Habakkuk 2:17 For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

◄ Habakkuk 2:17 ►

New International Version
The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you. For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them.

New Living Translation
You cut down the forests of Lebanon. Now you will be cut down. You destroyed the wild animals, so now their terror will be yours. You committed murder throughout the countryside and filled the towns with violence.

English Standard Version
The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, as will the destruction of the beasts that terrified them, for the blood of man and violence to the earth, to cities and all who dwell in them.

Berean Standard Bible
For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

King James Bible
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

New King James Version
For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you, And the plunder of beasts which made them afraid, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it.

New American Standard Bible
“For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its animals by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants.

NASB 1995
“For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants.

NASB 1977
“For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you, And the devastation of its beasts by which you terrified them, Because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, To the town and all its inhabitants.

Amplified Bible
“For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you; The destruction of the animals will terrify you On account of human bloodshed and the violence done to the land, To the city and all its inhabitants.

Christian Standard Bible
For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of animals will terrify you because of your human bloodshed and violence against lands, cities, and all who live in them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of animals will terrify you because of your human bloodshed and violence against lands, cities, and all who live in them.

American Standard Version
For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.

Contemporary English Version
You destroyed trees and animals on Mount Lebanon; you were ruthless to towns and people everywhere. Now you will be terrorized.

English Revised Version
For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction done to the animals will terrify you because of the slaughter and violence done to lands, cities, and all their inhabitants.

Good News Translation
You have cut down the forests of Lebanon; now you will be cut down. You killed its animals; now animals will terrify you. This will happen because of the murders you have committed and because of your violence against the people of the world and its cities.

International Standard Version
Indeed, the violence done to Lebanon will overtake you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrorize you— because you shed human blood and did violence to the land, to the city, and to all who live in it."

Majority Standard Bible
For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers.

NET Bible
For you will pay in full for your violent acts against Lebanon; terrifying judgment will come upon you because of the way you destroyed the wild animals living there. You have shed human blood and committed violent acts against lands, cities, and those who live in them.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

World English Bible
For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals will terrify you, because of men’s blood and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For violence [done to] Lebanon covers you, "" And spoil of beasts frightens them, "" Because of man’s blood, and of violence [to] the land, "" [To] the city, and [to] all dwelling in it.

Young's Literal Translation
For violence to Lebanon doth cover thee, And spoil of beasts doth affright them, Because of man's blood, and of violence to the land, To the city, and to all dwelling in it.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the destruction of beasts shall terrify them from the bloods of man, and the violence of the earth, of the city, and all dwelling in it.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For the iniquity of Libanus shall cover thee, and the ravaging of beasts shall terrify them because of the blood of men, and the iniquity of the land, and of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the iniquity of Lebanon will cover you, and the devastation of animals which will deter them from the blood of men, and the iniquity of the earth and the city, and of all who dwell therein.

New American Bible
For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover you, and the destruction of the animals shall terrify you; Because of the shedding of human blood, and violence done to the land, to the city and to all who live in it.

New Revised Standard Version
For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you; the destruction of the animals will terrify you— because of human bloodshed and violence to the earth, to cities and all who live in them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plundering of the beasts shall trouble you because of the blood of men, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all who dwell therein.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plundering of the animals shall trouble you, from the blood of a son man, and the rape of the land, of the city and of all its inhabitants!

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For the violence done to Lebanon shall cover thee, And the destruction of the beasts, which made them afraid; Because of men's blood, and for the violence done to the land, To the city and to all that dwell therein.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the ungodliness of Libanus shall cover thee, and distress because of wild beasts shall dismay thee, because of the blood of men, and the sins of the land and city, and of all that dwell in it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Woe to the Chaldeans
…16You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. 17For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. 18What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 14:8
Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: “Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.”

Jeremiah 50:28
Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple.

Nahum 3:19
There is no healing for your injury; your wound is severe. All who hear the news of you applaud your downfall, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?

Zephaniah 2:10
This they shall have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts.

Isaiah 47:6
I was angry with My people; I profaned My heritage, and I placed them under your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke.

Jeremiah 51:24
Before your very eyes I will repay Babylon and all the dwellers of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 25:12-14
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’

Obadiah 1:10
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.

Isaiah 33:1
Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed.

Jeremiah 25:14
For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’”

Revelation 18:6
Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Romans 2:8-9
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. / There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;

Treasury of Scripture

For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

the violence.

Zechariah 11:1
Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

because.

Habakkuk 2:8
Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

Psalm 55:23
But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Psalm 137:8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

of the city.

Jeremiah 50:28,33,34
The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple…

Jeremiah 51:24,34-37
And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD…

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Acts Affright Afraid Animals Beasts Blood Bloodshed Cattle Cause Cities City Cover Destroyed Destruction Devastation Dwell Dwelling Earth Fear Human Inhabitants Lebanon Overwhelm Shed Spoil Terrified Terrify Therein Violence Violent

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Habakkuk 2

1. Unto Habakkuk, waiting for an answer, is shown that he must wait by faith.
5. The judgment upon the Chaldean for unsatiableness,
9. for covetousness,
12. for cruelty,
15. for drunkenness,
18. and for idolatry.

