Habakkuk 2:12

Authorized King James Version

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֛וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
בֹּנֶ֥ה
to him that buildeth
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
עִ֖יר
a town
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
בְּדָמִ֑ים
with blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#5
וְכוֹנֵ֥ן
and stablisheth
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#6
קִרְיָ֖ה
a city
a city
#7
בְּעַוְלָֽה׃
by iniquity
(moral) evil

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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