Habakkuk 2:19 web — Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with…

World English Bible

"Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst."

— Habakkuk 2:19, World English Bible

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5 of 21 translations

Habakkuk 2:19 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Habakkuk 2 — Context

16

You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink, and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh's right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.

17

For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.

18

"What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols?

19

Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst.

20

But Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!"

Habakkuk 2:19 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Habakkuk 2:19 say?
Habakkuk 2:19 in the World English Bible reads: “Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst.”
Where is Habakkuk 2:19 in the Bible?
Habakkuk 2:19 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Habakkuk, chapter 2, verse 19.
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 2:19.
What translation should I read Habakkuk 2:19 in?
Habakkuk 2:19 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 2:19?
Habakkuk 2:19 reads (WEB): “Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in its midst.” 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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