Habakkuk 2:4 kjv — Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

King James Version

"Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

— Habakkuk 2:4, King James Version

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Habakkuk 2:4 in Other Translations

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Habakkuk 2 — Context

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.

2

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

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.

4

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

5

Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

6

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

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 2:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Habakkuk 2:4 say?
Habakkuk 2:4 in the King James Version reads: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
Where is Habakkuk 2:4 in the Bible?
Habakkuk 2:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Habakkuk, chapter 2, verse 4.
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 2:4.
What translation should I read Habakkuk 2:4 in?
Habakkuk 2:4 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 2:4?
Habakkuk 2:4 reads (KJV): “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” 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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