Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you. For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. New Living Translation You cut down the forests of Lebanon. Now you will be cut down. You destroyed the wild animals, so now their terror will be yours. You committed murder throughout the countryside and filled the towns with violence. English Standard Version The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them. Berean Standard Bible For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. Berean Literal Bible For the violence to Lebanon will cover you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrify them, from the bloodshed of man and the violence to the land, to the city and all those dwelling in it. King James Bible For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. New King James Version For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you, And the plunder of beasts which made them afraid, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. New American Standard Bible “For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its animals by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants. NASB 1995 “For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants. NASB 1977 “For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants. Legacy Standard Bible For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants. Amplified Bible “For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you; The destruction of the animals will terrify you On account of human bloodshed and the violence done to the land, To the city and all its inhabitants. Berean Annotated Bible For your violence against Lebanon (whiteness) will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. Christian Standard Bible For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of animals will terrify you because of your human bloodshed and violence against lands, cities, and all who live in them. Holman Christian Standard Bible For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of animals will terrify you because of your human bloodshed and violence against lands, cities, and all who live in them. American Standard Version For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein. Contemporary English Version You destroyed trees and animals on Mount Lebanon; you were ruthless to towns and people everywhere. Now you will be terrorized. English Revised Version For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein. GOD'S WORD® Translation The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction done to the animals will terrify you because of the slaughter and violence done to lands, cities, and all their inhabitants. Good News Translation You have cut down the forests of Lebanon; now you will be cut down. You killed its animals; now animals will terrify you. This will happen because of the murders you have committed and because of your violence against the people of the world and its cities. International Standard Version Indeed, the violence done to Lebanon will overtake you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrorize you— because you shed human blood and did violence to the land, to the city, and to all who live in it." NET Bible For you will pay in full for your violent acts against Lebanon; terrifying judgment will come upon you because of the way you destroyed the wild animals living there. You have shed human blood and committed violent acts against lands, cities, and those who live in them. New Heart English Bible For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them. Webster's Bible Translation For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. World English Bible For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals will terrify you, because of men’s blood and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor violence [done to] Lebanon covers you, "" And spoil of beasts frightens them, "" Because of man’s blood, and of violence [to] the land, "" [To] the city, and [to] all dwelling in it. Berean Literal Bible For the violence to Lebanon will cover you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrify them, from the bloodshed of man and the violence to the land, to the city and all those dwelling in it. Young's Literal Translation For violence to Lebanon doth cover thee, And spoil of beasts doth affright them, Because of man's blood, and of violence to the land, To the city, and to all dwelling in it. Smith's Literal Translation For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of beasts shall terrify them from the bloods of man, and the violence of the earth, of the city, and all dwelling in it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the iniquity of Libanus shall cover thee, and the ravaging of beasts shall terrify them because of the blood of men, and the iniquity of the land, and of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Catholic Public Domain Version For the iniquity of Lebanon will cover you, and the devastation of animals which will deter them from the blood of men, and the iniquity of the earth and the city, and of all who dwell therein. New American Bible For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover you, and the destruction of the animals shall terrify you; Because of the shedding of human blood, and violence done to the land, to the city and to all who live in it. New Revised Standard Version For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of the animals will terrify you— because of human bloodshed and violence to the earth, to cities and all who live in them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plundering of the beasts shall trouble you because of the blood of men, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all who dwell therein. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plundering of the animals shall trouble you, from the blood of a son man, and the rape of the land, of the city and of all its inhabitants! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, And the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; Because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, To the city and to all that dwell therein. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the ungodliness of Libanus shall cover thee, and distress because of wild beasts shall dismay thee, because of the blood of men, and the sins of the land and city, and of all that dwell in it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Woe to the Chaldeans…16You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. 17For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. 18What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.… Cross References For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, Zechariah 11:1-2 Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars! / Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the majestic trees are ruined! Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the dense forest has been cut down! Jeremiah 22:6-7 For this is what the LORD says concerning the house of the king of Judah: “You are like Gilead to Me, like the summit of Lebanon; but I will surely turn you into a desert, like cities that are uninhabited. / I will appoint destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut down the choicest of your cedars and throw them into the fire. Ezekiel 31:16-18 I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. / They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations. / Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’” and the destruction of animals will terrify you, Zephaniah 1:2-3 “I will completely sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. / “I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and the idols with their wicked worshipers. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. Hosea 4:3 Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear. Joel 1:18-20 How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. / To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. / Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures. because of your bloodshed against men Genesis 9:5-6 And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: / Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Numbers 35:33-34 Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. / Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” Hosea 4:2 Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. and your violence against the land, Genesis 6:11-13 Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. / And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. / Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. Jeremiah 12:4 How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.” Isaiah 24:4-6 The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. / The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. / Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive. the city, and all their dwellers. Ezekiel 7:23-27 Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence. / So I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will end the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned. / Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but find none. … Isaiah 1:7 Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you—a desolation demolished by strangers. Micah 3:10-12 who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” / Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. Isaiah 14:8 Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: “Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.” Treasury of Scripture For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. the violence. Zechariah 11:1 Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars. because. Habakkuk 2:8 Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Psalm 55:23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee. Psalm 137:8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. of the city. Jeremiah 50:28,33,34 The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple… Jeremiah 51:24,34-37 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD… Jump to Previous Acts Affright Afraid Animals Beasts Blood Bloodshed Cattle Cause Cities City Cover Destroyed Destruction Devastation Dwell Dwelling Earth Fear Human Inhabitants Lebanon Overwhelm Shed Spoil Terrified Terrify Therein Violence ViolentJump to Next Acts Affright Afraid Animals Beasts Blood Bloodshed Cattle Cause Cities City Cover Destroyed Destruction Devastation Dwell Dwelling Earth Fear Human Inhabitants Lebanon Overwhelm Shed Spoil Terrified Terrify Therein Violence ViolentHabakkuk 2 1. Unto Habakkuk, waiting for an answer, is shown that he must wait by faith.5. The judgment upon the Chaldean for unsatiableness, 9. for covetousness, 12. for cruelty, 15. for drunkenness, 18. and for idolatry. For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you This phrase refers to the Babylonian empire's aggression and exploitation of Lebanon, known for its majestic cedar trees. The Babylonians, like other empires, sought the valuable resources of Lebanon, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. This violence is symbolic of broader imperial aggression and exploitation. The prophecy indicates that the same violence they inflicted would return upon them, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." and the destruction of animals will terrify you because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land the city, and all their dwellers Persons / Places / Events 1. HabakkukA prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the justice and judgment upon Judah and the surrounding nations. 2. Lebanon A region known for its majestic cedar trees, often symbolizing strength and pride. It was affected by the violence and exploitation of the Babylonians. 3. Babylonians The empire responsible for the violence and destruction mentioned in the verse, known for their conquests and harsh treatment of conquered peoples. 4. Beasts Representing the natural world, which suffers due to human violence and exploitation. 5. The Land, the City, and their Dwellers Refers to the broader impact of violence and injustice on society and the environment. Teaching Points The Consequences of ViolenceViolence against others and the environment leads to inevitable consequences. God’s justice will prevail against those who exploit and harm His creation. The Sanctity of Creation Both human life and the natural world are sacred to God. We are called to steward them with care and respect, avoiding exploitation and destruction. Divine Justice God’s justice is comprehensive, addressing not only personal sin but also systemic violence and oppression. We must trust in His timing and righteousness. Repentance and Restoration There is always an opportunity for repentance. Turning away from violence and towards God can lead to restoration and healing for individuals and communities. Living Responsibly As Christians, we are called to live responsibly, promoting peace and justice in our interactions with others and in our treatment of the environment. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Habakkuk 2:17?2. How does Habakkuk 2:17 warn against exploiting others for personal gain today? 3. What consequences does Habakkuk 2:17 describe for violence against Lebanon and animals? 4. How can we apply Habakkuk 2:17 to modern environmental stewardship? 5. What parallels exist between Habakkuk 2:17 and God's justice in other scriptures? 6. How should Christians respond to witnessing "violence against Lebanon" in today's world? 7. What does Habakkuk 2:17 reveal about God's judgment on violence and exploitation? 8. How does Habakkuk 2:17 relate to the theme of divine retribution? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Habakkuk 2:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 2? 11. 2 Kings 17:25 - How plausible is the account of lions specifically targeting the new settlers for religious reasons? 12. Job 40:17: If 'Behemoth' truly has a tail like a cedar, why do some translations or commentators equate it with a hippopotamus or elephant, which clearly have short tails? 