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The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. <a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. <a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds. <a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore the Law is ignored, And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out confused. <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted. <a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore, the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, justice comes out perverted. <a href="/lsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore the law is ignored, And justice never comes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes forth perverted. <a href="/amp/habakkuk/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, the law is ineffective and ignored And justice is never upheld, For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, justice becomes perverted. <a href="/csb/habakkuk/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. <a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. <a href="/asv/habakkuk/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted. <a href="/cev/habakkuk/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Laws cannot be enforced; justice is always the loser; criminals crowd out honest people and twist the laws around. <a href="/erv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore judgment goeth forth perverted. <a href="/gwt/habakkuk/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That is why your teaching is numbed, and justice is never carried out. Wicked people surround righteous people so that when justice is carried out, it's perverted. <a href="/gnt/habakkuk/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done. Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice is perverted. <a href="/isv/habakkuk/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, the Law has become paralyzed, and justice never comes about. Because criminals outnumber the righteous, whenever judgments are issued, they come out crooked." <a href="/msb/habakkuk/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. <a href="/net/habakkuk/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For this reason the law lacks power, and justice is never carried out. Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent. For this reason justice is perverted. <a href="/nheb/habakkuk/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted. <a href="/wbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore the law is slackened, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth encompass the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. <a href="/web/habakkuk/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Therefore law ceases, "" And judgment does not go forth forever, "" For the wicked is surrounding the righteous, "" Therefore wrong judgment goes forth. <a href="/ylt/habakkuk/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Therefore doth law cease, And judgment doth not go forth for ever, For the wicked is compassing the righteous, Therefore wrong judgment goeth forth. <a href="/slt/habakkuk/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For this, the law will be slack, and judgment will not go forth forever: for the unjust surrounds the just; for this perverted judgment will go forth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/habakkuk/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore the law is torn in pieces, and judgment cometh not to the end: because the wicked prevaileth against the just, therefore wrong judgment goeth forth. <a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Because of this, the law has been torn apart, and judgment does not persevere to its conclusion. For the impious prevail against the just. Because of this, a perverse judgment is issued. <a href="/nabre/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Bible</a> This is why the law is numb and justice never comes, For the wicked surround the just; this is why justice comes forth perverted. <a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous— therefore judgment comes forth perverted.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore the law is slacked, and justice never goes forth; for the wicked surely does evil to the righteous; thus justice goes forth perverted. <a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because of this the Law has grown feeble and judgment did not proceed in equity, because the evil did extreme evil to the righteous, and judgment went out when it was perverse<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/habakkuk/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Therefore the law is slacked, And right doth never go forth; For the wicked doth beset the righteous; Therefore right goeth forth perverted. <a href="/sep/habakkuk/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Therefore the law is frustrated, and judgment proceeds not effectually, for the ungodly man prevails over the just; therefore perverse judgment will proceed. <a href="/parallel/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryPix4COoVE?start=28" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Habakkuk's Complaint</a> …3Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. 4<a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: tō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">the law</a> <a href="/hebrew/6313.htm" title="6313: tā·p̄ūḡ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To grow numb. A primitive root; to be sluggish.">is paralyzed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">and justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">never</a> <a href="/hebrew/5331.htm" title="5331: lā·ne·ṣaḥ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Eminence, enduring, everlastingness, perpetuity. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">goes forth.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3803.htm" title="3803: maḵ·tîr (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To surround. A primitive root; to enclose; hence to crown, to besiege; also to wait.">hem in</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: haṣ·ṣad·dîq (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">the righteous,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">is</a> <a href="/hebrew/6127.htm" title="6127: mə·‘uq·qāl (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To bend, twist. A primitive root; to wrest.">perverted.