Here the author is providing background information to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

Here, oracle represents a prophetic message. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [The prophetic message that Habakkuk the prophet received]

Habakkuk is using the question form to express his frustration and lament to Yahweh. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Yahweh, I have cried aloud for so long, but you will not listen!]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of Violence, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [People are acting violently]

Habakkuk is using the question form to express his protest against what Yahweh is allowing to happen. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You make me see iniquity and you behold trouble!]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [people doing wrong]

The terms destruction and violence mean similar things. Habakkuk is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [And brutal devastation is]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of destruction, violence, or strife, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [And people ruining things and people acting violently are … and there are people quarreling]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and express the emphasis in another way. Another approach would be to connect the phrases with a word that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. See how you as a team have decided to translate the parallel phrases in the Psalms, and follow that approach here and throughout this psalm. Alternate translation: [Therefore the law is powerless because no one upholds justice]

Here, Therefore indicates that what follows is the result of the injustice Habakkuk has just described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different connecting word to express a result. Alternate translation: [As a result, the law weakens]

Habakkuk is speaking of the law as if it were a person who could become physically weak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the law has no power]

Habakkuk is speaking of justice as if it were a person who could go out and act. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and judges do not make fair decisions]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [a fair decision]

Habakkuk is using the adjective wicked as a noun to refer to a kind of person. If your language does not use adjectives as nouns, you could translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the wicked person]

Habakkuk is using the adjective righteous as a noun to refer to a kind of person. If your language does not use adjectives as nouns, you could translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the righteous person]

Here Yahweh begins to respond to Habakkuk’s complaint. In your translation, introduce this new event in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. See the UST for an example.

Yahweh is using these imperatives to command his audience to pay attention to what he is about to reveal. If a speaker of your language would not use commands in this way, you could translate these commands using another form that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [You should look among the nations and pay attention, and you will be amazed and astonished!]

Yahweh is the phrase be amazed in order to intensify his expression of the idea that it conveys. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the intensification. Alternate translation: [and be utterly astonished!]

The phrase working a work uses the same Hebrew root for both the verb and its object. This emphasizes the greatness or significance of the action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [I am doing a mighty deed]

The expression behold me was a common way of introducing a divine announcement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [For pay attention, I am raising up the Chaldeans]

Here, to him refers to the Chaldean nation. Yahweh is describing the nation in the third person using a singular pronoun. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the referent plainly. Alternate translation: [not belonging to them]

Yahweh is speaking of the Chaldean nation as if it were a person with the emotional qualities of being bitter and hasty. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a nation whose warriors are terrible and fast]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of dignity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and his worthiness of respect]

The pronouns He, him, and his in this verse continue to refer to the Chaldean nation. See how Yahweh introduced this nation in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the referent plainly. Alternate translation: [That nation is dreadful and terrifying; from it goes forth its own justice and its own dignity]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [And his horsemen advance rapidly from far away]

Yahweh is comparing the Chaldean attack to an eagle rushing to devour its prey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this comparison in another way. Alternate translation: [they attack as swiftly as an eagle diving for prey]

The phrase The direction of their faces {is} eastward is a translation of the written Hebrew text. This reading, however, is only one of several possibilities suggested by scholars. Scholars have proposed some alternative readings, and you may want to follow one of those. The UST follows the first alternative. Alternate translation: [Everyone is terrified as they approach] or [The set of their faces is like the east wind]

Here, faces represents the determined direction of the Chaldean advance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [They all press forward toward the east]

Here the singular pronoun he refers to the Chaldean nation collectively. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the plural pronoun. Alternate translation: [and they gather captives]

Yahweh says that the Chaldean gathers captives like the sand as an extreme statement to emphasize the vast number of people captured. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [and he gathers more captives than anyone can count]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [And he thoroughly ridicules all rulers and kings]

Here, the author uses the independent pronoun he twice for emphasis in the Hebrew. If a speaker of your language would not repeat the pronoun, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [And he himself mocks at kings]

The author is speaking of rulers as if they were merely objects of his laughter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he laughs at rulers]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of laughter, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [are something he laughs at]

In this verse, the mocking of kings and rulers is described before the military action that makes that mocking possible. He piles up a siege ramp and captures the fortress—and that is why he can mock. If your language needs an explicit connector to show that the second clause is the result of the first, you could use one. Alternate translation: [He piles up dirt and captures every fortress, and so he mocks at kings, and rulers are laughter to him.]

