Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

◄ Habakkuk 2:3 ►

New International Version
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

New Living Translation
This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

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

Berean Standard Bible
For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

King James Bible
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

New King James Version
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

New American Standard Bible
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay long.

NASB 1995
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

NASB 1977
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It pants toward its end, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come; it will not delay.

Amplified Bible
“For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.

Christian Standard Bible
For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.

American Standard Version
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.

Contemporary English Version
At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting--it will happen!

English Revised Version
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won't be a lie. If it's delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won't be late.

Good News Translation
Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.

International Standard Version
For the revelation pertains to an appointed time— it speaks truthfully about the end. Though it delays, wait for it, because it will surely come about— it will not be late!

Majority Standard Bible
For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

NET Bible
For the message is a witness to what is decreed; it gives reliable testimony about how matters will turn out. Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass--it will not arrive late.

New Heart English Bible
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won't prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it; because it will surely come, and it won't delay.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it may tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

World English Bible
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won’t prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it, because it will surely come. It won’t delay.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For yet the vision [is] for a season, "" And it breathes for the end, and does not lie, "" If it lingers, wait for it, "" For surely it comes, it is not late.

Young's Literal Translation
For yet the vision is for a season, And it breatheth for the end, and doth not lie, If it tarry, wait for it, For surely it cometh, it is not late.

Smith's Literal Translation
For yet the vision for the appointment, and it shall breathe to the end, and it shall not lie: if it shall delay, wait for it; for coming, it will come; and it shall not delay.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For as yet the vision is far off, and it shall appear at the end, and shall not lie: if it make any delay, wait for it: for it shall surely come, and it shall not be slack.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For as yet the vision is far off, and it will appear in the end, and it will not lie. If it expresses any delay, wait for it. For it is arriving and it will arrive, and it will not be hindered.

New American Bible
For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.

New Revised Standard Version
For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For the vision will come to pass at its appointed time, and it shall be fulfilled at the end, it shall not lie; and if it should delay, do not be impatient, because it will surely come, it will not delay.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because the vision has been for its time and the end comes and does not lie, and if it delays, you should not lose hope for yourselves, because it comes quickly and does not delay

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, And it declareth of the end, and doth not lie; Though it tarry, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not delay.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the vision is yet for a time, and it shall shoot forth at the end, and not in vain: though he should tarry, wait for him; for he will surely come, and will not tarry.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD Answers Again
…2Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. 3For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. 4Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 10:37
For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Daniel 8:19
and said, “Behold, I will make known to you what will happen in the latter time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.

Ezekiel 12:25
because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

James 5:7-8
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Luke 18:7-8
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Lamentations 3:25-26
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Treasury of Scripture

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

the vision.

Jeremiah 27:7
And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Daniel 8:19
And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

Daniel 9:24-27
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy…

but.

Exodus 12:41
And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

Psalm 102:13
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Jeremiah 25:12-14
And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations…

wait.

2 Kings 6:33
And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 130:5,6
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope…

it will surely.

Luke 18:7,8
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? …

2 Peter 2:3
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

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Habakkuk 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.

Berean Study Bible

For the vision
The term "vision" in Hebrew is "chazon," which refers to a divine revelation or prophecy. In the context of Habakkuk, this vision is a message from God concerning the future. It is not merely a dream or a human prediction but a communication from the Almighty. This highlights the importance of divine revelation in guiding the faithful, reminding us that God's plans are sovereign and trustworthy.

awaits an appointed time
The phrase "appointed time" comes from the Hebrew "moed," which signifies a fixed or set time determined by God. This suggests that God's plans unfold according to His divine schedule, not human timelines. It reassures believers that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed from a human perspective. This calls for patience and trust in God's sovereign control over history.

it testifies of the end
The word "testifies" implies a witness or confirmation. The vision serves as a testimony to the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes. "The end" refers to the culmination of God's plan, possibly pointing to the eschatological future when God's justice and righteousness will be fully realized. This encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, knowing that God's promises will be fulfilled.

and will not lie
This phrase underscores the truthfulness and reliability of God's word. In a world where human promises often fail, God's declarations are unfailingly true. The assurance that the vision "will not lie" provides comfort and confidence to believers, affirming that God's word is a firm foundation upon which to build one's life.

