CINXE.COM

<!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 1:8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/1-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/35_Hab_01_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 1:8 - The LORD's Answer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour." /><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/1-8.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/1-8.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 8</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="/ad8.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/1-7.htm" title="Habakkuk 1:7">◄</a> Habakkuk 1:8 <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm" title="Habakkuk 1:9">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1.htm">New International Version</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Their horses are swifter than cheetahs and fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their charioteers charge from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey. <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. <a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. <a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. <a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Their horses are faster than leopards, And quicker than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen charge along, Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Their horses are swifter than leopards And keener than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen come galloping, Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. <a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Their horses are swifter than leopards And keener than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen come galloping, Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. <a href="/lsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Their horses are swifter than leopards And sharper than wolves in the evening. Their horsemen come galloping; Their horsemen come from afar; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. <a href="/amp/habakkuk/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Their horses are swifter than leopards And keener than [hungry] wolves in the evening, Their horsemen come galloping, Their horsemen come from far away; They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour. <a href="/csb/habakkuk/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead; their horsemen come from distant lands. They fly like eagles, swooping to devour. <a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead; their horsemen come from distant lands. They fly like an eagle, swooping to devour. <a href="/asv/habakkuk/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen press proudly on: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour. <a href="/cev/habakkuk/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Their cavalry troops are faster than leopards, more ferocious than wolves hunting at sunset, and swifter than hungry eagles suddenly swooping down. <a href="/erv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen spread themselves: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour. <a href="/gwt/habakkuk/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Their horses will be faster than leopards and quicker than wolves in the evening. Their riders will gallop along proudly. Their riders will come from far away. They will fly like an eagle that swoops down for its prey. <a href="/gnt/habakkuk/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Their horses are faster than leopards, fiercer than hungry wolves. Their cavalry troops come riding from distant lands; their horses paw the ground. They come swooping down like eagles attacking their prey. <a href="/isv/habakkuk/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, and more cunning than wolves that attack at night. Their horsemen are galloping as they approach from far away. They swoop in like ravenous vultures. <a href="/msb/habakkuk/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. <a href="/net/habakkuk/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Their horses are faster than leopards and more alert than wolves in the desert. Their horses gallop, their horses come a great distance; like a vulture they swoop down quickly to devour their prey. <a href="/nheb/habakkuk/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> His horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. And their horsemen press proudly on, and their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour. <a href="/wbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. <a href="/web/habakkuk/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> His horses have been swifter than leopards, "" And sharper than evening wolves, "" And his horsemen have increased, "" Even his horsemen from afar come in, "" They fly as an eagle, hastening to consume. <a href="/ylt/habakkuk/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Swifter than leopards have been its horses, And sharper than evening wolves, And increased have its horsemen, Even its horsemen from afar come in, They fly as an eagle, hasting to consume. <a href="/slt/habakkuk/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his horses were swift above panthers, and they were sharp above the wolves of the evening: and his horsemen were spread, and his horsemen shall come from far off; they shall fly as the eagle hastening to eat.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/habakkuk/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Their horses are lighter than leopards, and swifter than evening wolves; and their horsemen shall be spread abroad: for their horsemen shall come from afar, they shall fly as an eagle that maketh haste to eat. <a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Their horses are more nimble than leopards and swifter than wolves in the evening; their horsemen will spread out. And then their horsemen will approach from far away; they will fly like the eagle, hurrying to devour. <a href="/nabre/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Swifter than leopards are their horses, and faster than desert wolves. Their horses spring forward; they come from far away; they fly like an eagle hastening to devour. <a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Their horses are swifter than leopards, more menacing than wolves at dusk; their horses charge. Their horsemen come from far away; they fly like an eagle swift to devour.