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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 2:9 Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/35_Hab_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 2:9 - Woe to the Chaldeans" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/habakkuk/2-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/habakkuk/2-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/habakkuk/">Habakkuk</a> > <a href="/habakkuk/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/habakkuk/2-8.htm" title="Habakkuk 2:8">◄</a> Habakkuk 2:9 <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm" title="Habakkuk 2:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/habakkuk/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“What sorrow awaits you who build big houses with money gained dishonestly! You believe your wealth will buy security, putting your family’s nest beyond the reach of danger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/habakkuk/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house, That he may set his nest on high, That he may be delivered from the power of disaster!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Woe to him who makes evil profit for his household, To put his nest on high, To be saved from the hand of catastrophe!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house To put his nest on high, To be delivered from the hand of calamity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house To put his nest on high To be delivered from the hand of calamity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Woe to him who is greedy for evil gain for his house To put his nest on high, To be delivered from the hand of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/habakkuk/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Woe (judgment is coming) to him who obtains wicked gain for his house [and thinks by so doing] To set his nest on high, That he may be rescued from the hand of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/habakkuk/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who dishonestly makes wealth for his house to place his nest on high, to escape the grasp of disaster!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who dishonestly makes wealth for his house to place his nest on high, to escape from the reach of disaster! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/habakkuk/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/habakkuk/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You're doomed! You made your family rich at the expense of others. You even said to yourself, "I'm above the law." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/habakkuk/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/habakkuk/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />" 'How horrible it will be for the one who uses violence to get things for his own household in order to set his nest up high and save himself from disaster.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/habakkuk/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You are doomed! You have made your family rich with what you took by violence, and have tried to make your own home safe from harm and danger! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/habakkuk/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Woe to the one who amasses profit upon unjust profit in order to establish his household, so he can establish a secure place on the heights and escape from the power of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/habakkuk/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/habakkuk/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who builds his house by unjust gain is as good as dead. He does this so he can build his nest way up high and escape the clutches of disaster. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/habakkuk/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/habakkuk/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/habakkuk/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Woe [to] him who is gaining evil gain for his house, "" To set his nest on high, "" To be delivered from the hand of evil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/habakkuk/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Woe to him who is gaining evil gain for his house, To set on high his nest, To be delivered from the hand of evil,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/habakkuk/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wo! to him plundering an evil plunder to his house, to set his nest on high, to deliver from the hand of evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/habakkuk/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him that gathereth together an evil covetousness to his house, that his nest may be on high, and thinketh he may be delivered out of the hand of evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Woe to him who gathers together an evil greed for his house, so that his nest may be exalted, and thinking that he might free himself from the hand of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/habakkuk/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ah! you who pursue evil gain for your household, setting your nest on high to escape the reach of misfortune! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Alas for you who get evil gain for your house, setting your nest on high to be safe from the reach of harm!”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Woe to him who defrauds and heaps up evil for himself, who sets his nest on high that he may be delivered from evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Woe to him who commits fraud and collects evil to his soul and sets his nest in a high place that he may be saved from evil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/habakkuk/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Woe to him that gaineth evil gains for his house, That he may set his nest on high, That he may be delivered from the power of evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/habakkuk/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/habakkuk/2-9.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=298" 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/2.htm">Woe to the Chaldeans</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you—because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1945.htm" title="1945: hō·w (Interjection) -- Ah! alas! ha! A prolonged form of how; oh!">Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1214.htm" title="1214: bō·ṣê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To cut off, break off, gain by violence. A primitive root to break off, i.e. plunder; figuratively, to finish, or stop.">to him who builds</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇê·ṯōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">by unjust</a> <a href="/hebrew/1215.htm" title="1215: be·ṣa‘ (N-ms) -- Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension, gain.">gain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: lā·śūm (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">to place</a> <a href="/hebrew/7064.htm" title="7064: qin·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A nest. Contracted from qanan; a nest, sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling.">his nest</a> <a href="/hebrew/4791.htm" title="4791: bam·mā·rō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Height. From ruwm; altitude, i.e. Concretely, abstractly (elation), or adverbially (aloft).">on high</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: lə·hin·nā·ṣêl (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">and escape</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: mik·kap̄- (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">of disaster!