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It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ To speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside. <a href="/esv/habakkuk/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. <a href="/bsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. <a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ To silent stone, ‘Arise! It shall teach!’ Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, Yet in it there is no breath at all. <a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ That is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, Yet there is no breath at all inside it. <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, &#8216Awake!&#8217 To a mute stone, &#8216Arise!&#8217 And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it. <a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a dumb stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it. <a href="/lsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it. <a href="/amp/habakkuk/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Woe (judgment is coming) to him who says to the wooden image, ‘Awake!’ And to the speechless stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Look, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all inside it. <a href="/csb/habakkuk/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up! or to mute stone: Come alive! Can it teach? Look! It may be plated with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all. <a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up! or to mute stone: Come alive! Can it teach? Look! It may be plated with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all. <a href="/asv/habakkuk/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise! Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. <a href="/cev/habakkuk/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What can you learn from idols covered with silver or gold? They can't even breathe. Pity anyone who says to an idol of wood or stone, "Get up and do something!" <a href="/erv/habakkuk/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise! Shall this teach? Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. <a href="/gwt/habakkuk/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 'How horrible it will be for the one who says to a piece of wood, "Wake up!" and to a stone that cannot talk, "Get up!' " Can that thing teach [anyone]? Just look at it! It's covered with gold and silver, but there's absolutely no life in it." <a href="/gnt/habakkuk/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You are doomed! You say to a piece of wood, "Wake up!" or to a block of stone, "Get up!" Can an idol reveal anything to you? It may be covered with silver and gold, but there is no life in it. <a href="/isv/habakkuk/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Woe to the one who says to a tree, 'Wake up!' or 'Arise!' to a speechless stone. Idols like this can't teach, can they? Look, even though it is overlaid with gold and silver, there's no breath in it at all." <a href="/msb/habakkuk/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Woe to him who says to wood, ?Awake!? or to silent stone, ?Arise!? Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.? <a href="/net/habakkuk/2.htm">NET Bible</a> The one who says to wood, 'Wake up!' is as good as dead--he who says to speechless stone, 'Awake!' Can it give reliable guidance? It is overlaid with gold and silver; it has no life's breath inside it. <a href="/nheb/habakkuk/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake.' or to the mute stone, 'Arise.' Shall this teach? Look, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst. <a href="/wbt/habakkuk/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Woe to him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. <a href="/web/habakkuk/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Woe to him who says to the wood, ‘Awake!’ or to the mute stone, ‘Arise!’ Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all within it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Woe [to] him who is saying to wood, Awake, "" To a mute stone, Stir up, "" It [is] a teacher! Behold, it is overlaid—gold and silver, "" And there is no spirit in its midst. <a href="/ylt/habakkuk/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Woe to him who is saying to wood, 'Awake,' 'Stir up,' to a dumb stone, It a teacher! lo, it is overlaid -- gold and silver, And there is no spirit in its midst. <a href="/slt/habakkuk/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wo! to him saying to the wood, Awake; and to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach. Being overlaid with gold and silver, and not any spirit in its midst.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/habakkuk/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Woe to him that saith to wood: Awake: to the dumb stone: Arise: can it teach? Behold, it is laid over with gold, and silver, and there is no spirit in the bowels thereof. <a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Woe to him who says to wood, “Awaken,” to the silent stone, “Arise.” Is it able to teach? Behold, it has been entirely covered with gold and silver; and there is no spirit at all in its inner workings. <a href="/nabre/habakkuk/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Ah! you who say to wood, “Awake!” to silent stone, “Arise!” Can any such thing give oracles? It is only overlaid with gold and silver, there is no breath in it at all. <a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Alas for you who say to the wood, “Wake up!” to silent stone, “Rouse yourself!” Can it teach? See, it is gold and silver plated, and there is no breath in it at all.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Woe to him who says to the wood, Awake! to the dumb stone, Arise! They are vain; even though they are overlaid with gold, there is no breath at all in them. <a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Woe to him who says to wood: “Wake up, and to deaf stone, Get up! They are worthless and they are overlaid in gold and no spirit is in them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/habakkuk/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Woe unto him that saith to the wood: 'Awake', To the dumb stone: 'Arise!' Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, And there is no breath at all in the midst of it. <a href="/sep/habakkuk/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Woe to him that says to the wood, Awake, arise; and to the stone, Be thou exalted! whereas it is an image, and this is a casting of gold and silver, and there is no breath in it. <a href="/parallel/habakkuk/2-19.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=406" 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/2.htm">Woe to the Chaldeans</a> …18What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. 19<a href="/hebrew/1945.htm" title="1945: hō·w (Interjection) -- Ah! alas! ha! A prolonged form of how; oh!">Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">to him who says</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: lā·‘êṣ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">to wood,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6974.htm" title="6974: hā·qî·ṣāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- Arise, be awake, watch. A primitive root (compare yaqats); to awake.">‘Awake!’