Old Testament
Habakkuk 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Even if the fig tree doesn't bloom and the vines produce no grapes, even if the olive crop fails and the fields grow no food, even if the flocks vanish from the pen and no cattle stand in the stalls —
Compare translations
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
What Habakkuk 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Habakkuk 3:17, the prophet expresses a profound sense of faith despite dire circumstances. He lists various agricultural failures, such as the fig tree not blooming and the absence of livestock, which symbolize loss and hardship. These images reflect a time of scarcity and despair, where the basic necessities of life are absent. However, the emphasis is on the unwavering trust in God. Even when everything seems bleak and hope is lost, the prophet chooses to rejoice in the Lord and find strength in Him. This passage highlights the importance of faith and resilience in the face of adversity, reminding believers that their joy and strength come from their relationship with God, not their circumstances. It encourages a perspective that looks beyond immediate troubles to the faithfulness of God, who remains a source of hope and salvation.
How to apply Habakkuk 3:17 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember to focus on your faith rather than your circumstances. Like Habakkuk, choose to rejoice in God and draw strength from Him. This mindset can help you navigate challenges with hope and perseverance.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 3:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
Habakkuk pictures total agricultural failure. No figs, no grapes, no olives, no grain — in the KJV, "meat" means food of any kind, not just flesh. On top of that, the livestock are gone: no sheep in the pen, no cattle in the barn. Every source of food a farming community depends on has dried up or been destroyed.
Read It in Context
This verse leads directly into verse 18, where Habakkuk says he will rejoice in God anyway. Verse 16 shows he already knows trouble is coming — an invading army. Verse 17 lays out the worst imaginable outcome of that invasion: complete loss of crops and animals.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Habakkuk 3:17 and any verse in the Bible.
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 3:17
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 3:17 mean?
Habakkuk 3:17 expresses a deep faith in God despite experiencing severe hardships, such as agricultural failures and loss of livestock. The verse emphasizes choosing to rejoice in God and find strength in Him, regardless of dire circumstances.
What is the significance of the fig tree in Habakkuk 3:17?
The fig tree in Habakkuk 3:17 symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Its failure to bloom represents loss and despair, highlighting the challenges faced, yet the verse encourages maintaining faith and joy in God despite such difficulties.
What does Habakkuk 3:17 teach about faith?
Habakkuk 3:17 teaches that true faith persists even in the face of adversity and scarcity. It encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God for strength and joy, rather than being overwhelmed by their circumstances.
How can I apply Habakkuk 3:17 in my life?
To apply Habakkuk 3:17 in your life, focus on maintaining your faith during tough times. Choose to rejoice in God and draw strength from Him, which can help you navigate challenges with hope and resilience.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.