What does Habakkuk 2:16 mean?
"Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory." - Habakkuk 2:16
"Habakkuk 2:16" in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory."
The book of Habakkuk is part of the Old Testament and is one of the twelve minor prophets. Habakkuk is a unique book in the Bible, as it consists primarily of a dialogue between the prophet and God, in which the prophet questions the ways of God and receives divine answers. The verse "Habakkuk 2:16" is part of God's response to the prophet's inquiries.
In this verse, God is addressing a specific group of people, and the language used is harsh and judgmental. The phrase "Thou art filled with shame for glory" can be interpreted as a rebuke for those who seek glory and honor in ways that are not aligned with God's will. The mention of "drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered" is a metaphorical language indicating that the people will experience shame and humiliation as a result of their actions. The "cup of the LORD'S right hand" symbolizes divine judgment and punishment, and "shameful spewing shall be on thy glory" suggests that the people's pride and achievements will be tarnished and disgraced.
The primary theme of "Habakkuk 2:16" is the consequences of pride and arrogance. The verse warns against seeking glory and honor in ways that are contrary to God's will and the moral principles. It reflects the biblical principle that pride comes before a fall, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. The imagery of shame and disgrace is a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of pride and the importance of humility before God.
The verse also reflects the theme of divine judgment and justice. The "cup of the LORD'S right hand" represents the divine punishment for the wrongdoing, and the imagery of "shameful spewing" conveys the severity of God's retribution. It serves as a warning that God sees and judges the actions of humankind, and those who act unjustly will face the consequences.
The context of "Habakkuk 2:16" is important for understanding its meaning. The book of Habakkuk was written during a period of social and moral decay in Judah, and the prophet raises questions about the apparent injustices and the seeming indifference of God. God's response, including the verse in question, reaffirms the principle of divine justice and the certainty of the judgment for the wrongdoers. It serves as a reminder of the moral responsibility of the people and the consequences of their actions.
The symbolism in "Habakkuk 2:16" is rich and vivid. The "cup of the LORD'S right hand" symbolizes God's power and authority in administering justice. The imagery of shame and exposure conveys the depth of humiliation and disgrace that the people will experience. The use of metaphorical language adds a layer of depth to the verse and reinforces its message.
In conclusion, "Habakkuk 2:16" in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful and evocative verse that conveys the themes of pride, divine judgment, and justice. It serves as a warning against seeking glory and honor in ways that are contrary to God's will and emphasizes the consequences of wrongdoing. The verse's context and symbolism further enrich its meaning and underscore its relevance in the broader biblical narrative.
Have questions about Habakkuk 2:16?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Habakkuk 2:16 Artwork
Habakkuk 2:16 - "Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory."
"Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory." - Habakkuk 2:16
Habakkuk 1:16 - "Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous."
Habakkuk 2:1-3
Habakkuk 2:12 - "¶ Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!"
Habakkuk 2:14 - "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
Habakkuk 2:11 - "For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it."
Habakkuk 2:2 - "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."
Habakkuk 2:20 - "But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him."
Habakkuk 2:13 - "Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?"
Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Habakkuk 2:4 - "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."
Habakkuk 2:7 - "Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?"
Habakkuk 2:10 - "Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul."
Habakkuk 2:15 - "¶ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!"
"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." - Habakkuk 2:14
"I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved." - Habakkuk 2:1
"¶ Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!" - Habakkuk 2:12
Habakkuk 2:9 - "¶ Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!"
Habakkuk 1:2 - "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!"
Habakkuk 2:19 - "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."
Habakkuk 2:18 - "¶ What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?"
Habakkuk 2:17 - "For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein."
"Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous." - Habakkuk 1:16
"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." - Habakkuk 2:14
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - Habakkuk 2:2
Habakkuk 2:8 - "Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein."
Habakkuk 2:1 - "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved."
Habakkuk 3:16 - "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops."
Habakkuk 3:2 - "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."