New International Version Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. New Living Translation Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. English Standard Version Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. Berean Standard Bible Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. Berean Literal Bible Why do you cause me to me see iniquity and to look upon trouble? Destruction and violence are before me, and there is strife, and contention rises up. King James Bible Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. New King James Version Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. New American Standard Bible Why do You make me see disaster, And make me look at destitution? Yes, devastation and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. NASB 1995 Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. NASB 1977 Why dost Thou make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. Legacy Standard Bible Why do You make me see wickedness And cause me to look on trouble? Indeed, devastation and violence are before me; And there is strife, and contention is lifted up. Amplified Bible Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? For destruction and violence are before me; Strife continues and contention arises. Berean Annotated Bible Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. Christian Standard Bible Why do you force me to look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. Holman Christian Standard Bible Why do You force me to look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. American Standard Version Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up. Contemporary English Version Why do you make me watch such terrible injustice? Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty to spread everywhere? English Revised Version Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there is strife, and contention riseth up. GOD'S WORD® Translation Why do you make me see wrongdoing? And why do you watch wickedness? Destruction and violence are in front of me. Quarrels and disputes arise. Good News Translation Why do you make me see such trouble? How can you stand to look on such wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are all around me, and there is fighting and quarreling everywhere. International Standard Version Why are you forcing me to look at iniquity and to stare at wickedness? Social havoc and oppression are all around me; there are legal conflicts, and disputes abound. NET Bible Why do you force me to witness injustice? Why do you put up with wrongdoing? Destruction and violence confront me; conflict is present and one must endure strife. New Heart English Bible Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up. Webster's Bible Translation Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for devastation and violence are before me: and there are that raise strife and contention. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. World English Bible Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhy do You show me iniquity, "" And cause [me] to behold perversity? And spoiling and violence [are] before me, "" And there is strife, and contention lifts [itself] up, Berean Literal Bible Why do you cause me to me see iniquity and to look upon trouble? Destruction and violence are before me, and there is strife, and contention rises up. Young's Literal Translation Why dost Thou shew me iniquity, And perversity dost cause to behold? And spoiling and violence are before me, And there is strife, and contention doth lift itself up, Smith's Literal Translation Wherefore wilt thou cause me to see vanity and cause me to look at labor? and oppression and violence before me, and there will be contention, and strife will be raised up. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhy hast thou shewn me iniquity and grievance, to see rapine and injustice before me? and there is a judgment, but opposition is more powerful. Catholic Public Domain Version Why have you revealed to me iniquity and hardship, to see plunder and injustice opposite me? And there has been judgment, but the opposition is more powerful. New American Bible Why do you let me see iniquity? why do you simply gaze at evil? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and discord. New Revised Standard Version Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhy dost thou show me iniquity and deceit? For I see violence and evil; justice was on my side, but the judge accepted bribes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Why have you shown me evil and deceit, and I see plunder and evil? Judgment was before me and the Judge accepts a bribe OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Why dost Thou show me iniquity, And beholdest mischief? And why are spoiling and violence before me? So that there is strife, and contention ariseth. Brenton Septuagint Translation Wherefore hast thou shown me troubles and griefs to look upon, misery and ungodliness? judgment is before me, and the judge receives a reward. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Habakkuk's Complaint…2How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? 3Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. 4Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.… Cross References Why do You make me see iniquity? Ezekiel 8:6 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing—to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations.” Jeremiah 20:18 Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame? Lamentations 3:1 I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Psalm 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Ecclesiastes 8:11 When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. Jeremiah 12:1 Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Destruction and violence are before me. Jeremiah 6:7 As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me. Psalm 55:9 O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. Genesis 6:11-13 Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. / And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. / Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. James 4:1 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. Psalm 73:3-5 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. Job 21:7-9 Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. Psalm 37:1-2 Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants. Ecclesiastes 8:14 There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. Treasury of Scripture Why do you show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Psalm 12:1,2 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men… Psalm 55:9-11 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city… Psalm 73:3-9 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… Jump to Previous Abounds Acts Arise Arises Ariseth Beholdest Bitter Cause Conflict Contention Destruction Devastation Evil-Doing Exists Eyes Fighting Fixed Grievance Iniquity Injustice Itself Lift Mischief Perversity Raise Rises Riseth Shew Show Spoiling Strife Tolerate Trouble Violence Violent Wasting Wickedness Wrong WrongsJump to Next Abounds Acts Arise Arises Ariseth Beholdest Bitter Cause Conflict Contention Destruction Devastation Evil-Doing Exists Eyes Fighting Fixed Grievance Iniquity Injustice Itself Lift Mischief Perversity Raise Rises Riseth Shew Show Spoiling Strife Tolerate Trouble Violence Violent Wasting Wickedness Wrong WrongsHabakkuk 1 1. Unto Habakkuk, complaining of the iniquity of the land,5. is shown the fearful vengeance by the Chaldeans. 