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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Habakkuk 3:14 With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/3-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/35_Hab_03_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 3:14 - Habakkuk's Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You pierced with his own arrows The head of his leaders. They stormed in to scatter us; Their arrogance <i>was</i> like those Who devour the oppressed in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You pierced with his own spears The head of his throngs. They stormed in to scatter us; Their exultation was like those Who devour the oppressed in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thou didst pierce with his own spears The head of his throngs. They stormed in to scatter us; Their exultation <i>was</i> like those Who devour the oppressed in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You pierced with his own <i>sharpened</i> rods The head of his throngs. They stormed in to scatter us; Their exultation <i>was</i> like those Who devour the afflicted in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/habakkuk/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />With the enemy’s own spears, You pierced The head of his hordes. They stormed out to scatter us, Rejoicing like those Who secretly devour the oppressed [of Israel].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/habakkuk/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You pierce his head with his own spears; his warriors storm out to scatter us, gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You pierce his head with his own spears; his warriors storm out to scatter us, gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/habakkuk/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou didst pierce with his own staves the head of his warriors: They came as a whirlwind to scatter me; Their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/habakkuk/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />His troops had come like a storm, hoping to scatter us and glad to gobble us up. To them we were refugees in hiding--but you smashed their heads with their own weapons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/habakkuk/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou didst pierce with his own staves the head of his warriors: they came as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/habakkuk/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You pierce the leader of his gang with his own arrows. His soldiers come like a violent storm to scatter me. They are arrogant like those who secretly eat up the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/habakkuk/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your arrows pierced the commander of his army when it came like a storm to scatter us, gloating like those who secretly oppress the poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/habakkuk/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />With his own lances you pierced the heads of his warriors, who came out like a windstorm to scatter us — their joy is to devour the afflicted who are in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/habakkuk/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/habakkuk/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You pierce the heads of his warriors with a spear. They storm forward to scatter us; they shout with joy as if they were plundering the poor with no opposition. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/habakkuk/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/habakkuk/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst strike through with his staffs the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/habakkuk/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You pierced the heads of his warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have pierced the head of his leaders with his own rods, "" They are tempestuous to scatter me, "" Their exultation [is] as to consume the poor in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/habakkuk/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast pierced with his staves the head of his leaders, They are tempestuous to scatter me, Their exultation is as to consume the poor in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/habakkuk/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst pierce with rods the head of the leader: they will rush on as a tempest to scatter me their exultation as to devour the poor in secret.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/habakkuk/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast cursed his sceptres, the head of his warriors, them that came out as a whirlwind to scatter me. Their joy was like that of him that devoureth the poor man in secret. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You have cursed his scepters, the head of his warriors, those who approached like a whirlwind so as to scatter me. Their exultation was like one who devours the poor in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/habakkuk/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You pierced his head with your shafts; his princes you scattered with your stormwind, as food for the poor in unknown places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You pierced with their own arrows the head of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter us, gloating as if ready to devour the poor who were in hiding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thou didst break with his own staves the heads of his princes; for they trusted in their savagery to devour the poor secretly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shattered with his staves the heads of his Authorities who trusted in their savagery, because they would devour the poor in a secret place<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/habakkuk/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou hast stricken through with his own rods the head of his rulers, That come as a whirlwind to scatter me; Whose rejoicing is as to devour the poor secretly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/habakkuk/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst cut asunder the heads of princes with amazement, they shall tremble in it; they shall burst their bridles, <i>they shall be</i> as a poor man devouring in secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryPix4COoVE?start=561" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/3.htm">Habakkuk's Prayer</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: ḇə·maṭ·ṭāw (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">With his own spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5344.htm" title="5344: nā·qaḇ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To puncture. A primitive root; to puncture, literally or figuratively.">You pierced</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6518.htm" title="6518: pə·rå̄·zō (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Perhaps warriors. From an unused root meaning to separate, i.e. Decide; a chieftain.">when his warriors</a> <a href="/hebrew/5590.htm" title="5590: yis·‘ă·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To storm, rage. A primitive root; to rush upon; by implication, to toss.">stormed out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6327.htm" title="6327: la·hă·p̄î·ṣê·nî (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 1cs) -- To be dispersed or scattered. A primitive root; to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively.">to scatter us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5951.htm" title="5951: ‘ă·lî·ṣu·ṯām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Exultation. From alats; exultation.">gloating</a> <a href="/hebrew/3644.htm" title="3644: kə·mōw- (Prep) -- Like, as, when. Or kamow; a form of the prefix k-, but used separately; as, thus, so.">as though ready</a> <a href="/hebrew/4565.htm" title="4565: bam·mis·tār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A secret place, hiding place. From cathar; properly, a concealer, i.e. A covert.">to secretly</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">devour</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">the weak.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>You trampled the sea with Your horses, churning the great waters.