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Their horses are swifter than eagles and more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen shall swoop down and shall come from afar; they shall fly like an eagle that hastens to eat. <a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> His horses are swifter than eagles and more severe than wolves of the evening, and his horsemen shall fly and his horsemen shall come from a distance and they shall fly as an eagle that hungers for food<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/habakkuk/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And are more fierce than the wolves of the desert; And their horsemen spread themselves; Yea, their horsemen come from far, They fly as a vulture that hasteth to devour. <a href="/sep/habakkuk/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And his horses shall bound more swiftly than leopards, and they are fiercer than the wolves of Arabia: and his horsemen shall ride forth, and shall rush from far; and they shall fly as an eagle hasting to eat. <a href="/parallel/habakkuk/1-8.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=72" 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">The LORD's Answer</a> …7They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty. 8<a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sū·sāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">Their horses</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: wə·qal·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">are swifter</a> <a href="/hebrew/5246.htm" title="5246: min·nə·mê·rîm (Prep-m:: N-mp) -- From an unused root meaning properly, to filtrate, i.e. Be limpid; and thus to spot or stain as if by dripping; a leopard.">than leopards,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2300.htm" title="2300: wə·ḥad·dū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To be sharp, keen. A primitive root; to be sharp or severe.">fiercer</a> <a href="/hebrew/2061.htm" title="2061: miz·zə·’ê·ḇê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- A wolf. From an unused root meaning to be yellow; a wolf.">than wolves</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: ‘e·reḇ (N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">of the night.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: pā·rā·šāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">Their horsemen</a> <a href="/hebrew/6335.htm" title="6335: ū·p̄ā·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- Probably to spring about. A primitive root; to spread; figuratively, act proudly.">charge ahead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: ū·p̄ā·rā·šāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">and their cavalry</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7350.htm" title="7350: mê·rā·ḥō·wq (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Or rachoq; from rachaq; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially.">from afar.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5774.htm" title="5774: yā·‘u·p̄ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fly, to faint. A primitive root; to cover; hence to fly; also to faint.">They fly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5404.htm" title="5404: kə·ne·šer (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- An eagle. From an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle.">like a vulture,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2363.htm" title="2363: ḥāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment.">swooping down</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to devour.</a> 9All of them come bent on violence; their hordes advance like the east wind; they gather prisoners like sand.…<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="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Jeremiah 4:13</a> Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! <a href="/nahum/3-17.htm">Nahum 3:17</a> Your guards are like the swarming locust, and your scribes like clouds of locusts that settle on the walls on a cold day. When the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where. <a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">Isaiah 5:26-28</a> He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! / None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. / Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. <a href="/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4-5</a> Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds. / With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle. <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a> Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Lamentations 4:19</a> Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49</a> The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, <a href="/ezekiel/17-3.htm">Ezekiel 17:3</a> and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. <a href="/job/39-19.htm">Job 39:19-25</a> Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? / Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? / He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. ... <a href="/isaiah/30-16.htm">Isaiah 30:16</a> “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. <a href="/matthew/24-27.htm">Matthew 24:27-28</a> For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. / Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. <a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Revelation 9:7-9</a> And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads; and their faces were like the faces of men. / They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. / They also had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Luke 17:24</a> For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day. <a href="/matthew/8-20.htm">Matthew 8:20</a> Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Revelation 6:2</a> So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hastens to eat.horses.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49</a> The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;<a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">Isaiah 5:26-28</a> And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: … fierce.<a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a> Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.<a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3</a> Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.they.<a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Jeremiah 4:13</a> Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.<a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Lamentations 4:19</a> Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.<a href="/ezekiel/17-3.htm">Ezekiel 17:3,12</a> And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/4-3.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Agile</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Cavalry</a> <a href="/micah/6-12.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/amos/5-25.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/nahum/3-15.