</a> <a href="/hebrew/1748.htm" title="1748: dū·mām (Adv) -- A silence, in silence, silently. From damam; still; adverbially, silently.">or to silent</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: lə·’e·ḇen (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5782.htm" title="5782: ‘ū·rî (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To rouse oneself, awake. A primitive root; to wake.">‘Arise!’</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Can it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: yō·w·reh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">give guidance?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">it is</a> <a href="/hebrew/8610.htm" title="8610: tā·p̄ūś (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. Seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably.">overlaid</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: zā·hāḇ (N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">with gold</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: wā·ḵe·sep̄ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">and silver,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">yet there is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">breath</a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qir·bōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">it at all.”</a> 20But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a> For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a> The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ... <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6-7</a> They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. <a href="/1_kings/18-26.htm">1 Kings 18:26-29</a> And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/4-28.htm">Deuteronomy 4:28</a> And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. <a href="/isaiah/41-6.htm">Isaiah 41:6-7</a> Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” / The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. <a href="/jeremiah/51-17.htm">Jeremiah 51:17-18</a> Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. / They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. <a href="/ezekiel/13-2.htm">Ezekiel 13:2-3</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">1 Corinthians 12:2</a> You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22-23</a> Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Revelation 9:20</a> Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a> Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Woe to him that said to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the middle of it.that.<a href="/1_kings/18-26.htm">1 Kings 18:26-29</a> And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made… <a href="/psalms/97-7.htm">Psalm 97:7</a> Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.<a href="/isaiah/44-17.htm">Isaiah 44:17</a> And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.it is.<a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Isaiah 40:19</a> The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.<a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6</a> They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.<a href="/jeremiah/10-4.htm">Jeremiah 10:4,9</a> They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not… and there.<a href="/psalms/135-17.htm">Psalm 135:17</a> They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-7.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-7.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/hosea/13-15.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/nahum/2-9.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/micah/5-6.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-8.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/nahum/3-13.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-22.htm">Overlaid</a> <a href="/amos/4-7.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-22.htm">Plated</a> <a href="/nahum/2-9.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/micah/4-2.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-7.htm">Wake</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-11.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/hosea/10-6.htm">Wooden</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-13.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/mark/7-34.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-18.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-14.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-13.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Overlaid</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-7.htm">Piece</a> <a href="/exodus/25-24.htm">Plated</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-11.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/haggai/2-15.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/matthew/5-2.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/matthew/8-19.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/mark/4-38.htm">Wake</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/haggai/1-8.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Wooden</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 2</div>1. <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Unto Habakkuk, waiting for an answer, is shown that he must wait by faith.</a> 5. <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">The judgment upon the Chaldean for unsatiableness,</a> 9. <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">for covetousness,</a> 12. <a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">for cruelty,</a> 15. <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">for drunkenness,</a> 18. <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">and for idolatry.</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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ The term "woe" is a pronouncement of judgment and lament, often used by prophets to signal divine displeasure. In this context, it addresses the futility and foolishness of idolatry. The act of speaking to wood highlights the absurdity of expecting life or response from inanimate objects. This reflects the practices of surrounding nations, where idols were crafted from wood and worshipped as deities. The Bible consistently condemns idolatry, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/44-14.htm">Isaiah 44:14-20</a>, where the prophet mocks the idea of using part of a tree for fuel and another part to make a god.or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ The phrase "silent stone" emphasizes the lifelessness and inability of idols to respond or act. Stones were often carved into images and worshipped, yet they remained mute and powerless. This critique of idolatry is echoed in <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a>, which describes idols as having mouths but not speaking, and ears but not hearing. The call for a stone to "arise" underscores the irrationality of expecting action from something inherently immobile and dead.Can it give guidance? This rhetorical question underscores the incapacity of idols to provide wisdom or direction. In ancient cultures, people often sought guidance from their gods through oracles or divination. However, the Bible asserts that true wisdom and guidance come from the living God, as seen in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, which encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously.Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, The overlaying of idols with precious metals was a common practice to enhance their appearance and perceived value. Despite their ornate coverings, these idols remained lifeless. This practice is critiqued in <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a>, where the prophet describes idols as decorated but powerless. The use of gold and silver also contrasts with the true value found in a relationship with God, who is described as more precious than gold in <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a>.yet there is no breath in it at all. The absence of breath signifies the lack of life and spirit in idols. In biblical terms, breath often symbolizes life and the presence of God's Spirit, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, where God breathes life into Adam. The lifelessness of idols is a stark contrast to the living God, who is active and sovereign. This highlights the futility of worshipping anything other than the true God, who alone possesses life and the power to give life.<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 problem of evil and injustice in the world. 2. <a href="/topical/i/idol_makers.htm">Idol Makers</a> Individuals or cultures that create and worship idols, which are lifeless objects made of wood, stone, gold, or silver. 3. <a href="/topical/i/idols.htm">Idols</a> Objects of worship that are crafted by human hands, often representing false gods or deities. 4. <a href="/topical/c/chaldeans/babylonians.htm">Chaldeans/Babylonians</a> The nation used by God as an instrument of judgment, known for their idolatry and oppression. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, facing judgment and invasion due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a> Idols, despite their ornate appearance, are lifeless and powerless. They cannot provide guidance or life, contrasting with the living God who speaks and acts. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misplaced_trust.htm">The Danger of Misplaced Trust</a> Trusting in anything other than God, whether material wealth, status, or human wisdom, is akin to idolatry and leads to spiritual emptiness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty and Judgment</a> God pronounces woe upon idolaters, reminding us that He alone is sovereign and will judge those who turn away from Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_true_worship.htm">The Call to True Worship</a> Believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth, recognizing His supremacy and rejecting all forms of idolatry. <a href="/topical/l/living_by_faith.htm">Living by Faith</a> In a world filled with false gods and distractions, Christians are encouraged to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and His ultimate justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 2</a> <a href="/q/how_do_millennials_and_gen_z_differ.htm">What does 'the rocks will cry out' mean?</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/do_finds_challenge_2_chronicles_36_19.htm">Do archaeological findings of Jerusalem's destruction challenge the account given in 2 Chronicles 36:19?</a> <a href="/q/do_idols_in_jeremiah_10_conflict_with_other_texts.htm">Jeremiah 10:14-15: Does the portrayal of idols as complete falsehood conflict with other biblical texts that acknowledge spiritual powers behind foreign gods?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - The prophet now denounces the folly of the maker and worshipper of idols. With this and the following verses compare the taunts in <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>. The wood. From which he carves the image. Awake! Come to my help, as good men pray to the living God (comp. <a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23</a>; 44:28; <a href="/isaiah/51-9.htm">Isaiah 51:9</a>). Arise, it shall teach! The Hebrew is bettor rendered, Arise! it teach! i.e. shall this teach? - an emphatic question expressing astonishment. Vulgate, Numquid ipse docere poterit? The LXX. paraphrases, καὶ αὐτό ἐστι φαντασία, "and itself is a phantasy." It is laid, over. "It" is again emphatic, as if pointed at with the finger. Hence the Vulgate, Ecce iste coopertus est; and Henderson, "There it is, overlaid," etc. The wooden figure was encased in gold or silver plates (see <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Isaiah 40:19</a>; <a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Daniel 3:1</a>). <a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Woe ה֣וֹי (hō·w) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1945.htm">Strong's 1945: </a> Ah! alas! ha! to him who says אֹמֵ֤ר (’ō·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to wood, לָעֵץ֙ (lā·‘êṣ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> Tree, trees, wood ‘Awaken!’ הָקִ֔יצָה (hā·qî·ṣāh) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6974.htm">Strong's 6974: </a> Arise, be awake, watch or to silent דּוּמָ֑ם (dū·mām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1748.htm">Strong's 1748: </a> A silence, in silence, silently stone, לְאֶ֣בֶן (lə·’e·ḇen) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone ‘Come alive!’ ע֖וּרִי (‘ū·rî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5782.htm">Strong's 5782: </a> To rouse oneself, awake Can it ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are give guidance? יוֹרֶ֔ה (yō·w·reh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach Behold, הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! it [is] ה֗וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are overlaid תָּפוּשׂ֙ (tā·p̄ūś) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8610.htm">Strong's 8610: </a> To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably with gold זָהָ֣ב (zā·hāḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky and silver, וָכֶ֔סֶף (wā·ḵe·sep̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money yet there is no אֵ֥ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle breath ר֖וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit in בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃ (bə·qir·bōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> The nearest part, the center it at all. וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/habakkuk/2-19.htm">Habakkuk 2:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-19.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:19 Woe to him who says to (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 2:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 2:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/2-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 2:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 2:20" /></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>