Habakkuk 2:12 web — Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!

World English Bible

"Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!"

— Habakkuk 2:12, World English Bible

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Habakkuk 2:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Habakkuk 2 — Context

9

Woe to him who gets an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!

10

You have devised shame to your house, by cutting off many peoples, and have sinned against your soul.

11

For the stone will cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the woodwork will answer it.

12

Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!

13

Behold, isn't it of Yahweh of Armies that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?

14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.

15

"Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!

Habakkuk 2:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Habakkuk 2:12 say?
Habakkuk 2:12 in the World English Bible reads: “Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!”
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 (WEB): “Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!” 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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