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-12.htm">Dusk</a> <a href="/micah/1-16.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/nahum/3-15.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/daniel/9-21.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/micah/7-11.htm">Far</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-6.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-43.htm">Fiercer</a> <a href="/nahum/3-17.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/hosea/9-11.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Galloping</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-16.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-16.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Keener</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Prance</a> <a href="/micah/6-15.htm">Press</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-12.htm">Proudly</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Quicker</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/micah/3-3.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/micah/1-13.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Swifter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-40.htm">Swooping</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/micah/1-16.htm">Vulture</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Wolves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/8-30.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Agile</a> <a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Cavalry</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/exodus/12-6.htm">Dusk</a> <a href="/revelation/4-7.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-13.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-15.htm">Far</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-43.htm">Fiercer</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Fly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Food</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Galloping</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-8.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Keener</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Prance</a> <a href="/haggai/2-16.htm">Press</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-11.htm">Proudly</a> <a href="/job/7-6.htm">Quicker</a> <a href="/matthew/8-32.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-17.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">Swifter</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Swooping</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-13.htm">Vulture</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Wolves</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>Their horses are swifter than leopards This phrase emphasizes the speed and agility of the Babylonian cavalry, which was renowned for its rapid movements in battle. Leopards, known for their swiftness and stealth, serve as a fitting metaphor for the quick and decisive nature of the Babylonian military campaigns. In the ancient Near East, horses were a symbol of military power and mobility, and the comparison to leopards underscores the formidable threat posed by the Babylonians. This imagery is consistent with other biblical descriptions of swift and powerful armies, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Jeremiah 4:13</a>, where the enemy's horses are likened to eagles.Fiercer than wolves of the night Wolves hunting at night are a symbol of ferocity and relentless pursuit. This imagery conveys the idea of the Babylonians as a relentless and terrifying force, attacking with the same intensity and determination as wolves. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wolves were often seen as dangerous predators, and their nocturnal nature added to their fearsome reputation. This metaphor highlights the danger and inevitability of the Babylonian invasion, echoing similar themes found in <a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3</a>, where leaders are compared to evening wolves.Their horsemen charge ahead The phrase illustrates the aggressive and forward-moving nature of the Babylonian cavalry. The image of horsemen charging ahead suggests a well-organized and disciplined military force, capable of executing swift and coordinated attacks. This reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian army, which was known for its strategic prowess and ability to overwhelm opponents. The charging horsemen can also be seen as a symbol of impending judgment, a common theme in prophetic literature, as seen in <a href="/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4-5</a>, where the invading army is described with similar imagery.And their cavalry comes from afar This indicates the vast reach and extensive campaigns of the Babylonian forces, who traveled great distances to conquer lands. The phrase "from afar" suggests not only geographical distance but also the idea of an unstoppable force that comes from beyond the horizon, bringing with it the judgment of God. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God using foreign nations as instruments of His judgment, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">Isaiah 5:26</a>, where God whistles for distant nations to come and execute His will.They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour The vulture is a scavenger bird known for its keen eyesight and ability to swiftly descend upon its prey. This imagery conveys the idea of the Babylonians as opportunistic and ruthless, ready to exploit any weakness and consume what remains. The vulture's flight suggests both speed and inevitability, reinforcing the theme of impending judgment. In the biblical context, birds of prey are often associated with destruction and desolation, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49</a>, where an enemy nation is likened to an eagle swooping down. This metaphor also serves as a reminder of the divine judgment that comes upon those who turn away from God, a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books.<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 coming judgment on Judah through the Babylonians. 2. <a href="/topical/b/babylonians.htm">Babylonians (Chaldeans)</a> The empire God is raising up to execute judgment on Judah for their sins. Known for their military prowess and swift conquests. 3. <a href="/topical/l/leopards_and_wolves.htm">Leopards and Wolves</a> Animals used metaphorically to describe the speed and ferocity of the Babylonian army. 4. <a href="/topical/h/horsemen_and_cavalry.htm">Horsemen and Cavalry</a> Represents the military strength and strategic advantage of the Babylonians. 