Habakkuk 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְא֤וּ
H7200
Behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
בַגּוֹיִם֙
H1471
ye among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
וְֽהַבִּ֔יטוּ
H5027
and regard
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#4
תְּמָ֑הוּ
H8539
and wonder
to be in consternation
#5
תְּמָ֑הוּ
H8539
and wonder
to be in consternation
#6
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
פֹ֙עַל֙
H6467
a work
an act or work (concretely)
#8
פֹּעֵ֣ל
H6466
for I will work
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#9
בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם
H3117
in your days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תַאֲמִ֖ינוּ
H539
which ye will not believe
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#12
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
יְסֻפָּֽר׃
H5608
though it be told
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

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

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