Habakkuk 2:3-4

3 For still ¹the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, ²wait for it; ³it will surely come; it will not delay.

4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but ⁴the righteous shall live by his faith. ^[a]

Habakkuk 2:3-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK 2

This chapter contains an answer from the Lord to the expostulations, pleadings, and reasonings of the prophet, in the name of the people. The preparation of the prophet to receive this answer is described, Hab 2:1 then follows the answer itself, in which he is bid to write and make plain the vision he had, that it might be easily read, Hab 2:2 and a promise is made, that vision should still be continued to the appointed time, at which time the Messiah would come; and this the righteous man, in opposition to the vain and proud man, is encouraged to live in the faith of, Hab 2:3,4 and then the destruction of the enemies of the people of God is threatened for their pride, ambition, covetousness, oppression, and murder, Hab 2:5-12 which would be unavoidable, Hab 2:13 and issue in the spread of the knowledge of the glory of God in the world, Hab 2:14 and also the ruin of other enemies is threatened, for drawing men into apostasy, and for their violence and idolatry, Hab 2:15-19 upon which would follow an universal silence in the earth, Hab 2:20.

Cross References

• 1. 2:3 [Dan. 10:14]; See Ezek. 7:5-7
• 2. 2:3 Zeph. 3:8; See Isa. 8:17
• 3. 2:3 Cited Heb. 10:37; [2 Pet. 3:9]
• 4. 2:4 Cited Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38; [John 3:36]

Footnotes

• [a] 2:4 Or 'faithfulness'