What is the meaning of Habakkuk 2:15?

Woe to him

God’s “woe” signals certain judgment on the perpetrator, not just a mild warning.

• This is the fifth “woe” in Habakkuk 2, each one exposing a different sin (see 2:6, 9, 12, 19).

• Similar divine denunciations emphasize God’s settled opposition to evil (Isaiah 5:20; Matthew 23:13).

• The verse reminds us that the Lord is never indifferent to injustice; He will repay (Romans 12:19).

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Who gives drink

The sin begins with a seemingly ordinary act—offering alcohol—yet the motive corrupts the deed.

• Scripture repeatedly warns against using strong drink to ensnare others (Proverbs 23:31-33; 31:4-5).

• Even hospitality can be twisted when it serves selfish or predatory ends (1 Samuel 25:36-38).

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To his neighbors

Those closest and most trusting become targets.

• Neighbor-love is central to God’s law (Leviticus 19:18; Luke 10:36-37).

• Betrayal of a neighbor exposes a heart far from God (Psalm 55:12-14).

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Pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk

The offender pushes past moderation, intent on full intoxication.

• Drunkenness is consistently condemned (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8).

• The picture echoes Noah’s disgrace when he lay uncovered after excessive wine (Genesis 9:20-23), showing how alcohol can be weaponized for shame.

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In order to gaze at their nakedness

The goal is exploitation—stripping away dignity for personal gratification.

• Uncovering nakedness outside God’s design is condemned (Leviticus 18:6-17).

• Lust that objectifies others invites divine judgment (2 Samuel 11:2-4; Matthew 5:28).

• The pattern of intoxication leading to sexual sin recurs throughout Scripture (Esther 1:10-11; Hosea 7:5).

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summary

Habakkuk 2:15 exposes a predatory strategy: intoxicate, degrade, and exploit. God pronounces a severe “woe” because such actions violate neighbor-love, corrupt God-given gifts like wine, and assault human dignity. The verse stands as a sober reminder that any attempt to manipulate or shame others for selfish pleasure invites God’s certain judgment—and that His people must instead pursue holiness, self-control, and protective love toward their neighbors.