Berean Study Bible

For the violence against Lebanon
The phrase "violence against Lebanon" refers to the historical context of the Babylonian empire's aggression and exploitation of the region. Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars, symbolizes not only the physical land but also the broader creation of God. The Hebrew word for "violence" here is "ḥāmās," which implies unjust and oppressive actions. This serves as a reminder of God's justice against those who exploit and destroy His creation, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect and honor the earth.

will overwhelm you
The term "overwhelm" suggests a complete and unavoidable consequence. In Hebrew, the word can be linked to "kāsâ," meaning to cover or engulf. This indicates that the Babylonians, who were once the oppressors, will themselves be consumed by the repercussions of their actions. It is a divine principle that those who sow violence will ultimately reap the same, underscoring the biblical theme of divine retribution.

and the destruction of the beasts will terrify you
"Destruction of the beasts" highlights the ecological impact of human sin and violence. The Hebrew word for "destruction" is "šōd," which conveys devastation and ruin. This phrase points to the interconnectedness of all creation and how human sin affects not just people but the entire ecosystem. The terror that follows is a natural consequence of disrupting God's order, reminding believers of the stewardship role humanity has over creation.

because of your bloodshed against man
"Bloodshed against man" directly addresses the moral and ethical violations committed by the Babylonians. The Hebrew term "dām" for blood signifies life, and its wrongful shedding is a grave sin. This phrase serves as a stark warning against the devaluation of human life and the severe consequences that follow such actions. It calls Christians to uphold the sanctity of life as a fundamental biblical principle.

and your violence against the land
The "violence against the land" speaks to the exploitation and degradation of the earth. The Hebrew word "ḥāmās" is again used here, reinforcing the idea of oppressive actions. This phrase highlights the biblical mandate to care for the earth, as seen in Genesis, where humanity is given dominion to steward, not exploit, creation. It serves as a call to environmental responsibility and respect for God's creation.

the city, and all their dwellers
This final phrase encompasses the totality of the Babylonians' transgressions. "The city" represents human civilization and community, while "all their dwellers" includes every individual affected by the empire's actions. The Hebrew context here emphasizes collective responsibility and the widespread impact of sin. It is a reminder that societal sins affect everyone and that communities are called to pursue justice and righteousness collectively.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) For the violence of Lebanon. . . .--Better, For the violence done to Lebanon shall overwhelm thee, and the destruction of the beasts which it frightened away. The rest of the verse is a refrain taken from the first woe, that of Habakkuk 2:8. The "destruction of beasts" points, we think, to a raid on the cattle feeding on the sides of Lebanon. But more than this is probably included in the phrase the violence done to Lebanon. Habakkuk probably foresees how the invader will cut down the cedar forests in Lebanon to adorn the palaces of Babylon. (Comp. Isaiah 14:7-8.) All these outrages shall in due time be Avenged on himself. Some commentators, however, explain the expression as a bold synecdoche, Lebanon representing the Holy Land (of which it was the beauty), or even the Temple, both of which Nebuchadnezzar laid waste.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee; LXX., ἀσέβεια τοῦ Λιβάνου: iniquitas Libani (Vulgate). It would be plainer if translated, "the violence against," or "practised on, Lebanon," as the sentence refers to the devastation inflicted by the Chaldeans on the forests of Lebanon (comp. Isaiah 14:8; Isaiah 37:24). Jerome confines the expression in the text to the demolition of the temple at Jerusalem in the construction of which much cedar was employed; others take Lebanon as a figure for Palestine generally, or for Jerusalem itself; but it is best understood literally. The same devastation which the Chaldeans made in Lebanon shall "cover," overwhelm, and destroy them. And the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid. The introduction of the relative is not required, and the passage may be better translated, And the destruction of beasts made them (others read "thee") afraid. Septuagint, "And the wretchedness of the beasts shall affright thee." Jerome, in his commentary, renders, "Et vastitas animalium opprimet te." The meaning is that the wholesale destruction of the wild animals of Lebanon, occasioned by the operations of the Chaldeans, shall be visited upon this people. They warred not only against men, but against the lower creatures too; and for this retributive punishment awaited them. Because of men's blood, etc. The reason rendered in ver. 8 is here repeated. Of the land, etc., means "toward" or "against" the land.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

your violence
חֲמַ֤ס (ḥă·mas)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain

against Lebanon
לְבָנוֹן֙ (lə·ḇā·nō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel

will overwhelm you,
יְכַסֶּ֔ךָּ (yə·ḵas·se·kā)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

and the destruction
וְשֹׁ֥ד (wə·šōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7701: Violence, havoc, devastation, ruin

of animals
בְּהֵמ֖וֹת (bə·hê·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

will terrify you,
יְחִיתַ֑ן (yə·ḥî·ṯan)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine plural
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

because of the blood
מִדְּמֵ֤י (mid·də·mê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of men
אָדָם֙ (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and violence
וַחֲמַס־ (wa·ḥă·mas-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain

against lands,
אֶ֔רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

cities,
קִרְיָ֖ה (qir·yāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7151: A town, city

and everyone
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in them.
יֹ֥שְׁבֵי (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

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OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:17 For the violence done to Lebanon will (Hab Hb)