Habakkuk 2:3 kjv

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3 nkjv

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:3 niv

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Habakkuk 2:3 esv

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end ? it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Habakkuk 2:3 nlt

This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.

Habakkuk 2 verses

Habakkuk 2 3 Meaning

Habakkuk 2:3 proclaims the absolute certainty and precise timing of God's divine revelation. The prophetic "vision" that God has given, though it may appear slow or delayed to human perception, is operating according to a predetermined divine schedule. It is actively and surely progressing toward its ultimate fulfillment and will not fail, deceive, or be late in its appointed time. The call is for patient, faithful endurance while awaiting its sure and perfect manifestation.

Habakkuk 2 3 Context

Habakkuk 2:3 is central to God's response to the prophet Habakkuk's lament. In chapter 1, Habakkuk cries out to God, questioning why He tolerates the rampant evil and injustice within Judah (1:2-4). God's surprising and initially perplexing answer is that He is raising up the formidable Chaldeans (Babylonians) to punish Judah (1:5-11). This raises further distress for Habakkuk, who then questions how a just God can use an even more wicked nation as His instrument (1:12-17), a nation that worships its own power (1:16). Having laid out his complaint, Habakkuk states he will stand "on the watchtower" to await God's next reply (2:1). Habakkuk 2:2-3 begins God's direct and comforting answer. God instructs Habakkuk to write down the vision clearly so that it may be easily understood, implying its crucial importance. Verse 3 then immediately follows, providing assurance about the certainty and perfect timing of this divine plan, serving as a crucial prelude to the core declaration in Habakkuk 2:4, "But the righteous shall live by his faith." This vision encompasses both the imminent judgment and eventual fall of Babylon, as well as God's ultimate eschatological victory and establishment of His kingdom. It contrasts human impatience with divine sovereignty and demands faithful waiting.

Habakkuk 2 3 Word analysis

• For still (כִּי־עוֹד, ki-'od): The "for" introduces the reason or explanation for recording the vision. "Still" emphasizes that the vision, though promised, has not yet reached its completion, maintaining its present and future relevance.
• the vision (חָזוֹן, chazon): A divinely given, authoritative revelation or prophetic message. It signifies a clear insight into God's plans and purposes, often concerning future events or profound spiritual truths, differing from mere human dreams or ideas.
• awaits its appointed time (לַמּוֹעֵד, lammo'ed - implied meaning based on mo'ed "appointed time"): The term mo'ed refers to a fixed, pre-designated, or specific time, often a sacred season or meeting. It indicates that the vision's fulfillment is not random but governed by God's precise, predetermined timetable and sovereign schedule, not by human haste or impatience.
• it hastens (וְיָפֵחַ, veyafe'ach): From a root often meaning "to breathe" or "to pant," but here it conveys the idea of striving, pressing, or rushing onward. It illustrates that the vision is not dormant but actively and energetically moving towards its culmination with divine momentum.
• to the end (לַקֵּץ, lakketz): Signifies the ultimate objective, the goal, or the designated terminus of the vision. It denotes not just an arbitrary finish but the perfect completion of God's design and purpose.
• it will not lie (לֹא יְכַזֵּב, lo yekazzeb): Emphatic negation. The verb yekazzeb means "to deceive," "to prove false," or "to disappoint." This phrase provides an absolute guarantee: God's word is entirely truthful and dependable; the vision will not fail or be proven false in any way.
• If it seems slow (אִם־יִתְמַהְמָהּ, im yitmahmah): Literally "if it tarries" or "if it delays." This acknowledges and directly addresses the human experience of perceived delay or procrastination in God's timeline, recognizing human impatience.
• wait for it (חַכֵּה לוֹ, chakkeh lo): An imperative command. Chakkeh is an active waiting, implying hopeful, patient, and steadfast endurance. It is a command to maintain faith and expectation despite appearances.
• it will surely come (כִּי־בֹא יָבֹא, ki bo yavo): This is an extremely emphatic Hebrew construction (an infinitive absolute followed by the finite verb) meaning "coming, it will come" or "it will absolutely come." It removes all doubt about the vision's eventual and certain arrival.
• it will not delay (לֹא יְאַחֵר, lo ye'acher): Literally "it will not be late." This final assurance emphasizes God's perfect punctuality and precision. The perceived delay is only from a human, time-bound perspective; in God's perfect plan, it will arrive exactly on time.

Habakkuk 2 3 Bonus section

• The Septuagint (LXX) translates "wait for it" as hypomeinon (ὑπόμεινον), which signifies to endure, persevere, or remain steadfast under trial. This interpretation deepens the meaning of waiting to include patient resilience in the face of perceived delays or suffering.
• This verse directly counters any inclination towards a works-based understanding of righteousness or attempts to force God's hand. It calls for rest and trust in God's unfailing commitment to His own plan.
• While primarily concerning the historical judgment of Babylon, the language of "the end" and "appointed time" carries strong eschatological undertones, hinting at God's final consummation of all things. The New Testament writers (especially the author of Hebrews) certainly understood it in this broader, eschatological sense regarding the coming of Christ.

Habakkuk 2 3 Commentary

Habakkuk 2:3 serves as God's profound assurance to a perplexed prophet and, by extension, to all who wrestle with God's timing amidst apparent injustice or unfulfilled promises. The verse explicitly affirms the sovereignty of God over time and history. The "vision" (חָזוֹן, chazon), which God commanded Habakkuk to write down clearly (v. 2), refers to the divinely revealed plan concerning the judgment of Judah, the rise and fall of Babylon, and ultimately the vindication of God's righteousness on a universal scale. This vision is intrinsically tied to an "appointed time" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed), highlighting that its fulfillment is not random but part of God's meticulous, predetermined schedule.

The divine perspective contrasts sharply with human impatience. While the vision "seems slow" (yitmahmah) from our limited viewpoint, God declares it "hastens to the end" (veyafe'ach lakketz). The "hastens" (sometimes rendered "pants for") suggests an energetic, irresistible drive toward its culmination. It's not lagging, but vigorously pressing forward towards its final, decisive point. The twofold emphatic negation—"it will not lie" and "it will not delay"—is crucial. It assures absolute truthfulness, trustworthiness, and punctuality. God's character guarantees His promises: they are certain to come true and will do so at the precise, opportune moment.

The command "wait for it" (chakkeh lo) is therefore paramount. It's not passive resignation but an active, hopeful, and patient endurance, a stance of faithful expectation rooted in the certainty of God's word. This patient faith is the essential posture required, directly anticipating the iconic declaration in the next verse that "the righteous shall live by his faith" (Hab 2:4). The message reassures us that no matter how dark or prolonged the waiting period, God's justice will prevail, His promises will be realized, and His kingdom will come, all in His perfect timing.