Old Testament
Habakkuk 2:20
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, Habakkuk emphasizes the sovereignty and holiness of God.
- Author
- Habakkuk the prophet
- Written
- Around 610 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
But the LORD is in his holy temple. Let the whole earth be silent before him."
But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Habakkuk emphasizes the sovereignty and holiness of God. The phrase 'the LORD is in his holy temple' signifies that God is present and ruling from a place of purity and authority. The call for the earth to be silent before Him suggests a moment of reverence and awe, recognizing His power and majesty. This silence is not just about physical quietness but also about acknowledging God's supremacy over all creation. It serves as a reminder that in the face of God's greatness, human concerns and complaints should be put aside. The verse encourages believers to approach God with humility and respect, understanding that He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. It invites us to reflect on our posture before God, urging us to listen and be still in His presence, allowing His wisdom and guidance to lead us.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Habakkuk 2:20 to your life
In our busy lives, we often forget to pause and acknowledge God's presence. This verse encourages us to take moments of silence to reflect on God's holiness and sovereignty. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, allowing His peace and guidance to fill our hearts.
Curated for this public verse page. Habakkuk Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Habakkuk 2:20 mean?
Habakkuk 2:20 emphasizes God's sovereignty and holiness, stating that He is present in His holy temple. It calls for the earth to be silent before Him, highlighting the importance of reverence and awe in recognizing His power.
What is the significance of 'the LORD is in his holy temple' in Habakkuk 2:20?
The phrase 'the LORD is in his holy temple' signifies God's presence and authority. It reminds believers that God rules from a place of purity and holiness, reinforcing His control over all creation.
Why does Habakkuk 2:20 call for silence before God?
The call for silence in Habakkuk 2:20 suggests a moment of reverence and humility before God. It encourages believers to acknowledge His greatness and to listen for His guidance, putting aside human concerns.
How can I apply Habakkuk 2:20 in my daily life?
You can apply Habakkuk 2:20 by taking moments of silence to reflect on God's presence and sovereignty. This practice helps cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and allows His peace to fill your heart.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.