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-15.htm">Psalm 37:15</a></span><br />But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15-16</a></span><br />He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/9-15.htm">Psalm 9:15-16</a></span><br />The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. / The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Psalm 35:8</a></span><br />May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-27.htm">Proverbs 26:27</a></span><br />He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-10.htm">Esther 7:10</a></span><br />So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36-38</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22-23</a></span><br />The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-22.htm">Judges 7:22</a></span><br />And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20</a></span><br />Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Revelation 13:10</a></span><br />“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-19.htm">Revelation 19:19-21</a></span><br />Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. / But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. / And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You did strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.</p><p class="hdg">the head.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/11-4.htm">Exodus 11:4-7</a></b></br> And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-12.htm">Exodus 12:12,13,29,30</a></b></br> For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I <i>am</i> the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-17.htm">Exodus 14:17,18</a></b></br> And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen… </p><p class="hdg">they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Exodus 14:5-9</a></b></br> And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Exodus 15:9,10</a></b></br> The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-2.htm">Psalm 83:2,8</a></b></br> For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head… </p><p class="hdg">came out.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/11-40.htm">Daniel 11:40</a></b></br> And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Zechariah 9:14</a></b></br> And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.</p><p class="hdg">their.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">Exodus 1:10-16,22</a></b></br> Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and <i>so</i> get them up out of the land… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8</a></b></br> He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2-7</a></b></br> Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nahum/1-12.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/nahum/1-10.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/hosea/9-1.htm">Exultation</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-13.htm">Exulting</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Head</a> <a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/micah/5-5.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Making</a> <a href="/amos/5-25.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/micah/2-2.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-7.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/daniel/7-15.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/amos/8-6.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/joel/1-16.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/daniel/11-24.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-4.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-9.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-9.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/nahum/1-10.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Stormed</a> <a href="/hosea/9-16.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/psalms/35-18.htm">Throngs</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-11.htm">Villages</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Warriors</a> <a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Whirlwind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-4.htm">Wretched</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zephaniah/3-12.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-15.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">Exultation</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-11.htm">Exulting</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-21.htm">Head</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-18.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-7.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-2.htm">Making</a> <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/luke/2-35.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-12.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-12.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-7.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-21.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/matthew/1-19.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/john/19-37.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-7.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-7.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Stems</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Stormed</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-13.htm">Stricken</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-4.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/psalms/35-18.htm">Throngs</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-4.htm">Villages</a> <a href="/numbers/31-27.htm">Warriors</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-14.htm">Whirlwind</a> <a href="/matthew/21-41.htm">Wretched</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/3-1.htm">Habakkuk, in his prayer, trembles at God's majesty.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/3-17.htm">The confidence of his faith.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/habakkuk/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/habakkuk/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/habakkuk/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>With his own spear You pierced his head</b><br>This phrase reflects a divine reversal where God uses the enemy's own weapon against them. It echoes the biblical theme of God turning the plans of the wicked back on themselves, as seen in stories like Haman's gallows in <a href="/esther/7-10.htm">Esther 7:10</a>. The imagery of piercing the head signifies a fatal blow, symbolizing total defeat. This can be seen as a type of Christ's victory over Satan, where the cross, a tool of death, becomes the means of salvation (<a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>).<p><b>when his warriors stormed out to scatter us</b><br>The context here is one of impending invasion and destruction. The "warriors" represent the Babylonians, known for their military prowess and aggressive conquests. Historically, the Babylonian army was feared for its ability to scatter and subdue nations, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This scattering is reminiscent of the curses for disobedience in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-64.htm">Deuteronomy 28:64</a>, where God warns Israel of being scattered among the nations.<p><b>gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak</b><br>This phrase captures the arrogance and cruelty of the oppressors. The imagery of "gloating" suggests a sense of pride and overconfidence, often condemned in Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>). The idea of "secretly devour" implies treachery and exploitation of the vulnerable, a common theme in prophetic literature where God defends the oppressed (<a href="/isaiah/10.