5. <a href="/topical/v/vulture.htm">Vulture</a> A bird of prey symbolizing the impending and inevitable destruction brought by the Babylonians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God uses nations as instruments of His judgment. The Babylonians' might and speed are under God's control, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations. <a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_word.htm">The Certainty of God's Word</a> The vivid imagery of speed and ferocity assures us that God's warnings are not to be taken lightly. His words are certain and will come to pass. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_sin_and_consequences.htm">The Nature of Sin and Consequences</a> Judah's sin led to severe consequences. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a> Even when facing impending judgment, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_spiritual_battles.htm">Preparation for Spiritual Battles</a> Just as the Babylonians were prepared and swift, Christians are called to be spiritually vigilant and ready to face challenges with faith and reliance on God.<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/does_habakkuk_1_8-10_conflict_with_history.htm">Does the swift and overwhelming conquest in Habakkuk 1:8–10 conflict with known historical timelines of Babylonian expansion? </a> <a href="/q/jeremiah_5_6__are_wild_animal_attacks_credible.htm">Jeremiah 5:6 - How is this threat of wild animals attacking people scientifically or historically credible, given the period's recorded encounters with such creatures?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_habakkuk's_view_on_idols_compare.htm">(Habakkuk 2:18-19) How does the critique of idols align with accounts elsewhere that depict different perspectives or tolerances toward idol worship?</a> <a href="/q/is_1_samuel_8_an_edited_text.htm">Could 1 Samuel 8 reflect later editorial influences rather than an authentic historical event?</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>(8) Are more fierce.--Better, are sharper. This is the literal meaning of the verb. The ideas intended are those of activity and ferocity, both prompted by hunger. The evening wolf coming out of his lair to find prey is elsewhere an illustration of ravenous greediness. (See <a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm" title="Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.">Zephaniah 3:3</a> and <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm" title="Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, does hear?">Psalm 59:7</a>). In <a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm" title="Why a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goes out there shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.">Jeremiah 5:6</a> God's punishment is likened to "a wolf of the evening," "a lion out of the forest." <a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm" title="Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are spoiled.">Jeremiah 4:13</a> "his chariots shall be as a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles," is similar to <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm" title="Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hastens to eat.">Habakkuk 1:8</a>, but it is not necessary to regard it either as its original or its echo. Both passages are to some extent based on <a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm" title="Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.">2Samuel 1:23</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Their horses, etc. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 4:13) compares their horses to eagles (comp. <a href="/job/39-19.htm">Job 39:19</a>, etc.). The punishment predicted in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49</a>, etc., is to come upon the Jews. We often read of the cavalry and chariots of the Chaldeans (<a href="/jeremiah/4-29.htm">Jeremiah 4:29</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/6-23.htm">Jeremiah 6:23</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/23-23.htm">Ezekiel 23:23, 24</a>). Evening wolves. Wolves that prowl for food in the evening, and are then fiercest (<a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm">Zephaniah 3:3</a>). Septuagint (with a different pointing), "wolves of Arabia." Their horsemen shall spread themselves. The verb is also rendered, "bear themselves proudly," or "gallop." Septuagint, ἐξιππάσονται. The Anglican Version seems correct implying that the cavalry, like Cossacks or Uhlans, swept the whole country for plunder. The verbs throughout vers. 8-11 should be rendered in the present tense. From far. From Babylonia (<a href="/isaiah/39-3.htm">Isaiah 39:3</a>). The preceding clause was of general import; the present one refers to the invasion of Judaea. As the eagle. This is a favourite comparison of Jeremiah, as quoted above (comp. also <a href="/jeremiah/48-40.htm">Jeremiah 48:40</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/49-22.htm">Jeremiah 49:22</a>; <a href="/lamentations/4-19.htm">Lamentations 4:19</a>). <a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Their horses סוּסָ֗יו (sū·sāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) are swifter וְקַלּ֨וּ (wə·qal·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling than leopards, מִנְּמֵרִ֜ים (min·nə·mê·rîm) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5246.htm">Strong's 5246: </a> A leopard fiercer וְחַדּוּ֙ (wə·ḥad·dū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> To be, sharp, severe than wolves מִזְּאֵ֣בֵי (miz·zə·’ê·ḇê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2061.htm">Strong's 2061: </a> A wolf of the night. עֶ֔רֶב (‘e·reḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> Evening Their horsemen פָּֽרָשָׁ֑יו (pā·rā·šāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> A steed, a driver, cavalry charge ahead, וּפָ֖שׁוּ (ū·p̄ā·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6335.htm">Strong's 6335: </a> Probably to spring about and their cavalry וּפָֽרָשָׁיו֙ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> A steed, a driver, cavalry comes יָבֹ֔אוּ (yā·ḇō·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go from afar. מֵרָח֣וֹק (mê·rā·ḥō·wq) Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> Remote, of place, time, precious They fly יָעֻ֕פוּ (yā·‘u·p̄ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5774.htm">Strong's 5774: </a> To fly, to faint like a vulture, כְּנֶ֖שֶׁר (kə·ne·šer) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5404.htm">Strong's 5404: </a> The eagle swooping down חָ֥שׁ (ḥāš) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2363.htm">Strong's 2363: </a> To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment to devour. לֶאֱכֽוֹל׃ (le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than leopards (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:9" /></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>