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14-15</a> So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. / Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2-4</a> “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah / Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. <a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Micah 3:9-11</a> Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, / who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” <a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26-28</a> For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. <a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12-15</a> For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. / Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. / Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. ... <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Isaiah 1:21-23</a> See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! / Your silver has become dross; your fine wine is diluted with water. / Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Proverbs 28:4-5</a> Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. / Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:11</a> When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. <a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-23</a> Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. / Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. / Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, ... <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Zephaniah 3:1-4</a> Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! / She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God. / Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. ... <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a> The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Romans 3:5-8</a> But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. / Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? / However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? ... <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12-13</a> So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. / Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:7-8</a> For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. / And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment does never go forth: for the wicked does compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceeds.the law.<a href="/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3</a> If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?<a href="/psalms/119-126.htm">Psalm 119:126</a> It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.<a href="/mark/7-9.htm">Mark 7:9</a> And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.for.<a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13</a> And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.<a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7</a> Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?<a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Psalm 22:16</a> For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.wrong.<a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2,6</a> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: … <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a> Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.<a href="/ezekiel/9-9.htm">Ezekiel 9:9</a> Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/joshua/19-14.htm">Circled</a> <a href="/jonah/2-5.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/micah/7-10.htm">Effected</a> <a href="/hosea/7-2.htm">Encompass</a> <a href="/hosea/11-12.htm">Encompasseth</a> <a href="/hosea/6-8.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/nahum/3-11.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/139-5.htm">Hem</a> <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Ignored</a> <a href="/micah/7-9.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/micah/7-9.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/micah/4-2.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-7.htm">Paralyzed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-36.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/daniel/11-15.htm">Powerless</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-13.htm">Prevails</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-38.htm">Proceedeth</a> <a href="/micah/3-12.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/micah/7-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/nahum/3-8.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Slacked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Slackened</a> <a href="/amos/3-11.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/micah/7-4.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-3.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/3-10.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/acts/28-13.htm">Circled</a> <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/luke/12-14.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Effected</a> <a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Encompass</a> <a href="/psalms/73-6.htm">Encompasseth</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-11.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">Hem</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-38.htm">Ignored</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Paralyzed</a> <a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Powerless</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Prevails</a> <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Proceedeth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Slacked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Slackened</a> <a href="/luke/8-45.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/luke/7-30.htm">Upheld</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-5.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 1</div>1. <a href="/habakkuk/1-1.htm">Unto Habakkuk, complaining of the iniquity of the land,</a> 5. <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">is shown the fearful vengeance by the Chaldeans.</a> 12. <a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">He complains that vengeance should be executed by them who are far worse.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Therefore the law is paralyzed The phrase indicates a breakdown in the legal and moral order of society. In the context of ancient Judah, the law referred to the Torah, which was meant to guide the people in righteousness. The paralysis of the law suggests that it is ineffective, possibly due to corruption among leaders and judges. This reflects a time of moral decay similar to the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). The failure of the law to function properly is a sign of societal collapse and spiritual decline.and justice never goes forth Justice, a central theme in the Hebrew Bible, is not being executed. This could be due to the influence of corrupt officials or a general societal disregard for God's commandments. The prophets often spoke against such injustices, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14</a>, where truth and justice are said to be lacking. The absence of justice is a direct affront to God's character, who is described as just and righteous throughout Scripture (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>).For the wicked hem in the