Habakkuk 2:20

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֖ה
But the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
בְּהֵיכַ֣ל
temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#3
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
is in his holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#4
הַ֥ס
keep silence
to hush
#5
מִפָּנָ֖יו
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
let all the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Habakkuk, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Habakkuk Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection