Habakkuk 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׂבַ֤עְתָּ
H7646
Thou art filled
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#2
קָלוֹן֙
H7036
with shame
disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda
#3
כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ׃
H3519
for glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#4
שְׁתֵ֥ה
H8354
drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#5
גַם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#6
אַ֖תָּה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
וְהֵֽעָרֵ֑ל
H6188
thou also and let thy foreskin be uncovered
to expose or remove the prepuce, whether literal (to go naked) or figurative (to refrain from using)
#8
תִּסּ֣וֹב
H5437
shall be turned
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#9
עָלֶ֗יךָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כּ֚וֹס
H3563
the cup
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
#11
יְמִ֣ין
H3225
right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וְקִיקָל֖וֹן
H7022
unto thee and shameful spewing
intense disgrace
#14
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ׃
H3519
for glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Habakkuk, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Habakkuk.

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