</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life.…<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="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13</a></span><br />“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Micah 2:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. / They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">Isaiah 5:8</a></span><br />Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-13.htm">Ezekiel 22:13</a></span><br />Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a></span><br />He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-20</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. / Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-11</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a></span><br />Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-18.htm">Zephaniah 1:18</a></span><br />Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Proverbs 1:19</a></span><br />Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Woe to him that covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!</p><p class="hdg">that coveteth an evil covetousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Genesis 13:10-13</a></b></br> And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it <i>was</i> well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, <i>even</i> as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-26.htm">Genesis 19:26-38</a></b></br> But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-25.htm">Deuteronomy 7:25,26</a></b></br> The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold <i>that is</i> on them, nor take <i>it</i> unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it <i>is</i> an abomination to the LORD thy God… </p><p class="hdg">set.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3-6</a></b></br> For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, <i>whom</i> the LORD abhorreth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-11.htm">Psalm 49:11</a></b></br> Their inward thought <i>is, that</i> their houses <i>shall continue</i> for ever, <i>and</i> their dwelling places to all generations; they call <i>their</i> lands after their own names.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Psalm 52:7</a></b></br> Lo, <i>this is</i> the man <i>that</i> made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, <i>and</i> strengthened himself in his wickedness.</p><p class="hdg">power of evil.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/micah/2-3.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/job/16-11.htm">Clutches</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Coveteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/micah/4-10.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/micah/1-11.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Family</a> <a href="/micah/4-13.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/daniel/2-8.htm">Gaining</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-5.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-3.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/micah/7-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/jonah/4-2.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">High</a> <a href="/nahum/2-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-4.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Profits</a> <a href="/micah/5-4.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/daniel/11-9.htm">Realm</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Resting-Place</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/nahum/3-11.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/micah/6-11.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-15.htm">Calamity</a> <a href="/job/5-15.htm">Clutches</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Coveteth</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Covetousness</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-7.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-7.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Family</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Gaining</a> <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/matthew/12-11.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-15.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">High</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Profits</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-5.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/john/18-36.htm">Realm</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-10.htm">Resting-Place</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-6.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-5.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/john/3-20.htm">Wrongdoer</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Unto Habakkuk, waiting for an answer, is shown that he must wait by faith.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">The judgment upon the Chaldean for unsatiableness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">for covetousness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">for cruelty,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">for drunkenness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">and for idolatry.</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'; 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In the context of Habakkuk, this woe is directed towards those who accumulate wealth through unethical means. The phrase "builds his house" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, referring to establishing one's life or legacy. The concept of "unjust gain" highlights the exploitation and oppression prevalent in Judah and among the Babylonians, who are the immediate context of Habakkuk's prophecy. This echoes other biblical warnings against ill-gotten wealth, such as in <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Proverbs 1:19</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13</a>, emphasizing God's concern for justice and righteousness.<p><b>to place his nest on high</b><br>The imagery of placing a "nest on high" suggests a false sense of security and self-exaltation. In ancient times, building on high places was a common practice for protection against enemies and natural disasters. This phrase implies an attempt to secure one's position and wealth through human means, disregarding divine sovereignty. It reflects the pride and arrogance condemned in other scriptures, such as <a href="/obadiah/1-4.htm">Obadiah 1:4</a>, where Edom is criticized for its lofty dwelling places. The metaphor of a "nest" also evokes the idea of comfort and safety, which is ultimately illusory when founded on injustice.<p><b>and escape the hand of disaster!</b><br>The "hand of disaster" represents impending judgment and calamity, which is inevitable for those who trust in their own strength and wealth rather than in God. This phrase underscores the futility of relying on material security to avoid divine retribution. The historical context of Habakkuk involves the rise of the Babylonian empire, which would eventually bring disaster upon Judah. This serves as a reminder of the broader biblical theme that true security is found only in obedience to God, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/37-39.htm">Psalm 37:39-40</a>. The prophetic warning also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and deliverance found in Christ, who offers salvation from the ultimate disaster of sin and death.<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 righteousness of His actions, particularly concerning the Babylonian empire.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The empire that God uses as an instrument of judgment against Judah, known for its pride and unjust practices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to its own injustices and idolatry.