12. He complains that vengeance should be executed by them who are far worse. Why do You make me see iniquity? Habakkuk brings Judah’s corruption directly before the Lord. Under King Jehoiakim, idolatry, oppression, and disregard for God’s law had spread through the nation. The prophet is grieved that such wickedness surrounds him and asks why God allows him to witness it without immediate judgment. Ezk 8:6 “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing… Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? God’s holiness stands in sharp contrast to the evil flourishing in Judah. Habakkuk cannot understand why the Lord appears to delay action against those who rebel openly. God’s patience does not excuse sin, but His judgment comes according to His appointed time. Psa 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent;… Destruction and violence are before me. Judah had become marked by cruelty, exploitation, and disorder. The violence Habakkuk sees reflects a nation whose leaders and people had abandoned righteousness. Internal decay would soon be followed by the Babylonian invasion and Jerusalem’s destruction. Jer 6:7 As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil.… Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. Contentions filled public and private life, while justice was weakened by corrupt leadership and selfishness. The nation lacked peace because it had turned from the Lord, setting the stage for the judgment Habakkuk is about to hear announced. Jas 4:1 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you?… Persons / Places / Events 1. HabakkukA prophet in the Old Testament who is known for his dialogue with God, expressing his concerns about the prevalence of evil and injustice. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, where Habakkuk prophesied. During his time, Judah was experiencing moral and spiritual decline. 3. God The Almighty, to whom Habakkuk directs his questions and concerns about the state of the world. 4. Iniquity and Wrongdoing The moral and ethical corruption that Habakkuk observes in his society. 5. Destruction and Violence The physical manifestations of the moral decay that Habakkuk laments. Teaching Points Understanding God's Tolerance of EvilGod’s patience with evil is not indifference; it is an opportunity for repentance and redemption. The Reality of a Fallen World The presence of iniquity and violence is a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for divine intervention. The Role of the Believer in a Troubled World Believers are called to be agents of change, promoting justice and peace in their communities. Trusting in God's Sovereignty Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is in control and His plans are ultimately for good. The Importance of Lament Lament is a biblical way to process grief and confusion, bringing our honest questions and emotions before God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Habakkuk 1:3?2. How does Habakkuk 1:3 challenge us to trust God's plan amidst injustice? 3. What does "destruction and violence are before me" reveal about human nature? 4. How can we apply Habakkuk's concerns to modern societal issues today? 5. How does Habakkuk 1:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on peace and justice? 6. What steps can we take to address "strife and conflict" in our communities? 7. Why does God allow injustice and wrongdoing as described in Habakkuk 1:3? 8. How can a loving God tolerate violence and strife mentioned in Habakkuk 1:3? 9. What historical context explains the turmoil in Habakkuk 1:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Habakkuk 1? (3) Why dost thou shew me iniquity? . . .--Better, Why dost thou show me distress and look upon grievance; oppression and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention exalts itself." The question, "Why dost thou . . . look upon grievance?" is illustrated by Habakkuk 1:13, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil." Grievance, or "trouble wilfully caused." Heb. amal, associated again with aven, a term of similar import, in Psalm 10:7; Psalm 55:11.Verse 3. - Why dost thou show me - Why dost thou let me see daily with my own eyes - iniquity abounding, the very evil which Balaam says (Numbers 23:21) the Lord had not found in Israel? Cause me to behold grievance. This should be, Dost thou look upon perverseness? He asks how God can look on this evil and leave it unpunished. The LXX. and the Vulgate translate the word amal "trouble," or "labour;" Keil, "distress." In this case it means the trouble and distress which a man inflicts on others, as wrong doing seems to be generally spoken cf. Spoiling and violence are before me. "Spoiling" is robbery that causes desolation. "Violence" is conduct that wrongs one's neighbour. The two words are often joined; e.g. Jeremiah 6:7; Amos 3:10. Vulgate, praedam et injustitiam. These are continually coming before the prophet's eyes. There are that raise up strife and contention; better, there is strife, and contention is raised. This refers to the abuse of the Law by grasping, quarrelsome nobles. Septuagint, "Against me judgment hath gone, and the judge receiveth bribes." So the Syriac and Arabic. The Vulgate gives, Factum est judicium, et contradictio potentior, where judicium is used in a bad sense. Habakkuk 1:3 records a godly man’s lament over rampant sin, God’s seeming delay, and the crushing weight of violence and strife. Each phrase highlights a facet of Judah’s moral decay while affirming that the Lord remains sovereign, patient, and perfectly just. Believers today can echo the prophet’s honesty, trust God’s timing, and live as righteous witnesses until He decisively sets all things right. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whyלָ֣מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what do You make me see תַרְאֵ֤נִי (ṯar·’ê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see iniquity? אָ֙וֶן֙ (’ā·wen) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol Why do You tolerate תַּבִּ֔יט (tab·bîṭ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard wrongdoing? וְעָמָ֣ל (wə·‘ā·māl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind Destruction וְשֹׁ֥ד (wə·šōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7701: Violence, havoc, devastation, ruin and violence וְחָמָ֖ס (wə·ḥā·mās) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain [are] before me. לְנֶגְדִּ֑י (lə·neḡ·dî) Preposition-l | first person common singular Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before Strife רִ֦יב (rîḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute is ongoing, וַיְהִ֧י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be and conflict וּמָד֖וֹן (ū·mā·ḏō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4066: A contest, quarrel abounds. יִשָּֽׂא׃ (yiś·śā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take Additonal Resources Habakkuk 1:3 Blue Letter BibleHabakkuk 1:3 Bible Gateway Habakkuk 1:3 Bible.com Habakkuk 1:3 NIV |
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