Habakkuk 3:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נָקַ֤בְתָּ
Thou didst strike through
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
#2
בְמַטָּיו֙
with his staves
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#3
רֹ֣אשׁ
the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
פְּרָזָ֔ו
of his villages
a chieftain
#5
יִסְעֲר֖וּ
they came out as a whirlwind
to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#6
לַהֲפִיצֵ֑נִי
to scatter
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#7
עֲלִ֣יצֻתָ֔ם
me their rejoicing
exultation
#8
כְּמוֹ
as, thus, so
#9
לֶאֱכֹ֥ל
was as to devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
עָנִ֖י
the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#11
בַּמִּסְתָּֽר׃
secretly
properly, a concealer, i.e., a covert

Analysis

Within the broader context of Habakkuk, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection