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For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> The LORD replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. <a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you. <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. <a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/1.htm">New King James Version</a> “Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. <a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Look among the nations! Watch! Be horrified! Be frightened speechless! For I am accomplishing a work in your days— You would not believe it even if you were told! <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days— You would not believe if you were told. <a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days— You would not believe if you were told. <a href="/lsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “See among the nations! And look! Be also astonished! Be astounded! Because I am doing something in your days— You would not believe if it was recounted to you. <a href="/amp/habakkuk/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> [The LORD replied,] “Look among the nations! See! Be astonished! Wonder! For I am doing something in your days— You would not believe it if you were told. <a href="/csb/habakkuk/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Look at the nations and observe — be utterly astounded! For I am doing something in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it. <a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Look at the nations and observe— be utterly astounded! For something is taking place in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it. <a href="/asv/habakkuk/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you. <a href="/cev/habakkuk/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Look and be amazed at what's happening among the nations! Even if you were told, you would never believe what's taking place now. <a href="/erv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold ye among the nations, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I work a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you. <a href="/gwt/habakkuk/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Look among the nations and watch. Be amazed and astonished. I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if it were reported to you. <a href="/gnt/habakkuk/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the LORD said to his people, "Keep watching the nations around you, and you will be astonished at what you see. I am going to do something that you will not believe when you hear about it. <a href="/isv/habakkuk/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Look out at the nations and pay attention! Be astounded! Be really astounded! Because something is happening in your lifetime that you won't believe, even if it were described down to the smallest detail. <a href="/msb/habakkuk/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Look at the nations and observe?be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you. <a href="/net/habakkuk/1.htm">NET Bible</a> "Look at the nations and pay attention! You will be shocked and amazed! For I will do something in your lifetime that you will not believe even though you are forewarned. <a href="/nheb/habakkuk/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Look, you scoffers, and watch, and be utterly amazed, and perish; for I am working a work in your days which you will not believe, though it is told you. <a href="/wbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you. <a href="/web/habakkuk/1.htm">World English Bible</a> “Look among the nations, watch, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work in your days which you will not believe though it is told you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Look on nations, and behold and marvel greatly. For a work He is working in your days, "" You do not believe though it is declared. <a href="/ylt/habakkuk/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Look ye on nations, and behold and marvel greatly. For a work He is working in your days, Ye do not believe though it is declared. <a href="/slt/habakkuk/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> See ye among the nations, and look, and wonder; ye shall wonder: for the working a work in your days ye will not believe if it shall be recounted.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/habakkuk/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold ye among the nations, and see: wonder, and be astonished: for a work is done in your days, which no man will believe when it shall be told. <a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Gaze among the nations, and see. Admire, and be astounded. For a work has been done in your days, which no one will believe when it is told. <a href="/nabre/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Look over the nations and see! Be utterly amazed! For a work is being done in your days that you would not believe, were it told. <a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Look at the nations, and see! Be astonished! Be astounded! For a work is being done in your days that you would not believe if you were told.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, O you presumptuous, see, wonder, and be amazed! for I will do a work in your days that you would not believe if a man should declare it to you. <a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> See, insolent one, and gaze and be astonished and marvel, because I do work in your days and you will not believe if a man will tell you<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/habakkuk/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Look ye among the nations, and behold, And wonder marvellously; For, behold, a work shall be wrought in your days, Which ye will not believe though it be told you. <a href="/sep/habakkuk/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Behold, ye despisers, and look, and wonder marvelously, and vanish: for I work a work in your days, which ye will in no wise believe, though a man declare it to you. <a href="/parallel/habakkuk/1-5.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=39" 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> 5<a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">“Look</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: ḇag·gō·w·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">at the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: wə·hab·bî·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">and observe—</a> <a href="/hebrew/8539.htm" title="8539: wə·hit·tam·mə·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-Imp-mp) -- To be astounded or dumbfounded. A primitive root; to be in consternation.">be utterly astounded!</a> <a href="/hebrew/8539.htm" title="8539: tə·mā·hū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To be astounded or dumbfounded. A primitive root; to be in consternation."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: pō·‘êl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">I am doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6467.htm" title="6467: p̄ō·‘al (N-ms) -- Doing, deed, work. From pa'al; an act or work.">a work</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bî·mê·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">in your days</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that you would never</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ṯa·’ă·mî·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To confirm, support. ">believe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">even if</a> <a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: yə·sup·pār (V-Pual-Imperf-3ms) -- To count, recount, relate. ">someone told you.</a> 6For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans—that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own.…<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="/acts/13-40.htm">Acts 13:40-41</a> Watch out, then, that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you: / ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a> Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” <a href="/jeremiah/5-12.htm">Jeremiah 5:12-13</a> They have lied about the LORD and said: “He will not do anything; harm will not come to us; we will not see sword or famine. / The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them.” <a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49-50</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 ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young. <a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Isaiah 28:21</a> For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. <a href="/lamentations/1-12.htm">Lamentations 1:12</a> Is this nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see! Is there any sorrow like mine, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD made me suffer on the day of His fierce anger? <a href="/ezekiel/12-22.htm">Ezekiel 12:22-25</a> “Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’? / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. / For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel, ... <a href="/isaiah/43-19.htm">Isaiah 43:19</a> Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. <a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a> Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. <a href="/2_kings/21-12.htm">2 Kings 21:12-13</a> this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah that the news will reverberate in the ears of all who hear it. / I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down. <a href="/micah/7-15.htm">Micah 7:15-17</a> As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show My wonders. / Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf. / They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will come trembling from their strongholds in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22-23</a> The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. <a href="/matthew/24-21.htm">Matthew 24:21-22</a> For at that time there will be great tribulation, unseen from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. / If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Romans 9:22-23</a> What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? / What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold you among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which you will not believe, though it be told you.ye among.<a href="/deuteronomy/4-27.htm">Deuteronomy 4:27</a> And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.<a href="/jeremiah/9-25.htm">Jeremiah 9:25,26</a> Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; … <a href="/jeremiah/25-14.htm">Jeremiah 25:14-29</a> For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands… and regard.<a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a> Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.<a href="/lamentations/4-12.htm">Lamentations 4:12</a> The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.<a href="/daniel/9-12.htm">Daniel 9:12</a> And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.for.<a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Isaiah 28:21,22</a> For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act… <a href="/jeremiah/5-12.htm">Jeremiah 5:12,13</a> They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: … <a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a> Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/32-10.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/daniel/8-27.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/daniel/8-27.htm">Astounded</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Belief</a> <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/nahum/3-6.htm">Full</a> <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/micah/5-15.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-5.htm">Look</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Marvel</a> <a href="/job/37-5.htm">Marvellously</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Marvelously</a> <a href="/nahum/3-5.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">News</a> <a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Note</a> <a href="/jonah/2-8.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/micah/6-9.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/amos/3-4.htm">Something</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/micah/7-15.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/nahum/3-14.htm">Work</a> <a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Working</a> <a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/mark/6-51.htm">Astounded</a> <a href="/mark/15-32.htm">Belief</a> <a href="/matthew/8-13.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-12.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/mark/13-21.htm">Look</a> <a href="/mark/5-20.htm">Marvel</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">Marvellously</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">Marvelously</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-17.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/matthew/2-8.htm">News</a> <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Note</a> <a href="/matthew/6-28.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/malachi/1-9.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Something</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-6.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Work</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Working</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Wrought</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>Look at the nations and observe— This phrase calls for attention to the surrounding nations, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the geopolitical landscape. In Habakkuk's time, the Assyrian Empire was declining, and the Babylonian Empire was rising. This shift in power dynamics is crucial for understanding the context of the prophecy. The call to "observe" suggests a need for discernment and understanding of God's actions in history, echoing similar calls in <a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21-24</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10</a>.be utterly astounded! The astonishment is due to the unexpected nature of God's work. The Hebrew word used here implies a sense of shock and awe. This reaction is not just about the scale of the events but also their unexpected nature. The idea of being astounded is a common biblical theme when God reveals His plans, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a> and <a href="/acts/13-41.htm">Acts 13:41</a>, where Paul quotes this verse to describe the surprising work of God through Jesus Christ.For I am doing a work in your days This indicates that the prophecy is not for a distant future but will occur within the lifetime of the audience. The immediacy of God's action underscores His sovereignty and the urgency of the message. The "work" refers to the rise of the Babylonians, which would lead to the eventual exile of Judah, a pivotal event in biblical history. This aligns with the prophetic tradition of God using foreign nations to accomplish His purposes, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-6</a> with Assyria.that you would never believe The incredulity stems from the unexpected means by which God will act. The people of Judah would find it hard to believe that God would use a pagan nation like Babylon to execute judgment. This disbelief is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's ways often defy human expectations, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>. It also foreshadows the disbelief many would have regarding the Messiah's humble origins and suffering, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>.even if someone told you. This emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's plan, which would be difficult to accept even if explicitly revealed. It highlights the challenge of faith and the need to trust in God's wisdom and timing. This phrase resonates with the New Testament theme of the mystery of the Gospel, which was hidden for ages but revealed in Christ (<a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-6</a>). It also points to the prophetic role of Jesus, who often spoke of truths that were hard for His contemporaries to accept (<a href="/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60-66</a>).