13. If God is unchanging, why did these explicit sacrificial commands lose prominence by New Testament times (cf. Hebrews 10:1-10)? 14. Did the Flood destroy all animals? What Does Habakkuk 2:17 Mean For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you• The Lord singles out “violence against Lebanon” because the enemy had stripped its famed cedars and ravaged its people (Isaiah 14:8; 2 Kings 19:23). • God promises poetic justice: what they poured out on Lebanon will pour back on them (Habakkuk 2:8, “Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples will plunder you”). • The image of being “overwhelmed” pictures an unstoppable flood of consequences, echoing Psalm 124:4–5 where torrents threaten to sweep lives away. • Takeaway: No act of oppression is forgotten. God keeps perfect accounts and repays in kind. and the destruction of animals will terrify you • The invaders left forests felled and wildlife slaughtered for sport or military advance. Creation itself would cry out (Romans 8:22). • Hosea 4:3 warns, “The land mourns, and all who dwell in it waste away, with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air.” The same ecological ruin now rebounds in fear upon the aggressor. • Genesis 9:5 shows God requiring an accounting even “from every beast,” underscoring His care for all life. • Takeaway: When we abuse what God calls us to steward, we invite dread rather than dominion. because of your bloodshed against men • Human violence is at the core: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood will be shed” (Genesis 9:6). • Obadiah 10 ties bloodshed to inevitable shame: “Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.” • Nahum 3:1 brands Nineveh a “city of blood,” a label now fitted to Babylon—and to any society that normalizes brutality. • Takeaway: God values human life supremely; spilling it invites His direct retribution. and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers • The judgment widens to every sphere they harmed—land, urban centers, residents. Jeremiah 51:25 calls Babylon “the destroying mountain… that destroys all the earth.” • Habakkuk 2:12 already warned, “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed.” Concrete achievements built on cruelty crumble under God’s hand. • Psalm 55:11 gives a vivid snapshot: “Destruction is within her; oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets.” • Takeaway: Violence metastasizes, but so does divine justice. No corner of wrongdoing escapes His notice. summary Habakkuk 2:17 promises that the conqueror who ravaged Lebanon’s forests, slaughtered its animals, poured out human blood, and trampled land and cities will feel the full weight of every wound he inflicted. God’s justice is comprehensive: ecological, social, and personal sins all return upon the sinner’s head. The verse assures every generation that the Lord sees, remembers, and will right every wrong—calling us to steward creation, honor life, and build communities on righteousness, lest the very crimes we commit come back to overwhelm us. (17) For the violence of Lebanon. . . .--Better, For the violence done to Lebanon shall overwhelm thee, and the destruction of the beasts which it frightened away. The rest of the verse is a refrain taken from the first woe, that of Habakkuk 2:8. The "destruction of beasts" points, we think, to a raid on the cattle feeding on the sides of Lebanon. But more than this is probably included in the phrase the violence done to Lebanon. Habakkuk probably foresees how the invader will cut down the cedar forests in Lebanon to adorn the palaces of Babylon. (Comp. Isaiah 14:7-8.) All these outrages shall in due time be Avenged on himself. Some commentators, however, explain the expression as a bold synecdoche, Lebanon representing the Holy Land (of which it was the beauty), or even the Temple, both of which Nebuchadnezzar laid waste.Verse 17. - For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee; LXX., ἀσέβεια τοῦ Λιβάνου: iniquitas Libani (Vulgate). It would be plainer if translated, "the violence against," or "practised on, Lebanon," as the sentence refers to the devastation inflicted by the Chaldeans on the forests of Lebanon (comp. Isaiah 14:8; Isaiah 37:24). Jerome confines the expression in the text to the demolition of the temple at Jerusalem in the construction of which much cedar was employed; others take Lebanon as a figure for Palestine generally, or for Jerusalem itself; but it is best understood literally. The same devastation which the Chaldeans made in Lebanon shall "cover," overwhelm, and destroy them. And the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid. The introduction of the relative is not required, and the passage may be better translated, And the destruction of beasts made them (others read "thee") afraid. Septuagint, "And the wretchedness of the beasts shall affright thee." Jerome, in his commentary, renders, "Et vastitas animalium opprimet te." The meaning is that the wholesale destruction of the wild animals of Lebanon, occasioned by the operations of the Chaldeans, shall be visited upon this people. They warred not only against men, but against the lower creatures too; and for this retributive punishment awaited them. Because of men's blood, etc. The reason rendered in ver. 8 is here repeated. Of the land, etc., means "toward" or "against" the land.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction your violence חֲמַ֤ס (ḥă·mas) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain against Lebanon לְבָנוֹן֙ (lə·ḇā·nō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel will overwhelm you, יְכַסֶּ֔ךָּ (yə·ḵas·se·kā) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover and the destruction וְשֹׁ֥ד (wə·šōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7701: Violence, havoc, devastation, ruin of animals בְּהֵמ֖וֹת (bə·hê·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal will terrify you, יְחִיתַ֑ן (yə·ḥî·ṯan) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine plural Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear because of the blood מִדְּמֵ֤י (mid·də·mê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed of men אָדָם֙ (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being and violence וַחֲמַס־ (wa·ḥă·mas-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain against lands, אֶ֔רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land cities, קִרְיָ֖ה (qir·yāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7151: A town, city and everyone וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every in them. יֹ֥שְׁבֵי (yō·šə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry Links Habakkuk 2:17 NIVHabakkuk 2:17 NLT Habakkuk 2:17 ESV Habakkuk 2:17 NASB Habakkuk 2:17 KJV Habakkuk 2:17 BibleApps.com Habakkuk 2:17 Biblia Paralela Habakkuk 2:17 Chinese Bible Habakkuk 2:17 French Bible Habakkuk 2:17 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:17 For the violence done to Lebanon will (Hab Hb) |
    |