Habakkuk 2:9 asv — Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the…

American Standard Version

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

— Habakkuk 2:9, American Standard Version

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Habakkuk 2:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Habakkuk 2 — Context

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 that ladeth himself with pledges!

7

Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booty unto them?

8

Because thou hast plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder thee, because of men’s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.

9

Woe to him that getteth 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

Thou hast devised shame to thy house, by cutting off many peoples, and hast sinned against thy soul.

11

For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.

12

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!

Habakkuk 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Habakkuk 2:9 say?
Habakkuk 2:9 in the American Standard Version reads: “Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! ”
Where is Habakkuk 2:9 in the Bible?
Habakkuk 2:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Habakkuk, chapter 2, verse 9.
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 2:9.
What translation should I read Habakkuk 2:9 in?
Habakkuk 2:9 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 2:9?
Habakkuk 2:9 reads (ASV): “Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil! ” 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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