָּֽׂא׃
H5375
are before me and there are that raise up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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