Habakkuk 3:18
What does Habakkuk 3:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Habakkuk 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Habakkuk 3:18 means
Despite the severe and widespread devastation imagined in the previous verse, Habakkuk declares his unwavering decision to "rejoice in Jehovah" and "joy in the God of my salvation." His joy is not based on external circumstances but on the unchanging character of God Himself—Yahweh, his deliverer. This statement reveals a profound spiritual maturity, understanding that true joy and hope are found in God alone, independent of material blessings or the absence of tribulation. It is a powerful testament to faith that transcends earthly suffering.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Still, I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Yet I, in Jehovah I exult, I do joy in the God of my salvation.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I will rejoice in the Lord: and I will joy in God my Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in theGod of my salvation.
Context
This verse is a pivotal turning point, providing the triumphant answer to the preceding verses of fear and impending desolation. Following the graphic description of utter economic collapse in verse 17, Habakkuk makes a resolute declaration of his joy and trust in God. This sets the stage for the final verse, where he articulates the source of his strength and confidence, demonstrating that faith can flourish even in the most dire circumstances.
v.17For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:
v.18This passage
v.19Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.
- Psalms 25:5
Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; For thou art the God of my salvation; For thee do I wait all the day.
- Job 13:15
Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.
- Exodus 15:2
Jehovah is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise him; My father’s God, and I will exalt him.
- Deuteronomy 12:18
but thou shalt eat them before Jehovah thy God in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God in all that thou puttest thy hand unto.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
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