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Habakkuk 1:14 You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler.

<!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 1:14 You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/habakkuk/1-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/35_Hab_01_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Habakkuk 1:14 - Habakkuk's Second Complaint" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler." /><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/1-14.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/1-14.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 14</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="/ad14.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/1-13.htm" title="Habakkuk 1:13">&#9668;</a> Habakkuk 1:14 <a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm" title="Habakkuk 1:15">&#9658;</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">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Are we only fish to be caught and killed? Are we only sea creatures that have no leader?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You make mankind like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, <i>that have</i> no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/habakkuk/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Why</i> do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things <i>that have</i> no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Why</i> have You made people like the fish of the sea, Like crawling things that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Why have You made men like the fish of the sea, Like creeping things without a ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/habakkuk/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Why</i> hast Thou made men like the fish of the sea, Like creeping things without a ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And You have made men like the fish of the sea, Like creeping things without a ruler over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/habakkuk/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Why do You make men like the fish of the sea, Like reptiles <i>and</i> creeping things that have no ruler [and are helpless against their enemies]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/habakkuk/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have made mankind like the fish of the sea, like marine creatures that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have made mankind like the fish of the sea, like marine creatures that have no ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/habakkuk/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/habakkuk/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The people you put on this earth are like fish or reptiles without a leader. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/habakkuk/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/habakkuk/1.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />You make all people like the fish in the sea, like schools of sea life that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/habakkuk/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />How can you treat people like fish or like a swarm of insects that have no ruler to direct them? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/habakkuk/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You have fashioned mankind like fish in the ocean, like creeping things that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/habakkuk/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have made men like the fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/habakkuk/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You made people like fish in the sea, like animals in the sea that have no ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/habakkuk/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and make men like the fish of the sea, like the crawling creatures, that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping animals that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/habakkuk/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things that have no ruler over them? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/habakkuk/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And You make man as fishes of the sea, "" As a creeping thing [with] none ruling over him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/habakkuk/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Thou makest man as fishes of the sea, As a creeping thing -- none ruling over him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/habakkuk/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And wilt thou make man as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping thing no ruler over him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/habakkuk/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou wilt make men as the fishes of the sea, and as the creeping things that have no ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/habakkuk/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you will make men like the fish of the sea and like the creeping things that have no ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/habakkuk/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You have made mortals like the fish in the sea, like creeping things without a leader. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/habakkuk/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You have made people like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/habakkuk/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And thou didst make men as the fish of the sea, as the creeping things that have no ruler over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/habakkuk/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you have made the children of men as the fish in the sea and like creeping things that have no Leader<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/habakkuk/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And makest men as the fishes of the sea, As the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/habakkuk/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And wilt thou make men as the fishes of the sea, and as the reptiles which have no guide?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryPix4COoVE?start=153" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/habakkuk/1.htm">Habakkuk's Second Complaint</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">13</span>Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wat&#183;ta&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#347;eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">You have made</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: &#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;m (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/1709.htm" title="1709: ki&#7695;&#183;&#7713;&#234; (Prep-k:: N-mpc) -- A fish. Or dag; from dagah; a fish; or perhaps rather from da'ag; but still better from da'ag; a fish.">like the fish</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: hay&#183;y&#257;m (Art:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">of the sea,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7431.htm" title="7431: k&#601;&#183;re&#183;me&#347; (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Creeping things, moving things. From ramas; a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal.">like creeping things</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333;- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that have no</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: m&#333;&#183;&#353;&#234;l (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">ruler.</a> <a href="/hebrew/b&#333;w (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his dragnet, and gathers them in his fishing net; so he rejoices gladly.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/16-16.htm">Jeremiah 16:16</a></span><br />But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-8.htm">Isaiah 19:8</a></span><br />Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook into the Nile will lament, and those who spread nets on the waters will pine away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/29-4.htm">Ezekiel 29:4-5</a></span><br />But I will put hooks in your jaws and cause the fish of your streams to cling to your scales. I will haul you up out of your rivers, and all the fish of your streams will cling to your scales. / I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open field and will not be taken away or gathered for burial. I have given you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the air.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/4-2.htm">Amos 4:2</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness: &#8220;Behold, the days are coming when you will be taken away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a></span><br />&#8220;Come, follow Me,&#8221; Jesus said, &#8220;and I will make you fishers of men.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-17.htm">Mark 1:17</a></span><br />&#8220;Come, follow Me,&#8221; Jesus said, &#8220;and I will make you fishers of men.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-4.htm">Ezekiel 38:4</a></span><br />I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army&#8212;your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-24.htm">Job 12:24-25</a></span><br />He deprives the earth&#8217;s leaders of reason and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. / They grope in the darkness without light; He makes them stagger like drunkards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/8-8.htm">Psalm 8:8</a></span><br />the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-20.htm">Isaiah 51:20</a></span><br />Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/5-10.htm">Luke 5:10</a></span><br />and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. &#8220;Do not be afraid,&#8221; Jesus said to Simon. &#8220;From now on you will catch men.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-6.htm">John 21:6</a></span><br />He told them, &#8220;Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.&#8221; So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/74-14.htm">Psalm 74:14</a></span><br />You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20</a></span><br />But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">Matthew 13:47-50</a></span><br />Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. / When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. / So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And make men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?</p><p class="hdg">creeping.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm">Proverbs 6:7</a></b></br> Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/micah/7-17.htm">Crawling</a> <a href="/micah/7-17.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/nahum/3-16.htm">Creeping</a> <a href="/jonah/2-10.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-20.htm">Fishes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-7.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/amos/6-14.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/micah/7-17.htm">Worms</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-17.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Crawling</a> <a href="/acts/10-12.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/acts/10-12.htm">Creeping</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Fish</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Fishes</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/haggai/2-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-14.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Worms</a><div class="vheading2">Habakkuk 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-1.htm">Unto Habakkuk, complaining of the iniquity of the land,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">is shown the fearful vengeance by the Chaldeans.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">He complains that vengeance should be executed by them who are far worse.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/habakkuk/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>You have made men like the fish of the sea</b><br>This phrase reflects the prophet Habakkuk's lament over the apparent chaos and lack of divine intervention in the world. The imagery of men being like fish suggests vulnerability and helplessness, as fish are often seen as prey, easily caught and consumed. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sea often symbolized chaos and disorder, a place where human control is absent. This metaphor highlights the perceived absence of God's justice, as people are left to fend for themselves in a tumultuous world. The comparison to fish also echoes themes found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12</a>, where humans are likened to fish caught in a net, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of divine judgment.<p><b>like creeping things that have no ruler</b><br>The reference to "creeping things" further emphasizes the idea of insignificance and lack of guidance. In biblical literature, creeping things often represent creatures that are lowly and without status, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-24.htm">Genesis 1:24-26</a>, where they are among the last of God's creations. The absence of a ruler suggests a lack of order and leadership, which in the context of Habakkuk, points to the prophet's concern over the moral and spiritual direction of the people. This imagery can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of Israel's need for a righteous leader, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the Good Shepherd in <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>, providing guidance and protection to His flock. The phrase underscores the need for divine intervention and governance in a world that seems to be spiraling into chaos.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/habakkuk.htm">Habakkuk</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the injustices he sees in Judah and questions God's ways.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, experiencing moral and spiritual decline during Habakkuk's time.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonians.htm">Babylonians (Chaldeans)</a></b><br>The rising power used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah, mentioned in the broader context of Habakkuk.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fish_of_the_sea.htm">Fish of the Sea</a></b><br>A metaphor used by Habakkuk to describe the people, emphasizing their vulnerability and lack of direction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sea_creatures.htm">Sea Creatures</a></b><br>Symbolic of chaos and lack of governance, representing the state of humanity without divine guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_human_vulnerability.htm">Understanding Human Vulnerability</a></b><br>Recognize that without God's guidance, humanity is directionless and vulnerable, much like fish in the sea.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_divine_leadership.htm">The Need for Divine Leadership</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of submitting to God's rule to bring order and purpose to our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_chaos.htm">God's Sovereignty in Chaos</a></b><br>Trust in God's sovereignty even when the world seems chaotic and leaderless, knowing He has a plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_our_role.htm">Reflecting on Our Role</a></b><br>Consider how we can fulfill our God-given role to bring order and stewardship to the world around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_guidance.htm">Prayer for Guidance</a></b><br>Encourage regular prayer for God's guidance and wisdom in navigating life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_habakkuk_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'called_by_his_purpose'_mean.htm">How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_god's_rule_with_oppression.htm">How can we reconcile God's ultimate kingship with the continuing oppression seen throughout history? (Psalm 10:16-18)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/exodus_8_2-4__why_no_evidence_of_frogs.htm">Exodus 8:2-4: How could millions of frogs suddenly appear everywhere without leaving clear historical or scientific evidence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_direct_cruel_rulers'_hearts.htm">Proverbs 21:1: How can a king's heart be completely directed by God if history is full of cruel rulers who appear to have acted against any divine morality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/habakkuk/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - The prophet appeals movingly to God by showing the indignity with which the people are treated. <span class="cmt_word">As the fishes of the sea.</span> Dumb and helpless, swept off by the fisherman. That have no ruler ever them. None to guide and protect them (comp. <a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm">Proverbs 6:7</a>; <a href="/proverbs/30-27.htm">Proverbs 30:27</a>). So the Jews seem to be deprived of God's care, and left to be the prey of the spoiler, as if of little worth, and no longer having God for their King (comp. <a href="/isaiah/63-19.htm">Isaiah 63:19</a>, Revised Version). The "creeping things" are worms, or small fish (<a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Psalm 104:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You have made</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1514;&#1468;&#1463;&#1506;&#1458;&#1513;&#1474;&#1462;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(wat&#183;ta&#183;&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#347;eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1464;&#1491;&#1464;&#1430;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#257;&#183;&#7695;&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like the fish</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1460;&#1491;&#1456;&#1490;&#1461;&#1443;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(ki&#7695;&#183;&#7713;&#234;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k &#124; Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1709.htm">Strong's 1709: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sea,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1464;&#1425;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(hay&#183;y&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like sea creatures</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1456;&#1512;&#1462;&#1430;&#1502;&#1462;&#1513;&#1474;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#601;&#183;re&#183;me&#347;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7431.htm">Strong's 7431: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reptile, any other rapidly moving animal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with no</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1465;&#1488;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#333;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ruler.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1465;&#1513;&#1473;&#1461;&#1445;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#333;&#183;&#353;&#234;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/habakkuk/1-14.htm">Habakkuk 1:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/habakkuk/1-14.htm">OT Prophets: Habakkuk 1:14 And make men like the fish (Hab Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/habakkuk/1-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Habakkuk 1:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Habakkuk 1:15" /></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>

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