Here the author again uses the independent pronoun He twice for emphasis in the Hebrew. If a speaker of your language would not repeat the pronoun, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [He himself laughs at every fortress]

The word Then indicates that this event happens after the events previously described. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different connecting word to express a sequential relationship. Alternate translation: [After that, he sweeps by like the wind and goes on]

Yahweh is comparing the Chaldean’s advance to the wind to describe how quickly and unstoppably he passes through. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this comparison in another way. Alternate translation: [Then he passes through swiftly and goes on]

The author is speaking of military might as if it were a god that the Chaldean worships. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [this one who treats his own strength as his deity]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of might, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [whose strength in battle]

Habakkuk is using the question form to affirm that Yahweh has existed from ancient times. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You have existed from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One.]

The terms Yahweh my God and my Holy One mean similar things. The writer is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [Yahweh, my holy God]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for judging us]

Habakkuk is speaking of Yahweh as if he were a Rock, to emphasize his stability and reliability. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and our firm foundation]

Here Habakkuk begins a second complaint to Yahweh, preparing to question why Yahweh would use the Chaldeans to punish Judah. In your translation, introduce this new event in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. Alternate translation: [Have you not been from long ago]

Here, Your eyes represents Yahweh’s ability to perceive and attend to things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [You are too pure to look at evil]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [You are completely unable to look upon evil or trouble]

Habakkuk is using the question form to express his protest against Yahweh’s apparent tolerance of treachery. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [You should not look at treacherous ones or keep silent when the wicked devours one more righteous than him!]

Habakkuk is using the adjective wicked as a noun to refer to a kind of person. If your language does not use adjectives as nouns, you could translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the wicked person]

Habakkuk is comparing helpless humans to the fish of the sea, which can be caught without resistance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this comparison in another way. Alternate translation: [And you make man as helpless as the fish of the sea]

Habakkuk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and you make man like a creeping thing with no ruler over it]

Habakkuk is comparing humans to a creeping thing that has no one to protect or lead it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this comparison in another way. Alternate translation: [like creatures that have no one to protect them]

Habakkuk is speaking of the Chaldean conquest as if the Chaldean were a fisherman pulling people up with a hook. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [All of them, he captures easily]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [He catches him easily in his net] or [He drags him with his net; indeed, he gathers him with his dragnet]

Habakkuk is speaking of the Chaldean conquest as if the Chaldean were a fisherman catching people with his net and his dragnet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He captures people with his army, and he sweeps them up in large numbers]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [Therefore he worships his own weapons of war]

Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldean worshiping his net and dragnet as if those things were gods which could receive sacrifices and incense. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Therefore he gives credit to his weapons of war and honors them]

Habakkuk is speaking of the Chaldean’s plunder as if it were fat and rich food. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his portion is plentiful and his food is abundant]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of his portion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what he receives]

Habakkuk is using the question form to challenge Yahweh about whether the Chaldean will continue conquering without mercy. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Therefore, he should not keep emptying his net, and he should not keep slaying the nations continually!]

Habakkuk is speaking of his act of waiting for God’s reply as if he were a guard standing at a watchtower. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I will wait attentively for what God will say to me]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of complaint, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what I am complaining about]

The phrase and said introduces a direct quotation. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may not be necessary to represent this term explicitly. Alternate translation: [Then Yahweh answered me,]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [Then Yahweh answered me and told me to write the vision and to make it plain on the tablets] or [Then Yahweh answered me, telling me to write the vision and make it plain on the tablets]

Here, so that marks the one reading it may run as the goal or purpose of writing the vision and making it plain on the tablets. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: [in order that the one reading it may run]

Here, run represents the urgent heralding response of the one who reads the message. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the one reading it may hasten to proclaim it]

Yahweh is speaking of the vision as if it were a living thing that could speak about the end, lie, tarry, and delay. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [it is a message about the end that will certainly prove true; even if its fulfillment seems slow in coming, it will surely be fulfilled at the appointed time]

The author uses the word Though here to indicate a contrast between the possibility that the vision may seem delayed and the certainty that it will come eventually. In your translation, indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Even if it tarries, wait for it] or [Even if it seems to be delayed, do not give up waiting for it]

This is an imperative, but it communicates an exhortation or encouragement rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates encouragement. Alternate translation: [you should wait for it]

The author is repeating forms of the verb come in order to intensify his expression of the idea that it conveys. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the intensification. Alternate translation: [it will certainly come]

The author is using the term Behold to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Look!]

