Old Testament
Habakkuk 2:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Will not those who will bite you rise up suddenly, and those who will trouble you awaken? You will become plunder for them.
Compare translations
Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
What Habakkuk 2:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk warns that those who have been wronged or oppressed will rise up against their oppressors. The imagery of 'biting' and 'troubling' suggests that the oppressed will retaliate suddenly and unexpectedly. The verse indicates that the oppressors will face consequences for their actions, becoming victims themselves. This reflects a broader theme of justice, where the wrongdoers will ultimately be punished and their ill-gotten gains will be taken from them. The use of the word 'plunder' emphasizes the idea that the oppressors will lose everything they have gained through their unjust actions. This serves as a reminder that injustice will not go unaddressed, and those who exploit others will eventually face retribution.
How to apply Habakkuk 2:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others. It serves as a reminder that injustice will not last forever and that we should strive to treat others fairly. When facing oppression, we can find hope in the promise of eventual justice and restoration.
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 2:7
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 2:7
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 2:7 mean?
Habakkuk 2:7 warns that those who have been oppressed will rise up against their oppressors. It emphasizes that the unjust will face consequences for their actions and become victims themselves.
What is the meaning of 'plunder' in Habakkuk 2:7?
In Habakkuk 2:7, 'plunder' refers to the loss of possessions or wealth that oppressors will experience as a result of their unjust actions. It highlights the idea that those who exploit others will ultimately lose what they have gained.
How does Habakkuk 2:7 relate to justice?
Habakkuk 2:7 illustrates the concept of justice by showing that wrongdoers will face consequences for their actions. It reassures that those who have suffered will see justice served against their oppressors.
What themes are present in Habakkuk 2:7?
The themes present in Habakkuk 2:7 include justice, retribution, oppression, consequences, and divine judgment. These themes highlight the moral order where wrongs are eventually righted.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.