Habakkuk 1:10 kjv

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Habakkuk 1:10 nkjv

They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it.

Habakkuk 1:10 niv

They mock kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; by building earthen ramps they capture them.

Habakkuk 1:10 esv

At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it.

Habakkuk 1:10 nlt

They scoff at kings and princes
and scorn all their fortresses.
They simply pile ramps of earth
against their walls and capture them!

Habakkuk 1 verses

Habakkuk 1 10 Meaning

Habakkuk 1:10 describes the utter disdain and military might of the Chaldean (Babylonian) army, God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah. They held no regard for human authority, be it kings or rulers, treating them with open mockery and contempt. Their military prowess was so overwhelming that they found amusement in the strongest fortifications, knowing they could easily overcome them through siege tactics like building earthworks, leading to swift and assured conquest.

Habakkuk 1 10 Context

Habakkuk chapter 1 opens with the prophet Habakkuk lamenting the rampant wickedness and injustice in Judah. God responds to his plea by revealing that He is raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians), a "fierce and impetuous nation," to punish Judah for its sins (Hab 1:5-6). Habakkuk 1:7-11 then provides a terrifying description of these Chaldeans: their dreadful and fearsome nature, their swiftness, their unyielding will, and their self-deification, all while acting as God's instrument. Verse 10 specifically details their complete lack of respect for human power structures—kings and rulers—and their military contempt for even the most formidable fortresses, illustrating their overwhelming, confident, and relentless advance, thus painting a picture of the instrument of judgment about to fall on Judah.

Habakkuk 1 10 Word analysis

• They make light of (יְקַלֵּלוּ, yeqallelu): From the Hebrew root qalal (קָלַל), meaning to be light, swift, trifle with, curse, or despise. Here, it conveys an active despising or treating with utter insignificance. It's not just a passive disregard but an active expression of contempt and a treating of authority as trivial. This term shows their supreme self-assurance and haughtiness.
• kings (מְלָכִים, melakhim): Standard Hebrew word for sovereign rulers. This highlights that no human authority, regardless of its might or status, could deter or intimidate the Chaldeans.
• and rulers (רוֹזְנִים, rozĕnim): Refers to princes, potentates, or officials of high rank. This word works in parallelism with "kings," broadening the scope of the Chaldeans' contempt to include all forms of governing power or nobility.
• are a scorn (מִשְׂחָק, misḥaq): This noun means laughter, mockery, derision, or sport. It emphasizes that earthly rulers are treated as an object of amusement, highlighting the Chaldeans' feeling of invincibility.
• to them: Indicates the subject (kings/rulers) are objects of the Chaldeans' contempt.
• they laugh (יִשְׂחָקוּ, yisḥaqu): From the verb saḥaq (שָׂחַק), related to misḥaq, meaning to laugh, jest, or play. This underscores their mocking attitude, not just at rulers but at physical defenses. It suggests an attitude of amusement and triumph even before engaging in battle with fortresses.
• at every fortress (מִבְצָר, mivtsar): Refers to fortified cities or strongholds. This specifies the military targets that were usually considered impenetrable but are rendered objects of ridicule by the Chaldeans' might.
• and build up earthworks (וַיִּשְׁפֹּךְ עָפָר, vayyishpakh ‘aphar): Literally, "and pours out dust/earth." This refers to the construction of siege ramps or mounds against city walls, a common and effective siege tactic used by ancient Near Eastern armies like the Babylonians. It signifies their systematic, determined, and ultimately successful method of conquest.
• and take it (וַיִּלְכְּדָהּ, vayilkedah): Means to capture, seize, or conquer. This is the culmination, indicating the guaranteed outcome of their military endeavors.

Words-group analysis:

• "They make light of kings, and rulers are a scorn to them": This phrase employs synonymous parallelism, emphasizing the deep contempt the Chaldeans held for all forms of human authority. It reveals their self-exaltation and disregard for the established order.
• "they laugh at every fortress and build up earthworks and take it": This phrase vividly portrays their military confidence and ruthlessness. The progression from mocking (laughing at) to methodical action (building earthworks) to inevitable conquest (take it) illustrates their absolute assurance of victory against any defensive structure. It highlights their advanced and destructive siege warfare techniques.

Habakkuk 1 10 Bonus section

• The Chaldeans' behavior, specifically their contempt for kings and self-proclaimed invincibility, serves as a sharp contrast to God's ultimate sovereignty, preparing the theological ground for Habakkuk's subsequent questioning of how a holy God can use such a wicked instrument (Hab 1:13).
• The detail of "building earthworks" points to the cutting-edge siege technology of the Neo-Babylonian empire, demonstrating their methodical and unstoppable approach to warfare. This was not haphazard violence but calculated conquest.
• This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly power and security when set against God's decree, even when that decree is executed through a seemingly irresistible force like the Chaldeans.

Habakkuk 1 10 Commentary

Habakkuk 1:10 portrays the overwhelming arrogance and military efficiency of the Chaldeans, instruments in God's hand. Their contempt for kings and rulers signifies not merely a disregard for human authority, but a blasphemous elevation of themselves above all earthly power. They scoff at the notion of invulnerable strongholds, recognizing their own superior military tactics, such as constructing siege ramps (earthworks), ensure capture. This verse highlights their brutality and self-reliance, operating as if their power derived solely from themselves. This very pride and reliance on their own might, however, is precisely what God would ultimately judge, showing that even those He uses for judgment are not exempt from His ultimate sovereign authority and justice.