Here the author is speaking of a proud person as if his soul were something that could be physically puffed up or inflated. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He is arrogant]

Here, soul represents the entire person from the perspective of his inner character. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [He himself]

The pronouns His and him both refer to the proud, arrogant person described in this verse, who is contrasted with the righteous in the following clause. In the context of the book, this probably means the Chaldeans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [The Chaldeans’ souls are puffed up; it is not upright within them]

The expression is puffed up is a passive verbal form. If it would be unnatural to use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [has become proud]

Here the author is speaking of moral character as if it were something that could be physically upright or straight. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [his character is not right within him]

The author is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [the righteous person]

The author uses the word but here to indicate a contrast between the proud person whose soul is not upright and the righteous person who lives by faithfulness. In your translation, indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [however, the righteous person will live by his faithfulness]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [being faithful to God]

The point of this comparison is that just as Sheol is never full and always takes in more of the dead, so the arrogant warrior is never content and always desires more conquests. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [who makes his desire as vast as the grave]

Yahweh is speaking of wine as if it were a person capable of betraying or deceiving someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [wine causes the arrogant warrior to go astray]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [whose appetite is never filled, like Sheol and death]

Here, appetite represents desire or craving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [his desire] or [his sense of need]

The point of this comparison is that just as death is relentless and never stops taking people, so this person is relentless and never satisfied in his greed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [he is as relentless as death and is never satisfied]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [And he gathers to himself every nation and every people] or [And he gathers to himself all of the nations; yes, he collects for himself all of the peoples]

Yahweh is using the question form to emphasize that the conquered peoples will certainly mock the oppressor. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [These, all of them, will certainly take up a proverb against him, and ridicule, a riddle about him, so that it says, ‘Woe to the one increasing what is not his’—‘until when? and loading onto himself pledges’!]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [so that it pronounces woe on the one increasing what is not his—until when? and loading onto himself pledges]

Here the conquered peoples use a proverb in order to mock the greedy conqueror. Translate this proverb in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. Alternate translation: [Disaster awaits the one who endlessly takes what does not belong to him and burdens himself with debts]

The conquered peoples are interjecting this brief question form to express frustration that the oppressor’s greed has continued for too long. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [for far too long!]

Here the author is introducing your biters as new participants. The phrase refers to the people whom the oppressor has exploited, who will now turn against him. Your language may have its own way of introducing new participants that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [Will not those whom you oppressed suddenly rise up]

The author is using the question form to emphasize that those who oppose the oppressor will certainly rebel. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: [Your biters will suddenly rise up, and the ones shaking you will awaken!]

The Hebrew word translated biters could mean: (1) your creditors, that is, the plundered peoples who will demand repayment as if they were animals that bite. Alternate translation: [your creditors] (2) those who you have oppressed by forcing them to pay you unjustly. Alternate translation: [those you forced to be in debt to you]

Here the author is speaking of those who will demand payment as if they were people who were shaking someone. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the ones who will make you tremble]

Here the author is speaking of the oppressor as if he were plunder that could be taken as spoils of war. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Then they will take everything from you]

Here the author is clarifying who suffered from the oppressor’s actions. The phrase identifies the victims and the places that were harmed. Your language may have its own way of specifying the victims that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: [because of the people you murdered and the violent way you treated the land, the city, and all who live in it]

Here, bloodshed represents the act of murdering people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [because of your murderous ways]

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: [They will say that terrible things will happen to the one gaining an evil gain for his house]

The phrase Woe to the one gaining an evil gain for his house expresses a strong feeling of warning and coming judgment. There may be an equivalent word or phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this feeling. Alternate translation: [How terrible it will be for the one gaining an evil gain for his house]

