Habakkuk 2:1 kjv

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.

Habakkuk 2:1 nkjv

I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.

Habakkuk 2:1 niv

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

Habakkuk 2:1 esv

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Habakkuk 2:1 nlt

I will climb up to my watchtower
and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the LORD says
and how he will answer my complaint.

Habakkuk 2 verses

Habakkuk 2 1 Meaning

Habakkuk 2:1 describes the prophet's spiritual posture and fervent anticipation as he awaits God's response to his lament. After presenting his complaints about the divine allowance of injustice and the coming Babylonian judgment, Habakkuk resolves to station himself like a watchman on a tower, prepared to listen intently for God's revelatory word. His goal is not merely to hear, but to receive understanding that will enable him to frame a proper response to his initial queries and challenges regarding God's ways. It embodies a deep commitment to seeking divine counsel and an expectation of clarification.

Habakkuk 2 1 Context

Habakkuk chapter 2 verse 1 immediately follows Habakkuk's second lament (Hab 1:12-17), where he expresses profound perplexity and protest to God regarding the impending judgment by the Chaldeans (Babylonians). Having received God's initial reply in chapter 1, which revealed God would use an even more wicked nation to judge Judah, Habakkuk does not immediately accept this, but rather pours out his "complaint" (Hab 1:13, 17). This verse, Hab 2:1, serves as the prophet's deliberate pause and active preparation to receive a further, clearer revelation from God. He positions himself as a spiritual sentinel, waiting for the Lord to speak, expecting a divine response that will address his profound questions about God's justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness in the face of escalating wickedness. It sets the stage for God's decisive answers in the rest of chapter 2, including the famous declaration "the righteous shall live by his faith."

Habakkuk 2 1 Word analysis

• I will stand (אֶתְיַצְּבָה - ʾetyassəḇāh): From the root נצב (natsav), meaning "to take one's stand," "to stand firmly." The Hithpael stem suggests an active, deliberate, and sustained posture. It's not passive waiting, but a firm, intentional resolve to take a particular stance. It conveys an attitude of readiness and unwavering determination.
• upon my watch (עַל מִשְׁמַרְתִּי - ʿal mishmarti):
  • Watch (mishmereth): Refers to a place or duty of guarding, custody, or observance. It signifies the prophet adopting the role of a sentinel or guard. This echoes the watchman motif found in other prophetic books (e.g., Isa 21:8, Ezek 3:17), where the watchman is responsible for observing and reporting what he sees and hears. It implies vigilance, duty, and spiritual alertness.
  • My: Emphasizes Habakkuk's personal commitment and specific responsibility to receive and convey divine revelation.
• and station myself (וַאֲצַפֶּה - vaʾatsappeh): From the root צפה (tsafah), meaning "to look out," "to keep watch," "to spy." The Piel stem here denotes an intense, active, and persistent gazing or watching, suggesting a profound anticipation and eager expectation. It conveys straining to see and understand.
• upon the tower (עַל מָצוֹר - ʿal matzor):
  • Tower (matzor): Literally means a siege-works or a fortified place. Here, it likely symbolizes a high, strategic vantage point, providing a clear and unobstructed view, enabling the prophet to see what is coming from afar and to hear distinctively. Spiritually, it signifies a place of elevated perspective, set apart for focused communion and reception of divine insight.
• to see (לִרְאוֹת - lirʾôt): From the root ראה (raʾah), meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to discern." It's not just physical seeing, but spiritual comprehension and understanding, anticipating a vision or divine revelation.
• what He will say to me (מַה יְדַבֶּר בִּי - mah yedabbēr bī):
  • Say/speak (dabber): From the root דבר (davar), "to speak." The Piel stem implies a deliberate, specific, and direct address, suggesting that God's answer will be precise and meaningful.
  • To me (bi): Emphasizes a direct, personal communication from God to Habakkuk, confirming the nature of prophetic revelation.
• and what I shall answer (וּמָה אָשִׁיב - ūmah ʾashîb): From the root שׁוב (shuv), meaning "to return," but in the Hiphil stem, it means "to answer" or "to reply." This indicates Habakkuk's readiness not just to receive, but to process and respond articulately concerning his spiritual struggles and the divine pronouncement.
• concerning my complaint (עַל תּוֹכַחְתִּי - ʿal tôḵaḥtî):
  • Complaint (tokhaḥtî): From the root יכח (yakhach), which means "to argue," "to rebuke," "to reprove." Here, it specifically refers to Habakkuk's lament, his argumentation, and the questions he raised before God about divine justice and the problem of evil (as expressed in Hab 1:12-17). It indicates his expectation for a full resolution or clarification regarding the issues he presented.

Habakkuk 2 1 Bonus section

The "watchman" motif (Hebrew: mishmereth) is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, signifying responsibility to God for warning, interpreting, and delivering divine messages (e.g., Isa 62:6, Ezek 3:17-21, 33:7). Habakkuk embodies this duty, demonstrating that the prophet's role involves not just speaking, but also profoundly listening. The act of placing oneself "upon the tower" suggests seeking an unhindered perspective, elevating oneself spiritually to cut through earthly distractions and better receive divine signals. This implies that true understanding of God's ways often requires a deliberate spiritual separation and focus. The anticipation of God "speaking to me" is key to prophetic calling—it emphasizes the personal, direct, and intimate nature of divine revelation to His chosen instruments. Furthermore, Habakkuk's readiness to form an "answer" implies the integration of faith with intellect, demonstrating that spiritual inquiry, when rooted in earnest submission, leads to deeper understanding and not merely a static reply.

Habakkuk 2 1 Commentary

Habakkuk 2:1 captures the essence of profound spiritual anticipation in the face of theological perplexity. The prophet, having aired his grievance and frustration before the Lord, now adopts a posture of determined receptivity. This isn't merely passive waiting, but an active, vigilant stance, likened to a watchman on a lookout tower. This strategic positioning implies a readiness to clearly receive and accurately discern God's forthcoming word, even as the previous revelation brought deeper questions. His intention "to see what He will say to me" underscores the necessity of direct divine communication to resolve his intellectual and spiritual anguish. Furthermore, his desire to know "what I shall answer concerning my complaint" reveals a commitment not just to hear, but to internalize, process, and ultimately align his understanding and attitude with God's ultimate truth. This verse sets a vital precedent for seeking God in times of confusion and awaiting His definitive word, particularly in moments where His ways seem inscrutable or contradictory to human logic. It calls for perseverance in prayer and a resolute watchfulness for divine revelation.