Habakkuk 3:11

Authorized King James Version

The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֶׁ֥מֶשׁ
The sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#2
יָרֵ֖חַ
and moon
the moon
#3
עָ֣מַד
stood still
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#4
זְבֻ֑לָה
in their habitation
a residence
#5
לְא֤וֹר
at the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#6
חִצֶּ֙יךָ֙
of thine arrows
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#7
יְהַלֵּ֔כוּ
they went
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
לְנֹ֖גַהּ
and at the shining
brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּרַ֥ק
of thy glittering
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#10
חֲנִיתֶֽךָ׃
spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

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