The author is repeating forms of the word gain in order to intensify the idea of greedy, exploitative profit. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the intensification. Alternate translation: [the one greedily getting evil profit]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of an evil gain, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [money evilly]

Here the author is speaking of the oppressor building his house in a secure, elevated place as if he were a bird setting his nest on high. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to make his dwelling secure in a high place]

The expression to be delivered is a passive verbal form. If it would be unnatural to use that form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [to deliver himself]

Here, hand represents the power or control of evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from the power of evil]

The author is using the possessive form to describe a hand that is characterized by evil. If a speaker of your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could express this idea in another way. Alternate translation: [from the evil grasp]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of shame, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what is shameful]

Habakkuk is speaking of destroying nations as if it were cutting them off. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [destroying many peoples]

Here, soul represents the person himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [sinning against yourself]

The author is speaking of a stone and a beam as if they were living things that could cry out and answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [even the stolen stones in your wall and the wooden beams are evidence of your wrongdoing]

The word Woe here communicates a warning about coming disaster. If a speaker of your language would not express this as an exclamation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Terrible things will happen to the one building a city with bloodshed]

The author is not referring to one specific person but to anyone who does this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea using a different form. Alternate translation: [anyone who builds a city]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of bloodshed, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [by working people so hard they die]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of injustice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [by acting unjustly]

The author is using the term Behold to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here. Alternate translation: [Pay attention]

The author is using the question form to emphasize that this is certainly true. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [Behold, it is from Yahweh of armies that peoples labor for fire and nations weary themselves for emptiness.]

Here the author is speaking as if the results of people’s work were fuel that would be consumed by fire. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [that peoples work hard for nothing]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of emptiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for nothing]

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God will fill the earth]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [with people who know how glorious Yahweh is]

The author is using the possessive form to describe glory that belongs to Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh’s glory]

The point of this comparison is that just as the waters completely cover over the sea, so the knowledge of Yahweh’s glory will completely fill the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [just as water completely fills the ocean]

The word Woe here communicates a warning about coming disaster. If a speaker of your language would not express this as an exclamation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Terrible things will happen to the one causing his neighbor to drink]

Habakkuk is not referring to one specific person but to anyone who does this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea using a different form. Alternate translation: [anyone who causes his neighbor to drink]

Here the author is speaking of exploiting and humiliating other nations as if it were causing them to drink and making them drunk. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the one exploiting the vulnerability of his neighbor, intoxicating him, and promoting his drunkenness]

Habakkuk has been speaking about the oppressor in the third person (his neighbor) but shifts to addressing him directly in the second person with your. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use consistent pronouns throughout. Alternate translation: [pouring out his wineskin]

Here, in order to marks look upon their nakedness as the goal or purpose of causing his neighbor to drink and making him drunk. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the goal of the previous actions. Alternate translation: [so that you can look upon their nakedness]

Here, nakedness represents humiliation and defeat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [humiliate them] or [enjoy their downfall]

Habakkuk has been using second person (your) to address the oppressor but shifts to third person plural with their. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use consistent pronouns. Alternate translation: [his nakedness]

These imperatives, Drink and be uncircumcised, communicate a prediction of what will happen, rather than a command. If the imperative form does not communicate this in your language, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [You also will drink and be exposed]

The word Drink here is a metaphor. The author is speaking of experiencing God’s judgment as if it were drinking from a cup. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Experience judgment, you also]

Here the author is speaking of being exposed and shamed as if it were being uncircumcised. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and the shame of your uncircumcision be exposed]

Here the author is speaking of God’s judgment as if it were a cup of wine being passed around for the oppressor to drink. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh will turn his powerful judgment upon you]

The author is using the possessive form to describe the cup of the right hand of Yahweh. This means the cup that Yahweh holds in his right hand to dispense judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the cup that Yahweh holds in his powerful hand]

Here, the right hand represents the power of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the power of Yahweh]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of disgrace and glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and what is disgraceful will cover what is glorious about you]

The word translated as For indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that the violence against Lebanon is the reason for the judgment described in the previous verses. Alternate translation: [Because the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you]

Here the author is speaking of violence returning upon the oppressor as if it were a garment that would cover him. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the violent things you did to Lebanon will happen to you]

The pronoun them likely refers to the Babylonians, the same people addressed as you earlier in the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify the referent. Alternate translation: [will terrify you]

Habakkuk is using the question form to emphasize that a carved image has no value at all. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [A carved image does not profit at all even though its fashioner has carved it, a molten idol and a teacher of lies.]

