Habakkuk 2:12 net — Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed– he who starts a town by unjust deeds.

NET Bible

"Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed– he who starts a town by unjust deeds."

— Habakkuk 2:12, NET Bible

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Habakkuk 2:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Habakkuk 2 — Context

9

The one who builds his house by unjust gain is as good as dead. He does this so he can build his nest way up high and escape the clutches of disaster.

10

Your schemes will bring shame to your house. Because you destroyed many nations, you will self-destruct.

11

For the stones in the walls will cry out, and the wooden rafters will answer back.

12

Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed– he who starts a town by unjust deeds.

13

Be sure of this! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has decreed: The nations’ efforts will go up in smoke; their exhausting work will be for nothing.

14

For recognition of the LORD’s sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea.

15

“Woe to you who force your neighbor to drink wine– you who make others intoxicated by forcing them to drink from the bowl of your furious anger, so you can look at their naked bodies.

Habakkuk 2:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Habakkuk 2:12 say?
Habakkuk 2:12 in the NET Bible reads: “Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed– he who starts a town by unjust deeds.”
Where is Habakkuk 2:12 in the Bible?
Habakkuk 2:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Habakkuk, chapter 2, verse 12.
Who wrote Habakkuk?
Habakkuk is traditionally attributed to Habakkuk. It was written c. 612–589 BC.
What is the book of Habakkuk about?
Habakkuk dares to argue with God about injustice — and God answers. The prophet learns that the just shall live by faith, and the book ends with one of Scripture's great hymns of trust: "yet I will rejoice in the LORD."
What are the major themes of Habakkuk?
Habakkuk explores themes including Faith, Justice, Trust, Sovereignty, Joy in Trial. These themes shape the meaning and context of Habakkuk 2:12.
What translation should I read Habakkuk 2:12 in?
Habakkuk 2:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Habakkuk 2:12?
Habakkuk 2:12 reads (NET): “Woe to the one who builds a city by bloodshed– he who starts a town by unjust deeds.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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