Old Testament
Habakkuk 2:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plunder of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence against the land, the city, and all who live there.
Compare translations
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
What Habakkuk 2:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk warns that the violence and destruction caused by the oppressors will ultimately come back to haunt them. The imagery of Lebanon, known for its majestic trees, symbolizes the beauty that will be overshadowed by the violence inflicted upon the land. The mention of beasts and blood highlights the fear and chaos that accompany such brutality. This verse serves as a reminder that the consequences of violence extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting the entire community and environment. The land, city, and its inhabitants suffer as a result of human wrongdoing. Habakkuk emphasizes that those who perpetrate violence will not escape the repercussions of their actions, as the very things they exploit will turn against them, leading to their downfall.
How to apply Habakkuk 2:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others and the environment. It reminds us that violence and exploitation have far-reaching consequences. We should strive for peace and justice in our communities, recognizing that our choices affect not just ourselves but everyone around us.
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 2:17
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 2:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 2:17 mean?
Habakkuk 2:17 warns that the violence inflicted by oppressors will lead to their own downfall. It highlights how the destruction of the land and its inhabitants will ultimately come back to haunt those who commit such acts.
What is the significance of Lebanon in Habakkuk 2:17?
Lebanon symbolizes beauty and strength, and in this verse, it represents how even the most majestic places can be overshadowed by violence. The verse suggests that the violence against the land will have serious consequences.
What does 'the violence of Lebanon shall cover you' imply?
This phrase implies that the oppressors will be overwhelmed by the very violence they have inflicted. It serves as a warning that their actions will lead to their own destruction.
How does Habakkuk 2:17 relate to community suffering?
The verse illustrates that violence affects not just individual victims but the entire community and environment. It emphasizes that the consequences of wrongdoing extend beyond personal guilt, impacting all who live in the land.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.