Old Testament

Habakkuk 2:19

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk condemns those who worship idols made of wood and stone.

Author
Habakkuk the prophet
Written
Around 610 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
The kingdom of Judah
CBTClear Bible Translation

Woe to him who says to the wood, 'Awake!' and to the silent stone, 'Arise, it shall teach!' Look, it is covered with gold and silver, but there is no breath at all inside it.

KJVKing James Version

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk condemns those who worship idols made of wood and stone. He highlights the absurdity of calling on inanimate objects, which cannot respond or teach. Despite being adorned with precious metals, these idols lack life and cannot provide guidance or wisdom. The verse emphasizes the futility of placing trust in things that are lifeless and powerless, contrasting the living God who is capable of action and response. This serves as a warning against idolatry and the misplaced faith in material objects, urging people to seek true spiritual understanding and connection with God instead.

How to apply Habakkuk 2:19 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine what we place our trust in. Are we relying on material possessions or false beliefs that cannot provide true guidance? Instead, we should seek a relationship with the living God, who offers wisdom and life, rather than turning to lifeless idols.

Curated for this public verse page. Habakkuk Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Habakkuk 2:19 mean?

Habakkuk 2:19 criticizes the practice of idol worship, highlighting the absurdity of calling on lifeless objects like wood and stone for guidance. The verse emphasizes that these idols, despite being decorated with gold and silver, lack any life or ability to respond.

What is the meaning of 'Awake' in Habakkuk 2:19?

In Habakkuk 2:19, 'Awake' refers to the futile plea made to an idol, suggesting that worshippers are calling on something that cannot respond or provide wisdom. It underscores the ridiculousness of relying on inanimate objects for spiritual insight.

How does Habakkuk 2:19 relate to idolatry?

Habakkuk 2:19 directly critiques idolatry by showing how worshipping inanimate objects is pointless. It serves as a reminder to seek true spiritual connection with God instead of relying on powerless idols.

What lesson can we learn from Habakkuk 2:19?

The lesson from Habakkuk 2:19 is to evaluate what we trust and rely on for guidance. It encourages us to avoid placing our faith in material possessions or false beliefs, and instead seek a relationship with the living God.

The Book of Habakkuk
Book Summary

The Book of Habakkuk

Habakkuk 1: Habakkuk's Complaint and the LORD's Answer

The burden that Habakkuk the prophet sees begins with his complaint to the LORD. Habakkuk asks how long he must cry out about violence without being heard. He says destruction and strife surround him, the law is ignored, and justice never moves forward. The wicked surround the righteous, and judgment comes out twisted.

Premium

Unlock the full Habakkuk summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Habakkuk — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 3 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Habakkuk summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.