The author is using the possessive form to describe the relationship between an idol and the person who made it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the person who fashioned it]

The phrases a molten idol and a teacher of lies restate and further describe the carved image from earlier in the verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could show this connection explicitly. Alternate translation: [that is, a molten idol, a teacher of lies]

The author is speaking of an idol as if it were a living person who could teach lies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and something that deceives]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of lies, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and a teacher of what is false]

Habakkuk is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate translation: [the craftsman who shaped his own creation]

The author is using the possessive form to describe the thing that someone has formed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the thing he has formed]

Here, to make mute idols marks the purpose or result of the fashioner trusting in what he has formed. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the outcome of that trust. Alternate translation: [so that he ends up making mute idols]

The word Woe here communicates a warning about coming disaster. If a speaker of your language would not express this as an exclamation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Terrible things will happen to the one saying to the wood, Awake, to the silent stone, Arise]

The author is not referring to one specific person but to anyone who does this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea using a different form. Alternate translation: [anyone who says to the wood]

The author is speaking of wood and stone as if they were living things that could wake up and arise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the one commanding a wooden idol to wake up and a stone idol to stand up]

The author actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of what he is saying here. It teaches is said about an idol that cannot speak, making the statement ironic. If a speaker of your language would not use irony for this purpose, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [It cannot teach anything!]

The author is using the term Behold to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here. Alternate translation: [Pay attention] or [Observe]

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [its maker has overlaid it with gold and silver]

Here, breath represents life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [but there is not any life within it]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of holiness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the temple that is set apart for him]

The author is using the possessive form to describe the temple that belongs to Yahweh and is characterized by holiness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is in the temple where he dwells in holiness]

The word Hush here communicates a command for reverent silence. If a speaker of your language would not express this as an exclamation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Let all the earth be silent from his face]

Here, all the earth represents all the people living on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [everyone everywhere]

Here, his face represents the presence of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from his presence] or [before him]

The word shigyonoth is from the original language. You will need to decide if you will use this word in its original-language form or if you will instead translate the meaning into your language. Either approach has broad support. The meaning of the word is uncertain, but it may refer to a type of passionate or emotional song. If you use the original-language word, you could spell it the way it sounds in your language and then put the translation in a footnote.

Here, your report represents the mighty deeds that people have reported about Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the report of your mighty deeds]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of work, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what you have done]

Habakkuk is using In the midst of the years as a common expression of the culture to mean “In our own time” or “In the present era.” If this phrase does not have that meaning for your readers, you could use a comparable expression from your language that does have that meaning, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [In our own time]

The pronoun it refers to Yahweh’s work mentioned earlier in the verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [revive your work]

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: [please revive it]

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: [please make it known]

Habakkuk uses the phrase In wrath, remember compassion to indicate a contrast between wrath and compassion. The implicit meaning is “even in wrath.” In your translation, indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Even in your wrath, remember compassion]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [In your wrathful condition]

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. If the imperative does not communicate a polite request for your readers, then use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: [please remember compassion]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of compassion, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to be merciful]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [In our own time, renew your work and make it known]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [God, the Holy One, came from the desert region south of Israel]

The word Teman is the name of a region in Edom, south of Israel.

Habakkuk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and the Holy One traveled from Mount Paran]

The term Mount Paran is the name of a mountainous region south of Edom, possibly the southern portion of the Sinai Peninsula.

