Habakkuk 3:17

Authorized King James Version

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תְאֵנָ֣ה

H8384

Although the fig tree

the fig (tree or fruit)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִפְרָ֗ח

H6524

shall not blossom

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

וְאֵ֤ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יְבוּל֙

H2981

neither shall fruit

produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth

בַּגְּפָנִ֔ים

H1612

be in the vines

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

כִּחֵשׁ֙

H3584

shall fail

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

מַעֲשֵׂה

H4639

the labour

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#10

זַ֔יִת

H2132

of the olive

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

#11

וּשְׁדֵמ֖וֹת

H7709

and the fields

a cultivated field

#12

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

עָ֣שָׂה

H6213

shall yield

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

אֹ֑כֶל

H400

no meat

food

#15

גָּזַ֤ר

H1504

shall be cut off

to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide

#16

מִמִּכְלָה֙

H4356

from the fold

a pen (for flocks)

#17

צֹ֔אן

H6629

the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#18

וְאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#19

בָּקָ֖ר

H1241

and there shall be no herd

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#20

בָּרְפָתִֽים׃

H7517

in the stalls

a stall for cattle (from their resting there)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Habakkuk. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Habakkuk chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?