Habakkuk 3 17

Habakkuk 3:17 kjv

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Habakkuk 3:17 nkjv

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls?

Habakkuk 3:17 niv

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

Habakkuk 3:17 esv

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,

Habakkuk 3:17 nlt

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,

Habakkuk 3 verses

Habakkuk 3 17 Meaning

This verse paints a picture of utter agricultural and economic devastation, portraying a complete loss of food supply and livestock. It describes a hypothetical, worst-case scenario where the most essential elements of sustenance in ancient Israel have completely failed, setting the stage for the prophet Habakkuk's profound declaration of faith in the following verse. It signifies total material and natural desolation, stripping away all worldly comforts and provisions.

Habakkuk 3 17 Context

Habakkuk chapter 3 is a profound prayer and psalm from the prophet, offered to the Lord following the devastating prophecy of Judah's judgment and destruction by the Babylonians (Hab 1:5-11, 2:2-20). Having heard and pondered God's awesome plan and the coming calamity, Habakkuk's initial lament transitions into a response of faith and submission. Chapter 3 begins with an appeal to God to "revive Your work" (Hab 3:2) in the midst of wrath, recognizing His majestic power from historical acts of salvation. This specific verse (3:17) forms the immediate prelude to Habakkuk's magnificent declaration of unwavering faith (3:18-19). It graphically portrays the most severe possible consequences of God's impending judgment upon Judah—a total and inescapable economic and agricultural collapse, resulting in widespread famine and poverty. The prophet is not merely reporting future events but meditating on their profound personal and national impact, internalizing the horror before articulating a response of steadfast trust in God alone, irrespective of these cataclysmic circumstances.

Habakkuk 3 17 Word analysis

• Though (כִּ֣י, ki): This particle introduces a concession or a hypothetical condition, setting up an extreme possibility. It signals that what follows is a severe, even dire, premise, which will then be contrasted with the main clause of faith (in v.18).
• the fig tree (תְּאֵנָה, te'enah): A primary and highly valued fruit tree in Israel, known for its rapid fruit production. Figs were a staple food, representing basic sustenance and prosperity. Its failure signifies the loss of readily available, basic food.
• may not blossom (לֹא־תִפְרָ֔ח, lo-tichprach - literally "not blossom/flower"): Refers to the first stage of fruit development. Its failure indicates a complete lack of future harvest.
• nor fruit (וְאֵ֥ין יְבוּל֙, ve'ein yevul - literally "and no produce/yield"): Even if it somehow blossomed, there is no produce, highlighting a complete agricultural failure. This is often linked to the harvest of the grape.
• be on the vines (בַּגְּפָנִ֖ים, bann'gefanim): Vines (grapes) were crucial for wine and as a food source (raisins, fresh fruit). Their failure meant the loss of a major cash crop, a significant dietary staple, and a symbol of national joy (wine).
• though the olive crop (זַ֖יִת, zayit): The olive tree, known for its long life and consistent yield, provided oil (for cooking, light, anointing) which was an essential commodity and a primary source of wealth. Its failure indicates the loss of light, basic fat, and economic stability.
• may fail (כִּחֵ֑שׁ, kichesh - literally "has disappointed" or "proved false/deceptive"): Implies the expected yield did not materialize, further emphasizing widespread failure and deceptive hopes of harvest.
• and the fields (וְשָׂד֤וֹת, veśadot): General term for cultivated land, often referring to grain fields (wheat, barley).
• yield no food (לֹא־עָֽשָׂה־אֹ֑כֶל, lo-'asah-'okhel - literally "not make/produce food"): Grain was the bedrock of the Israelite diet. Its complete absence guarantees famine, signifying total agricultural breakdown. This extends beyond fruits to the foundational grain supply.
• though the flock (צֹ֖אן, tso'n): Refers to sheep and goats, vital for meat, milk, wool, and sacrifices. Their loss means a complete disruption of protein, clothing, and religious life.
• may be cut off (נִגְזַר֙, nigzar - literally "is cut off/destroyed"): Indicates complete elimination or disappearance.
• from the fold (מִמִּכְלָ֔ה, mimiklah - literally "from the fold/pasture"): The enclosure where flocks are kept, emphasizing their total absence from their usual dwelling place.
• and there be no herd (וְאֵין־בָּקָ֖ר, ve'ein-baqar - literally "and no cattle/oxen"): Cattle were critical for milk, meat, and plowing/labor in the fields. Their absence represents not only a loss of food but also a severe impediment to future agricultural recovery, signifying deep, long-term economic collapse.
• in the stalls (בָּרְפָתִֽים, bar'fotim): Structures where cattle were kept. Their emptiness indicates the total depletion of the large livestock.

Word-groups analysis:

• "Though the fig tree... nor fruit be on the vines... though the olive crop may fail, and the fields yield no food...": This sequence of four examples of plant-based sustenance forms a comprehensive description of the agricultural failure. It moves from specific trees/plants (fig, vine, olive) that represent primary food and wealth sources to the general "fields," ensuring all forms of cultivated food are included. This serves as a "merism," describing a totality by listing key components, emphasizing complete destitution. This also carries a polemical tone against pagan deities like Baal, who were worshipped as gods of fertility and rain, implying that even if they were real, they would be utterly impotent in this divine judgment. True sustenance comes from Yahweh, not pagan gods.
• "though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls.": These two examples transition from agriculture to livestock, completing the picture of national economic collapse. The small livestock (flocks: sheep/goats) and large livestock (herds: cattle) represent the entirety of animal resources, vital for diet, clothing, trade, and farming labor. Their total absence confirms that not just a part, but every single aspect of the nation's economic life and basic sustenance has vanished.

Habakkuk 3 17 Bonus section

This verse can be understood as prophetic both for Judah's immediate future with Babylon and as a universal truth about the nature of adversity that God's people may face. It echoes covenant curses found in Deuteronomy where agricultural and livestock failures are consequences of disobedience (Deut 28). The language employed, systematically listing every major source of sustenance, creates an unparalleled sense of a "total wipeout," removing all safety nets. This total void then perfectly positions the succeeding declaration of faith (v.18) not as a hopeful wish, but as a resolute act of spiritual defiance against despair, rooted purely in the character of God. This profound transition from physical lack to spiritual fullness serves as a blueprint for believers to find joy and strength in Christ amidst any trial or loss, illustrating that faith's anchor is in the Person of God, not in His provision.

Habakkuk 3 17 Commentary

Habakkuk 3:17 stands as a powerful articulation of a complete breakdown in the natural order and human economy, brought about by the impending divine judgment. It describes the comprehensive destruction of the agricultural backbone of Israelite life, encompassing vineyards, olive groves, grain fields, and all livestock. This verse is not merely a poetic description of famine but a chilling forecast of national destitution and total vulnerability. It forces a contemplation of life stripped bare of all customary securities. For the prophet, this scenario underscores the radical nature of God's disciplinary actions against Judah and sets the ultimate test for true faith. Without these foundational provisions, human life would face severe deprivation, illness, and even death. It prepares the reader for the revolutionary pivot in the subsequent verse (v.18), demonstrating that even in the face of such absolute collapse, genuine worship and joy in God are possible. It implies a worship born not of prosperity, but of a deep, unwavering commitment to God Himself, valuing Him above all created blessings.