Lexical Summary abtit: Gourd, cucumber Original Word: עַבְטִיט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thick clay by a false etym From abat; something pledged, i.e. (collectively) pawned goods -- thick clay (by a false etym.). see HEBREW abat NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as abot Definition weight of pledges, heavy debts NASB Translation loans (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַבְטִיט noun [masculine] intensive weight of pledges, heavy debts; — absolute ׳מַכְבִּיד עָלָיו ע Habakkuk 2:6. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Setting ʿAbṭît appears only once, in the prophetic woe of Habakkuk 2:6. The verse reads, “Woe to him who enlarges his wealth by extortion! How long? And to him who loads himself with many debts!” (Berean Standard Bible). The single use grants the term a concentrated force, encapsulating the prophet’s denunciation of rapacious economic practices that violate covenant righteousness. Historical Background Habakkuk ministered in the late seventh century B.C., when the Neo-Babylonian empire was rising. Imperial powers extracted tribute from vassal states, and local elites often copied these predatory methods. Loading oneself with “many debts” evokes a picture of conquerors stockpiling wealth at the expense of weaker peoples, and of wealthy landowners exploiting the poor through oppressive loans (cf. 2 Kings 4:1; Nehemiah 5:1-5). Prophetic Significance 1. Condemnation of Economic Oppression 2. Certainty of Retribution Theological Themes • Covenant Ethics: Torah repeatedly regulates pledges to protect the vulnerable (Exodus 22:26-27; Deuteronomy 24:10-13). Habakkuk shows that the same standards apply internationally; plundering nations break the Creator’s moral order just as surely as individual Israelites might. Connection to Broader Biblical Teaching on Debt • Legitimate lending can be an act of mercy (Psalm 112:5); exploitative debt is castigated (Amos 2:6-7). Ministry and Discipleship Application 1. Stewardship: Believers are called to handle wealth as trustees, not hoarders (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Related References for Study • Exodus 22:25-27; Deuteronomy 15:1-11; Nehemiah 5:1-13 – regulations and reform of debt. In its lone appearance, ʿabṭît functions as a sharp prophetic spotlight on the sin of oppressive indebtedness, reinforcing Scripture’s consistent testimony that God defends the weak, judges unjust gain, and calls His people to righteous, compassionate stewardship. Forms and Transliterations עַבְטִֽיט׃ עבטיט׃ ‘aḇ·ṭîṭ ‘aḇṭîṭ avTitLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Habakkuk 2:6 HEB: וּמַכְבִּ֥יד עָלָ֖יו עַבְטִֽיט׃ NAS: And makes himself rich with loans?' KJV: [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! INT: how against clay 1 Occurrence |
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