Habakkuk is speaking of God’s splendor as if it were a blanket that could cover the heavens. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [He spread his splendor across the heavens]

Habakkuk is speaking of God’s praise as if the earth were a vessel that his praise could fill. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and people throughout the earth praised him]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of brightness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [And he shone as brightly as the light]

The point of this comparison is that just as the light is intensely radiant, so was God’s brightness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [And his brightness was intensely radiant]

Here, his hand represents his power or his side. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from his side]

The pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [God’s]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of hiding and strength, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [and there he hid how strong he is]

Here, face represents the presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [In his presence]

The pronoun his refers to God, who is described in the previous verses. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [Before God’s face]

The author is speaking of plague as if it were a living thing that could walk. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [God sent plague]

The author is speaking of fiery bolts as if they were a living thing that could go out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and God sent out fiery bolts]

The word translated as fiery bolts can refer to different things. This could mean: (1) a burning fever or disease. Alternate translation: [a burning fever] or (2) flaming projectiles or burning coals, describing God’s destructive power against his enemies. Alternate translation: [burning coals went out at his feet] or (3) lightning bolts. Alternate translation: [lightning bolts]

The word translated as measured is understood in two different ways by Bible scholars. This could mean: (1) God measured out the earth, surveying its full extent. Alternate translation: [he measured the earth] or (2) God shook the earth. Alternate translation: [he shook the earth]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [The most ancient mountains crumbled]

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [God shattered the eternal mountains]

The author is speaking of God’s goings as if God’s ways of acting were physical journeys. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [His ways are everlasting]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [While they suffered]

The author is using the tents of Cushan to represent the people who live in them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the people of Cushan]

The word Cushan is the name of a people group or region. It may be related to Cush (Ethiopia).

The author is using the curtains of the land of Midian to represent the people who live in the tents. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [the people of the land of Midian]

The word Midian is the name of a place in southern Saudi Arabia. That name came from Midian, a son of Abraham born to Katurah.

The author refers to God in the third person as Yahweh in the first phrase and then shifts to the second person your in the next phrase. If this would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person throughout. Alternate translation: [Was it against the rivers that you burned? Or was your anger against the rivers?]

The author is using this question as a way of emphasizing that Yahweh’s anger was not truly directed at the rivers. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [It was not against the rivers that Yahweh burned.]

The author is speaking of Yahweh as if he were a fire that burned. This image represents God’s anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh was angry]

The author is using this question as a way of restating the previous question for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [Neither was your anger against the rivers.]

Here, your nose represents Yahweh’s anger. The word for nose in the source language is also the word for anger, since a person’s nostrils flare when they are angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [your anger]

The author is using this question as a way of restating the previous questions for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: [Neither was your fury against the sea, when you rode on your horses, your chariots of salvation.]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fury, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Or were you furious at the sea]

The author is speaking of God as if he were a warrior who rode on horses and drove chariots. This image represents God coming in power to fight for his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you came in great power to save your people]

Habakkuk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [or on your chariots of]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [your chariots to save your people]

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [You completely bared your bow] or [You made your bow ready for action]

The author is speaking of God as if he were a warrior who readied a bow for battle. This image represents God preparing to act in power against his enemies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [You prepared your weapons completely]

Habakkuk is speaking of Your bow as the means by which Yahweh would shoot arrows of lightning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Your weapon for shooting lightning]

The meaning of this phrase is uncertain, and Bible scholars have understood it in different ways. Some read it as referring to God acting in fulfillment of the oaths he had sworn to the tribal leaders of Israel. Others understand it to mean that God readied his arrows for battle as he had vowed. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow its reading. If not, you could state the meaning plainly, as the UST does.

The author is speaking of the mountains as if they were a person who could see and writhe in pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The mountains shook when you appeared]

The author is speaking of the deep as if it were a person who could speak. The voice represents the loud sound of the waters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The deep waters sounded loud]

The author is speaking of the deep waters as if they were a person who could lift hands on high. The raised hands represent the rising waves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [its waves rose very high]

Habakkuk is speaking of the sun and moon as if they were living things that could have stood still. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [The sun and moon became stationary]

Here Habakkuk is speaking of lightning as if it were arrows and a spear that God uses as weapons. If this image communicates well in your language, please use it. If not, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: [at the flash of your lightning bolts as they streaked, at the gleam of your flashing lightning]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of indignation and anger, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [Because you were indignant, you marched through the earth; because you were angry,]

Here Habakkuk is speaking of God’s destruction of the nations as if he were a farmer who threshed grain. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you crushed the nations]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [to save your people, that is, to save your chosen king]