Though it lingers, wait for it
"Lingers" suggests a delay, but the instruction to "wait for it" emphasizes the necessity of patience and perseverance. The Hebrew root "mahah" conveys the idea of tarrying or delaying. This teaches that while God's promises may seem slow in coming, they are worth waiting for. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God's timing is always perfect.

since it will surely come
The certainty of the vision's fulfillment is emphasized by the phrase "will surely come." The Hebrew construction here is emphatic, reinforcing the inevitability of God's promises. This assurance strengthens the believer's hope and trust in God's faithfulness, reminding us that what God has promised, He will accomplish.

and will not delay
The final phrase "will not delay" seems paradoxical given the earlier mention of lingering. However, it highlights the divine perspective on time. From God's viewpoint, there is no delay; everything occurs precisely when it should. This reassures believers that God's plans are unfolding exactly as intended, encouraging them to trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time . . .--Better, For the vision is to have its appointed day, and it pants for the end. and it shall not disappoint, i.e., it pants for the day of completion, which shall do it justice. It longs to fulfil its destiny.

It will not tarry.--This translation is unfortunate. The prophet has just said that it will tarry. Nevertheless, he adds, men are to wait for it, because "it will surely come, and shall not be behindhand," seil, on its appointed day. This and Habakkuk 2:4 are welded into the Apostle's exhortation in Hebrews 10:37. The citation is not from the Hebrew, but is an adaptation of the equally familiar LXX. variant, ??? ????????? ???? ??? ?? ?? ?????????? ????????????, ??? ??????? ? ???? ??? ?? ????.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - For. The reason is given why the oracle is to be committed to writing. Is yet for an (the) appointed time. The vision will not be accomplished immediately, but in the period fixed by God (comp. Daniel 8:17, 19; Daniel 11:27, 35). Others explain, "pointeth to a yet future time." But at the end it shall speak. The verb is literally "breathes," or "pants;" hence the clause is better rendered, and it panteth (equivalent to hasteth) towards the end. The prophecy personified yearns for its fulfilment in "the end," not merely at the destruction of the literal Babylon, but in the time of the end - the last time, the Messianic age, when the world power, typified by Babylon, should be overthrown (see Daniel, loc cit.). And not lie; it deceiveth not; οὐκ εἰς κενόν, "not in vain" (Septuagint). It will certainly come to pass. Wait for it. For the vision and its accomplishment. Because it will surely come. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 10:37) quotes the Septuagint Version of this clause, applying it to the last coming of Messiah Ὅτι (plus ὁ, Hebrew) ἐρχόμενος ἥξει καὶ οὐ μή χρονίσῃ (οὐ χρονιεῖ Hebrew); so the Vulgate, Veniens veniet, et non tardabit. The original passage does not primarily refer to the coming of Messiah, but as the full and final accomplishment of the prophecy doubtless belongs to that age, it is not a departure from the fundamental idea to see in it a reference hereto. It will not tarry; it will not be behindhand; it will not fail to arrive (Judges 5:28; 2 Samuel 20:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the vision
חָזוֹן֙ (ḥā·zō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2377: A sight, a dream, revelation, oracle

awaits
ע֤וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

an appointed time;
לַמּוֹעֵ֔ד (lam·mō·w·‘êḏ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

it testifies
וְיָפֵ֥חַ (wə·yā·p̄ê·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6315: To puff, blow with the breath, air, to fan, to utter, to kindle, to scoff

of the end,
לַקֵּ֖ץ (laq·qêṣ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7093: An extremity, after

and will not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

lie.
יְכַזֵּ֑ב (yə·ḵaz·zêḇ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3576: To lie, be a liar

Though
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it lingers,
יִתְמַהְמָהּ֙ (yiṯ·mah·māh)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4102: To question, hesitate, to be reluctant

wait
חַכֵּה־ (ḥak·kêh-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2442: To adhere to, to await

for it,
ל֔וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it will surely come
בֹ֥א (ḇō)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

delay.
יְאַחֵֽר׃ (yə·’a·ḥêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 309: To loiter, to procrastinate

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OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet (Hab Hb)