Habakkuk 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֗וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
בֹּצֵ֛עַ
to him that coveteth
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
#3
בֶּ֥צַע
covetousness
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
#4
רָֽע׃
an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
לְבֵית֑וֹ
to his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
לָשׂ֤וּם
that he may set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#7
בַּמָּרוֹם֙
on high
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#8
קִנּ֔וֹ
his nest
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
#9
לְהִנָּצֵ֖ל
that he may be delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#10
מִכַּף
from the power
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#11
רָֽע׃
an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Habakkuk, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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