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Lord who responds to Habakkuk's concerns and pronounces woes against the wicked.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_unjust_builder.htm">The Unjust Builder</a></b><br>A symbolic representation of those who seek security and prosperity through unethical means.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_unjust_gain.htm">The Danger of Unjust Gain</a></b><br>Pursuing wealth through unethical means leads to spiritual and often physical ruin. Christians are called to integrity in all dealings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/false_security.htm">False Security</a></b><br>Building a "nest on high" symbolizes a false sense of security. True security is found in God alone, not in material wealth or status.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's justice will ultimately prevail. Those who exploit others for personal gain will face His judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_trust.htm">Contentment and Trust</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to find contentment in God's provision and trust in His timing and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning priorities with God's kingdom values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_habakkuk_2_8-10's_downfall.htm">(Habakkuk 2:8-10) Is there any clear archaeological or historical record showing the exact downfall described for those who plundered nations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_elijah's_prophecy_seem_unjust.htm">Why is Elijah's prophecy (1 Kings 21:21-24) fulfilled in a manner that may seem inconsistent with God's justice elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_19_3_explain_suffering.htm">Proverbs 19:3 implies misfortune is always self-inflicted--how does this reconcile with natural disasters or innocent suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_gad_the_seer_in_the_bible.htm">Why was there a famine during David's reign?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/habakkuk/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9-11) Woe on the aggrandisement of the new dynasty by force and cunning.<p>(9) <span class= "bld">Woe to him</span> <span class= "bld">that coveteth</span> . . .--Better, <span class= "ital">Woe to him who accumulates wicked gain for his house, who sets his nest on high to save himself from the hand of evil</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> who gathers spoil from the nations, and stows it away in an impregnable treasure- house. The expression <span class= "ital">sets his nest on high</span> finds more than sufficient illustration in the exaggerated accounts of Babylon given by Herodotus and Ctesias. The former gives 337� feet, the latter 300 feet, as the height of its walls. The height of the towers was, according to Ctesias, 420 feet. There were 250 of these towers, irregularly disposed, to guard the weaker parts of the wall. The space included by these colossal outworks was, according to Herodotus, about 200 square miles.<p>The language of this verse recalls Jeremiah's rebuke of Jehoiakim (<a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm" title="Woe to him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor's service without wages, and gives him not for his work;">Jeremiah 22:13</a> <span class= "ital">seq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span> There, however, the sentence is on individual sin, here it is on that of a nation personified.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 9-11.</span> - § 9. <span class="accented">The second woe: for their avarice, violence, and cunning.</span> <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That coveteth an evil covetousness to his house;</span> better, <span class="accented">gaineth evil gains for his house.</span> The "house" is the royal family or dynasty, as in ver. 10; and the Chaldean is denounced for thinking to secure its stability and permanence by amassing godless gains. <span class="cmt_word">That he may set his nest on high</span>. This is a figurative expression, denoting security as well as pride and self-confidence (comp. <a href="/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21</a>; <a href="/job/39-27.htm">Job 39:27</a>, etc.; <a href="/jeremiah/49-16.htm">Jeremiah 49:16</a>; <a href="/obadiah/1-4.htm">Obadiah 1:4</a>), and denotes the various means which the Chaldeans employed to establish and secure their power (comp. <a href="/isaiah/14-14.htm">Isaiah 14:14</a>). Some see in the words an allusion to the formidable fortifications raised by Nebuchadnezzar for the protection of Babylon, and the wonderful palace erected by him as a royal residence (see Rawlinson, 'Ant. Men.,' 3:340, etc., edit. 1865). It is certain that Nebuchadnezzar and other monarchs, after successful expeditions, turned their attention to building and enriching towns, temples, and palaces (see Josephus, 'Cont. Ap.,' 1:19, 7, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">From the power of evil;</span> <span class="accented">from the hand of evil</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> from all calamity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/2-9.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">Woe</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֗וֹי</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1945.htm">Strong's 1945: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ah! alas! ha!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him who builds</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּצֵ֛עַ</span> <span class="translit">(bō·ṣê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1214.htm">Strong's 1214: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut off, break off, gain by violence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his house</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבֵית֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by unjust</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gain,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּ֥צַע</span> <span class="translit">(be·ṣa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1215.htm">Strong's 1215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to place</span><br /><span class="heb">לָשׂ֤וּם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·śūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his nest</span><br /><span class="heb">קִנּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(qin·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7064.htm">Strong's 7064: </a> </span><span class="str2">A nest, the nestlings, a chamber, dwelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on high</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמָּרוֹם֙</span> <span class="translit">(bam·mā·rō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4791.htm">Strong's 4791: </a> </span><span class="str2">Altitude</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] escape</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִנָּצֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hin·nā·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the hand</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכַּף־</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kap̄-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of disaster!</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Habakkuk 2:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:9 Woe to him who gets an evil (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/2-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 2:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 2:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 2:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 2:10" /></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>