<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 injustice and violence he sees in Judah. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, where Habakkuk lived and prophesied, facing moral and spiritual decline. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a> Refers to the surrounding nations, particularly the Babylonians, whom God would use as instruments of judgment. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god's_work.htm">God's Work</a> The surprising and sovereign actions of God, which are beyond human understanding and expectation. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_chaldeans/babylonians.htm">The Chaldeans/Babylonians</a> The rising power that God would use to execute judgment on Judah, as revealed later in the chapter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God is in control of history and uses even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/e/expect_the_unexpected.htm">Expect the Unexpected</a> God's ways often defy human expectations, reminding us to trust in His wisdom and timing. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a> When faced with confusion or doubt, believers are called to have faith in God's ultimate plan. <a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_mercy.htm">Judgment and Mercy</a> God's judgment is real, but it is also a part of His redemptive plan, leading to eventual restoration. <a href="/topical/a/active_observation.htm">Active Observation</a> We are encouraged to be watchful and discerning of God's work in the world around us.<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/where's_proof_of_chaldean_conquest.htm">Where is the archaeological or historical evidence that the Chaldeans (Habakkuk 1:5–6) conquered exactly as described? </a> <a href="/q/why_use_evil_for_judgment,_god.htm">If God is “too pure to look on evil” (Habakkuk 1:13), why does He use a ruthless nation as His instrument of judgment? </a> <a href="/q/origin_of_ancient_serpent_myth.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Habakkuk?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_jeremiah_27_with_archaeology.htm">How do we address the discrepancy between Jeremiah 27’s portrayal of divine judgment on nations and archaeological findings that may not support widespread destruction or subjugation? </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>(5-11) Jehovah's answer to Habakkuk's complaint. These disorders are to be punished by an invasion of Chaldaeaus. The appearance, character, and operations of these invaders are described.(5) Among the heathen.--These words are emphatic. They imply--Jehovah will no longer manifest Himself among His chosen people, but among the Gentiles. Let them look abroad, and they shall see Him using the Chaldaeans as His instrument for their own chastisement. They are to "wonder," not at God's choice of an agent, but at the consequences of the visitation, which resulted in the sack of the Temple, and the deportation of 10,000 captives; a work which the Jews might well not have credited, though it were told them. The words "among the heathen" (bag-goyim) were, probably, misread by the LXX. translators bog'dim. Hence the translation, ????????????, "ye despisers." In <a href="/acts/13-41.htm" title="Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it to you.">Acts 13:41</a> St. Paul is represented as citing the verse in its LXX. form, as a warning to his Jewish hearers at Antioch. This citation, of course, gives no authority whatever to the variant. Nor is it certain that St. Paul did not actually quote the Hebrew form of the verse, which would seem more appropriate to the circumstances than the other. (Comp. <a href="/acts/13-42.htm" title="And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles sought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.">Acts 13:42</a>; <a href="/acts/13-46.htm" title="Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.">Acts 13:46</a> seq.). That St. Luke should substitute the Greek variant is intelligible enough.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-11. - § 3. To this appeal answers that he will send the Chaldeans to punish the evil doers with a terrible vengeance; but rinse, his instruments, shall themselves offend by pride and impiety. Verse 5. - Behold ye among the heathen; the nations. God, in answer, bids the prophet and his people look among the nations for those who shall punish the iniquities of which he complains. I will use a heathen nation, he says, as my instrument to chastise the sinners in Judaea; and you shall see that I have not disregarded the evil that is rife among you. Some commentators suppose that the impious are addressed; but Habakkuk spoke in the name and person of the righteous, and to them the answer must be directed. The LXX, gives, Ιδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί, "Behold, ye despisers," which is justifiable. St. Paul quotes the Greek Version, <a href="/acts/13-41.htm">Acts 13:41</a>, in his sermon at Antioch in the Jewish synagogue, warning those who despised the gospel This was sufficiently close to the Hebrew for his purpose. And regard, and wonder marvellously. They are to wonder because the work is as terrible as it is unexpected. The LXX. (quoted by St. Paul, loc. cit.) adds, καὶ ἀφανίσθητε, "and perish," or rather, "be stupefied by astonishment," die of amazement. I will work; I work. The pronoun is not expressed, but must be supplied from ver. 6. It is God who sends the avengers. In your days. The prophet had asked (ver. 2), "How long?" The answer is that those now living should see the chastisement (see Introduction, § III.). Which ye will not believe. If ye heard of it as happening elsewhere, ye would not give credit to it; the punishment itself and its executors are both unexpected (comp. <a href="/lamentations/4-12.htm">Lamentations 4:12</a>). <a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Look רְא֤וּ (rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see at the nations בַגּוֹיִם֙ (ḇag·gō·w·yim) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts and observe— וְֽהַבִּ֔יטוּ (wə·hab·bî·ṭū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> To scan, look intently at, to regard be utterly astounded! וְהִֽתַּמְּה֖וּ (wə·hit·tam·mə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8539.htm">Strong's 8539: </a> To be astounded or dumbfounded For כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction [I am] doing פֹּעֵ֣ל (pō·‘êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> To do, make, to practise a work פֹ֙עַל֙ (p̄ō·‘al) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6467.htm">Strong's 6467: </a> Doing, deed, work in your days בִּֽימֵיכֶ֔ם (bî·mê·ḵem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day that you would never לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no believe תַאֲמִ֖ינוּ (ṯa·’ă·mî·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> To confirm, support even if כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you were told. יְסֻפָּֽר׃ (yə·sup·pār) Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> To count, recount, relate <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations watch and wonder (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:6" /></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>