Habakkuk 3:19
What does Habakkuk 3:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Habakkuk 3:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Habakkuk 3:19 means
This verse climaxes Habakkuk's prayer with a triumphant declaration of God as his ultimate strength. He affirms that "Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength," a confession of complete reliance. God "maketh my feet like hinds’ feet," enabling speed, agility, and the ability to navigate difficult, perilous terrain—symbolizing divine empowerment to endure and overcome life's challenges. Furthermore, God "will make me to walk upon my high places," signifying elevation to a place of safety, triumph, and communion with God, far above the immediate troubles. This confident trust in God's power sustains him through any tribulation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength; And he maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, And will make me to walk upon my high places.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord God is my strength, and he makes my feet like roes' feet, guiding me on my high places. For the chief music-maker on corded instruments.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah the Lord <FI>is<Fi> my strength, And He doth make my feet like hinds, And on my high-places causeth me to tread. To the overseer with my stringed instruments!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord God is my strength: and he will make my feet like the feet of harts: and he the conqueror will lead me upon my high places singing psalms.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah, the Lord, is my strength, And he maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], And he will make me to walk upon my high places. To the chief Musician. On my stringed instruments.
Context
This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to Habakkuk's prayer and the entire book. Following his declaration of joy in God amidst desolation in verse 18, this verse articulates the fundamental reason for that joy: God Himself is his strength and provides the means for him to endure and even triumph over adversity. It brings the prophetic message to a devotional and triumphant close, offering a timeless truth about finding strength and victory in God regardless of earthly circumstances.
v.18Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
v.19This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 3:16
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
- Zechariah 10:12
And I will strengthen them in Jehovah; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith Jehovah.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- 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 18:1
I love thee, O Jehovah, my strength.
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