Habakkuk
The Prophet of FaithProphet who questioned God about justice and received the foundational truth: 'The righteous shall live by faith'
Habakkuk is unique among prophets - rather than speaking to the people for God, he speaks to God for the people, wrestling with the problem of evil. Why does God allow wickedness? God's answer - that He would use wicked Babylon to judge Judah - raised an even harder question. The resolution comes in the famous declaration 'The righteous shall live by faith,' quoted three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38) and foundational to the Protestant Reformation.
Original Name
חֲבַקּוּק (Chavaqquq)
Meaning
Embrace, One who embraces
Etymology
Habakkuk comes from the Hebrew root 'chabaq' meaning 'to embrace.' This may indicate that he 'embraced' his people in intercession or was 'embraced' by God with revelation. Some connect it to an Akkadian plant name.
Linguistic Insights
Habakkuk's name ('Embrace') fits his posture of wrestling with God in prayer and being embraced by faith despite unanswered questions. The pivotal phrase 'the righteous shall live by his faith' (tsaddiq be'emunato yichyeh - צַדִּיק בֶּאֱמוּנָתוֹ יִחְיֶה) uses 'emunah' which means faithfulness, steadfastness, and trust. Chapter 3 is written as a psalm with musical notations ('Shigionoth,' 'Selah') suggesting liturgical use. The final declaration 'yet I will rejoice' (va'ani YHWH e'elozah) demonstrates faith triumphing over circumstances. Habakkuk 1:5 is quoted in Acts 13:41 regarding those who reject the gospel.
Translation Notes
- •Name possibly means 'Embrace' - fitting his prayer posture
- •Habakkuk 2:4 quoted in Romans, Galatians, Hebrews
- •Chapter 3 has musical notations like Psalms
- •Unique dialogue structure between prophet and God
Related Terms
First complaint: Why does God tolerate injustice?
Habakkuk 1:1-4God's answer: Babylon is coming
Habakkuk 1:5-11Second complaint: Why use wicked Babylon?
Habakkuk 1:12-2:1God's answer: The righteous shall live by faith
Habakkuk 2:2-4Five woes against Babylon
Habakkuk 2:6-20Prayer and psalm of faith
Habakkuk 3:1-19Habakkuk 1:5
"Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
Habakkuk 2:4
"See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness."
Habakkuk 3:17
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Romans 1:17
"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"