Old Testament
Habakkuk 2:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, the way water fills the sea."
Compare translations
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
What Habakkuk 2:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Habakkuk 2:14, the prophet declares a powerful vision of a future where the knowledge of God's glory will fill the earth completely, just as water fills the sea. This imagery emphasizes the totality and abundance of God's presence and understanding among all people. The verse suggests that there will come a time when everyone will recognize and acknowledge God's greatness and majesty. This knowledge is not just intellectual but involves a deep, personal understanding of who God is and His character. The comparison to water covering the sea highlights the idea that this knowledge will be pervasive and inescapable, transforming the world. It serves as a promise of hope, indicating that despite current struggles and injustices, God's ultimate plan is to reveal His glory to all creation, leading to a time of peace and righteousness.
How to apply Habakkuk 2:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God's glory in our lives. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we can share that understanding with others, helping to spread awareness of His greatness. This can inspire hope and transformation in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Habakkuk Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Habakkuk 2:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Habakkuk 2:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Habakkuk
- Author
- Habakkuk the prophet
- Written
- Around 610 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Habakkuk 2:14 mean?
Habakkuk 2:14 expresses a vision of a future where the knowledge of God's glory will be universally recognized, similar to how water fills the sea. It emphasizes that God's presence and understanding will be abundant and transformative for all people.
What is the significance of 'the knowledge of the glory of the LORD' in Habakkuk 2:14?
The phrase 'the knowledge of the glory of the LORD' signifies a deep, personal understanding of God's greatness and character. It suggests a time when everyone will acknowledge and experience God's majesty in their lives.
How does Habakkuk 2:14 relate to hope?
Habakkuk 2:14 serves as a promise of hope, indicating that despite current struggles, there will be a future fulfillment where God's glory is revealed to all creation, leading to peace and righteousness.
What imagery is used in Habakkuk 2:14?
The imagery in Habakkuk 2:14 compares the knowledge of God's glory to water filling the sea, highlighting the totality and inescapability of this knowledge in the world.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.