Habakkuk 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲלוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#3
כֻלָּ֗ם
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מָשָׁ֣ל
a parable
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#6
יִשָּׂ֔אוּ
Shall not all these take up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
וּמְלִיצָ֖ה
against him and a taunting
an aphorism; also a satire
#8
חִיד֣וֹת
proverb
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
#9
ל֑וֹ
H0
#10
וְיֹאמַ֗ר
against him and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
ה֚וֹי
Woe
oh!
#12
הַמַּרְבֶּ֣ה
to him that increaseth
to increase (in whatever respect)
#13
לֹּא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
ל֔וֹ
H0
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
מָתַ֕י
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#17
וּמַכְבִּ֥יד
that which is not his! how long and to him that ladeth
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#18
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
עַבְטִֽיט׃
himself with thick clay
something pledged, i.e., (collectively) pawned goods

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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