Habakkuk is using two images together. He is speaking of the wicked person’s dynasty as if it were a house with a foundation, and he is speaking of God’s destruction of the leader as if it were an execution by beheading, striking the head and laying bare to the neck. Your language may have comparable expressions that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [destroyed the wicked leader and exposed all his followers]

Habakkuk is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [of the wicked one]

The pronoun his refers to the enemy leader. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [with the enemy’s own staffs]

Here, head represents the leader of the warriors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the commander of his warriors]

The pronoun They refers to the enemy warriors. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [The enemy warriors stormed]

Habakkuk is speaking of the enemy warriors’ attack as if they were a violent storm. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [They rushed violently]

Habakkuk is using himself, one person, to represent all of his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to scatter us]

Here, to scatter me marks scattering Habakkuk’s people as the goal or purpose of the enemy warriors storming. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that this is the purpose. Alternate translation: [in order to scatter me]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of exultation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [they exulted as if]

The point of this comparison is that just as a wild animal devours helpless prey in hiding, so the enemy warriors eagerly attacked the helpless. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [was like those enjoy destroying helpless people privately]

Habakkuk is using the adjective afflicted as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [afflicted people]

Habakkuk is speaking of God as if God were a warrior riding horses through the sea. He is basing this image on the Israelites’ historic Red Sea crossing. The horses represent God’s power in battle and the sea represents God’s enemies. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [You triumphed over your enemies]

Habakkuk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [you trod through the heap of great waters]

Here Habakkuk is speaking of his inner emotional turmoil as if his belly trembled. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and I was deeply shaken inside]

Habakkuk is speaking of Decay as if it were a living thing that could entered into his bones. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [My bones felt weak and rotten]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of Decay, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [A feeling of rot]

Habakkuk uses the word yet here to indicate a contrast between his trembling and his quiet trust. Despite his overwhelming fear, he resolves to wait for God to act. In your translation, indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Even so, I will wait quietly for the day of distress]

Habakkuk is using the day of distress to refer to the occasion when distress would come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [for the time of distress]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of distress, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [great trouble]

Here Habakkuk uses the word Though to introduce a contrast. Despite the complete failure of crops and livestock described in this verse, Habakkuk will still rejoice in Yahweh (verse 18). Use a connector in your language that indicates a strong contrast between an undesirable situation and an unexpected response. Alternate translation: [Even though]

Habakkuk is speaking of the work of the olive as if it were a person who could be deceptive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the olive tree has failed to produce a crop]

Habakkuk is using the possessive form to describe the work that is done by the olive tree, that is, the olives or oil that the olive tree produces. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the crop from the olive tree]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [and we have no domestic animals]

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the sheep and goats vanish from their pens]

Habakkuk is stating the pronoun I separately and repeating it, even though the verb translated as will exult already includes this meaning. He is doing that to emphasize his personal commitment to joy in Yahweh despite the circumstances. If a speaker of your language would use an explicit pronoun for the same purpose, you may want to use that construction in your translation. If not, your language may have other ways of showing the meaning here. Alternate translation: [Yet as for me, I will exult in Yahweh]

See how your translation team has decided to represent pairs of clauses in Hebrew poetry that mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: [I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, God my Savior]

Here Habakkuk is speaking of Yahweh the Lord as if he were strength itself. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Yahweh the Lord strengthens me]

The point of this comparison is that just as deer are able to walk with sure footing on steep and rocky terrain, so God gives Habakkuk the same kind of stability and confidence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [and he made my feet as sure-footed as deer’s feet]

Habakkuk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and he made my feet like the feet of the deer]

Here Habakkuk is speaking of positions of safety and victory as if they were high places on which he could walk. If this image communicates well in your language, please use it. If not, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: [and in my places of safety he enables me to walk securely]

Here, the chief musician refers to a person who directed the singing and playing of music at the temple. This closing line indicates that the prayer in verses 1–19 was intended for use in temple worship. If your readers would not be familiar with this role, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [For the music director] or [For the worship leader]

Here, my stringed instruments refers to stringed musical instruments used in worship. This indicates how the prayer of verses 1–19 was to be accompanied. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of instrument, you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [to be accompanied by my stringed instruments] or [with music from stringed instruments]