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a>). This can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's mission to protect and uplift the weak and marginalized (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/habakkuk.htm">Habakkuk</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the justice and sovereignty of God amidst the wickedness and suffering in Judah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in the book, who responds to Habakkuk's questions and reveals His plans for judgment and salvation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_enemy.htm">The Enemy</a></b><br>Represents the oppressors of God's people, often seen as the Babylonians in the context of Habakkuk, who are used by God as instruments of judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wretched_in_hiding.htm">The Wretched in Hiding</a></b><br>Symbolizes the faithful remnant of God's people who are oppressed and in need of deliverance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spear.htm">The Spear</a></b><br>A metaphor for God's intervention and judgment against the oppressors, turning their own weapons against them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God is in control of all nations and uses them according to His purposes. Even when the wicked seem to prevail, God will ultimately bring justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_reversal.htm">Divine Reversal</a></b><br>God has the power to turn the plans of the wicked against themselves. This should encourage believers to trust in God's justice and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/protection_of_the_faithful.htm">Protection of the Faithful</a></b><br>God is aware of the plight of His people and will act to protect and deliver them, even when they are in hiding or oppressed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_adversity.htm">Faith in Adversity</a></b><br>Believers are called to maintain faith and hope in God, even when circumstances seem dire, trusting that God will act on their behalf.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>Habakkuk's dialogue with God shows the importance of bringing our concerns and questions to God in prayer, seeking His perspective and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jesus'_role_in_each_bible_book.htm">What defines the Messianic Age?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_habakkuk_3_11_conflict_with_joshua_10.htm">In Habakkuk 3:11, does the claim that the sun and moon stood still indicate a literal astronomical anomaly, and does it conflict with other biblical passages like Joshua 10?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_chronicles_11_11_legendary.htm">Does the claim in 1 Chronicles 11:11 that Jashobeam killed 300 men with one spear suggest exaggerated or legendary storytelling rather than a literal event?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_micah_3_3_align_with_history.htm">In Micah 3:3, the graphic language seems hyperbolic--how can it be reconciled with historical or archeological records of Israelite practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/habakkuk/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Thou dost strike through with his staves</span> . . .--Better, <span class= "ital">Thou dost pierce with his</span> (<span class= "ital">scil.,</span> thine anointed people's) <span class= "ital">spears the head of his</span> (the enemy's) <span class= "ital">princes, when they sweep by to scatter me abroad, when they exult as if to devour the afflicted secretly.</span> The first clause is very obscure. <span class= "ital">Matteh</span> means not only "spear," but also "rod," "stem," "tribe" (see on <a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm" title="Your bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even your word. Selah. You did split the earth with rivers.">Habakkuk 3:9</a>); and the word which we translate "princes" may also, perhaps, mean "villages." (See on <a href="/judges/5-7.htm" title="The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.">Judges 5:7</a>.) It is also uncertain to whom the possessive pronouns attached to these substantives refer the last clause we are reminded of several passages in the Psalms, notably, <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm" title="He lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to catch the poor: he does catch the poor, when he draws him into his net.">Psalm 10:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/14-4.htm" title="Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not on the LORD.">Psalm 14:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/17-12.htm" title="Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.">Psalm 17:12</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou didst strike through with his staves;</span> <span class="accented">thou didst pierce with his own spears.</span> Thou dost turn on the Chaldeans and all thine enemies the destruction which they intended for others. The people meet with the same fate as the royal house (ver. 13); Vulgate, <span class="accented">maledixisti sceptris ejus</span>, which seems to be a mistranslation. <span class="cmt_word">The head of his villages</span> (<span class="hebrew">פרזים</span>). There is a difficulty in arriving at the meaning of this last word. The LXX. renders it, "mighty men;" Jerome, "warriors;" Chaldee, "army;" Delitzsch and many modern critics, "hordes" or "inhabitants of the plain;" others again, "rulers" or "judges." The most probable version is either "warriors" or "hordes." The head, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> collectively the heads of his warlike troops. <span class="cmt_word">They came out</span> (or, <span class="accented">who rush</span>) <span class="cmt_word">as a whirlwind to scatter me</span> (see the description of the Chaldees, <a href="/habakkuk/1-6.htm">Habakkuk 1:6</a>, etc.). The prophet identifies himself with his people. (For the figure of the whirlwind, comp. <a href="/isaiah/41-16.htm">Isaiah 41:16</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/13-24.htm">Jeremiah 13:24</a>; <a href="/hosea/13-3.htm">Hosea 13:3</a>.) Dr. Briggs renders, "Thou dost pierce with his rods the chief, when his rulers are rushing in to scatter me." <span class="cmt_word">Their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly;</span> or, <span class="accented">as in ambush, to devoter the helpless.</span> They exult in acting the part of robbers and murderers, who lurk for the defenceless and afflict the poor (<a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8</a>, etc.). <span class="accented">As</span> is equivalent to "as it were." Vulgate, <span class="accented">Sicut ejus qui.</span> "The poor" are primarily the Israelites, and then all meek worshippers of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">With his own spear</span><br /><span class="heb">בְמַטָּיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·maṭ·ṭāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> </span><span class="str2">A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You pierced</span><br /><span class="heb">נָקַ֤בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·qaḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5344.htm">Strong's 5344: </a> </span><span class="str2">To puncture</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his head,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when his warriors</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּרָזָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(pə·rā·zāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6518.htm">Strong's 6518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Decide, a chieftain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stormed out</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסְעֲר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yis·‘ă·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rush upon, to toss</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to scatter us,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲפִיצֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·p̄î·ṣê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6327.htm">Strong's 6327: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be dispersed or scattered</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gloating</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלִ֣יצֻתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lî·ṣu·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5951.htm">Strong's 5951: </a> </span><span class="str2">Exultation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as though ready</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(kə·mōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3644.htm">Strong's 3644: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like, as, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to secretly</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמִּסְתָּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(bam·mis·tār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4565.htm">Strong's 4565: </a> </span><span class="str2">A secret place, hiding place</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devour</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֹ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the weak.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Habakkuk 3:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 3:14 You pierced the heads of his warriors (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 3:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>