Habakkuk 1:4

What does Habakkuk 1:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Habakkuk 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason the law is feeble and decisions are not effected: for the upright man is circled round by evil-doers; because of which right is twisted.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Therefore doth law cease, And judgment doth not go forth for ever, For the wicked is compassing the righteous, Therefore wrong judgment goeth forth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore the law is torn in pieces, and judgment cometh not to the end: because the wicked prevaileth against the just, therefore wrong judgment goeth forth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Therefore the law is powerless, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked encompasseth the righteous; therefore judgment goeth forth perverted.

Context

v.3Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up.

v.4This passage

v.5Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 7:59

    And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

  • Psalms 22:16

    For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

  • Isaiah 59:2

    but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear.

  • Micah 3:1

    And I said, Hear, I pray you, ye heads of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel: is it not for you to know justice?

  • Jeremiah 26:8

    And it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that Jehovah had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold on him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

  • Psalms 94:20

    Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee, Which frameth mischief by statute?

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