righteous This phrase paints a picture of the righteous being surrounded and oppressed by the wicked. It suggests a society where evil is dominant, and those who seek to live according to God's ways are marginalized. This situation is reminiscent of Lot in Sodom, where the righteous are few and surrounded by pervasive wickedness (Genesis 19). The imagery of being "hemmed in" implies a lack of freedom and the constant pressure to conform to unrighteousness.so that justice is perverted The perversion of justice indicates that not only is justice absent, but it is actively being twisted to serve the interests of the wicked. This is a common theme in the prophetic literature, where leaders are often accused of taking bribes and showing partiality (<a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Micah 3:9-11</a>). The perversion of justice is a serious offense in the eyes of God, who calls His people to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly" with Him (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>). This corruption is a precursor to divine judgment, as God will not tolerate injustice indefinitely.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/habakkuk.htm">Habakkuk</a> A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the state of Judah and the apparent triumph of wickedness. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, experiencing moral and spiritual decline during Habakkuk's time. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a> Those in Judah who are corrupt and oppress the righteous, leading to a perversion of justice. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a> Individuals in Judah who strive to live according to God's laws but are oppressed by the wicked. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Torah, God's instructions and commandments given to Israel, which are being ignored or misapplied.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_paralysis_of_the_law.htm">The Paralysis of the Law</a> When God's law is ignored or misapplied, society suffers. Believers must uphold God's standards even when the world does not. <a href="/topical/t/the_triumph_of_wickedness_is_temporary.htm">The Triumph of Wickedness is Temporary</a> Though it may seem that the wicked prosper, God's justice will ultimately prevail. Trust in God's timing and sovereignty. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_righteous.htm">The Role of the Righteous</a> The righteous are called to be a light in a dark world, advocating for justice and truth despite opposition. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_lament.htm">The Importance of Lament</a> Like Habakkuk, believers can bring their concerns and questions to God, trusting that He hears and will act. <a href="/topical/j/justice_and_righteousness_in_our_lives.htm">Justice and Righteousness in Our Lives</a> Evaluate personal and communal actions to ensure they align with God's standards of justice and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 1</a> <a href="/q/what_does_eternal_damnation_mean.htm">What does eternal damnation mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_main_message_of_habakkuk.htm">What is the main message of Habakkuk?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_faith_align_with_law_adherence.htm">(Habakkuk 2:4) How can 'the righteous shall live by faith' be reconciled with other passages that emphasize strict adherence to the Law?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_powerful_wrongdoers_seem_unafraid.htm">How can 'the wicked flee when no one pursues' (Proverbs 28:1) always hold true when many powerful wrongdoers seem unafraid?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/habakkuk/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) The law--the Mosaic torah--which ought to be a bond of security and social welfare is "slacked" or "paralyzed;" and is, therefore, unable to do its work. "Judgment" (mishpat, i.e., "redress of evils ") "doth never go forth," for the wicked have hemmed the righteous in; and, therefore, there are no judicial sentences, save such as favour the wicked.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Therefore. Because God has not interfered to put an end to this iniquity, or because of the want of righteous judges, the following consequences ensue. The Law is slacked. The Law. Torah, the revealed code which governed the moral, domestic, and political life, "is chilled," is benumbed (<a href="/genesis/45-26.htm">Genesis 45:26</a>), is no longer of any force or efficacy, is become a dead letter. Διασκέδασται "is dispersed" (Septuagint); lacerata est (Vulgate). Judgment doth never go forth; i.e. right is powerless, as if it had never been; justice never shows itself in such a case. Septuagint, οὐ διεξάγεται εἰς τέλος, "proceedeth not effectually; ' so the Vulgate. The rendering, "goeth not forth unto victory," given by the Syriac, is not so suitable; "unto truth" is a mistake arising from referring the word to a wrong root. Doth compass about. In a hostile sense, with threats and treachery (<a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Judges 20:43</a>; <a href="/psalms/22-13.htm">Psalm 22:13</a>). Septuagint, καταδυναστεύει, "prevails;" Vulgate, praevalet adversus. Therefore. Because the righteous are unable to act as they desire, being opposed by the wicked. Wrong judgment proceedeth; rather, judgment goeth forth perverted. Eight, or what is so called, when it does come forth, is distorted, wrested, so as to be right no more. <a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Therefore עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the law תּוֹרָ֔ה (tō·w·rāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> Direction, instruction, law is paralyzed, תָּפ֣וּג (tā·p̄ūḡ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6313.htm">Strong's 6313: </a> To be sluggish and justice מִשְׁפָּ֑ט (miš·pāṭ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style never וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no goes forth. יֵצֵ֥א (yê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the wicked רָשָׁע֙ (rā·šā‘) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> Wrong, an, bad person hem in מַכְתִּ֣יר (maḵ·tîr) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3803.htm">Strong's 3803: </a> To enclose, to crown, to besiege, to wait the righteous; הַצַּדִּ֔יק (haṣ·ṣad·dîq) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> Just, righteous therefore, עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against justice מִשְׁפָּ֖ט (miš·pāṭ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style is יֵצֵ֥א (yê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim perverted. מְעֻקָּֽל׃ (mə·‘uq·qāl) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6127.htm">Strong's 6127: </a> To bend, twist <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 1:4 Therefore the law is paralyzed and justice (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:5" /></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>