Habakkuk 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנֹ֙גַהּ֙
And his brightness
brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
#2
כָּא֣וֹר
was as the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#3
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
קַרְנַ֥יִם
he had horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#5
מִיָּד֖וֹ
coming out of his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
ל֑וֹ
H0
#7
וְשָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
חֶבְי֥וֹן
and there was the hiding
a concealment
#9
עֻזֹּֽה׃
of his power
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

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 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