Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

◄ Habakkuk 2:1 ►

New International Version
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

New Living Translation
I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint.

English Standard Version
I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Berean Standard Bible
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

King James Bible
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

New King James Version
I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.

New American Standard Bible
I will stand at my guard post And station myself on the watchtower; And I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, And how I may reply when I am reprimanded.

NASB 1995
I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.

NASB 1977
I WILL stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.

Legacy Standard Bible
I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the fortification; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me And how I may respond when I am reproved.

Amplified Bible
I will stand at my guard post And station myself on the tower; And I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, And what answer I will give [as His spokesman] when I am reproved.

Christian Standard Bible
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what He will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint.

American Standard Version
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me, and what I shall answer concerning my complaint.

Contemporary English Version
While standing guard on the watchtower, I waited for the LORD's answer, before explaining the reason for my complaint.

English Revised Version
I WILL stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will look forth to see what he will speak with me, and what I shall answer concerning my complaint.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will stand at my guard post. I will station myself on the wall. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what answer I will get to my complaint.

Good News Translation
I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the LORD will tell me to say and what answer he will give to my complaint.

International Standard Version
"I will stand at my guard post and station myself on a tower. I will wait and see what the LORD will say about me and what I will answer when he reprimands me. "

Majority Standard Bible
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

NET Bible
I will stand at my watch post; I will remain stationed on the city wall. I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me and can know how I should answer when he counters my argument.

New Heart English Bible
I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Webster's Bible Translation
I will stand upon my watch, and seat myself upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say to me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

World English Bible
I will stand at my watch and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
On my charge I stand, and I station myself on a bulwark, and I watch to see what He speaks against me, and what I reply to my reproof.

Young's Literal Translation
On my charge I stand, and I station myself on a bulwark, and I watch to see what He doth speak against me, and what I do reply to my reproof.

Smith's Literal Translation
I will stand upon my watch, and be set me upon the fortress, and I will watch to see what he will speak in me, and what I shall turn back upon my reproof.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
I will stand upon my watch, and fix my foot upon the tower: and I will watch, to see what will be said to me, and what I may answer to him that reproveth me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I will stand firm during my watch, and fix my position over the fortification. And I will observe carefully, to see what might be said to me and what I might respond to my opponent.

New American Bible
I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my complaint.

New Revised Standard Version
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
I WILL stand upon my place and set me upon the rock tower, and I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I shall answer because of my chastisement.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
On my place I shall stand when I tread on the rock and I shall look and I shall see what he speaks with me, and what he returns to me for my reproof

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
I will stand upon my watch, And set me upon the tower, And will look out to see what He will speak by me, And what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I will stand upon my watch, and mount upon the rock, and watch to see what he will say by me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD Answers Again
1I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. 2Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezekiel 3:17
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

Isaiah 21:8
Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.

Isaiah 62:6
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,

Jeremiah 6:17
I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

Psalm 85:8
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.

1 Samuel 3:10
Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

2 Kings 9:17
Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’”

Matthew 24:42
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

Mark 13:33-37
Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come. / It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ...

Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.

Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Treasury of Scripture

I will stand on my watch, and set me on the tower, and will watch to see what he will say to me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

stand.

Psalm 73:16,17
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; …

Isaiah 21:8,11,12
And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights: …

tower.

2 Samuel 18:24
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

2 Kings 9:17
And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?

2 Kings 17:9
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

and will.

Habakkuk 1:12-17
Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction…

Psalm 85:8
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

unto me.

2 Corinthians 13:3
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

Galatians 1:16
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

when I am reproved.

Job 23:5-7
I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me…

Job 31:35,37
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book…

Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

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Habakkuk 2

1. Unto Habakkuk, waiting for an answer, is shown that he must wait by faith.
5. The judgment upon the Chaldean for unsatiableness,
9. for covetousness,
12. for cruelty,
15. for drunkenness,
18. and for idolatry.

Berean Study Bible

I will stand
The phrase "I will stand" indicates a deliberate and resolute action. In Hebrew, the word used here is "עָמַד" (amad), which conveys the idea of standing firm or taking a position. This reflects Habakkuk's determination to remain steadfast in his faith and attentive to God's message. It suggests a posture of readiness and expectation, emphasizing the prophet's commitment to seeking divine guidance.

at my guard post
The "guard post" symbolizes a place of vigilance and watchfulness. In ancient times, a guard post was a strategic location for observing and protecting against potential threats. Spiritually, this implies a position of spiritual alertness, where one is attentive to God's voice and prepared to receive His revelation. It underscores the importance of being spiritually vigilant in a world filled with distractions.

and station myself
To "station myself" suggests a purposeful positioning. The Hebrew root "יָצַב" (yatsab) means to set oneself firmly in place. This reflects Habakkuk's intentionality in seeking God's presence and wisdom. It is a call for believers to intentionally position themselves in places where they can hear from God, whether through prayer, meditation, or studying Scripture.

on the ramparts
"Ramparts" refer to the defensive walls or fortifications of a city. In a spiritual sense, this represents a place of heightened perspective and protection. By positioning himself on the ramparts, Habakkuk seeks a clearer view of God's plans and purposes. It encourages believers to rise above their circumstances and seek God's higher perspective in times of uncertainty.

I will watch
The act of watching implies active anticipation and alertness. The Hebrew word "צָפָה" (tsaphah) means to look out or keep watch. This conveys a sense of expectation and readiness to receive God's message. It challenges believers to maintain a posture of spiritual alertness, always ready to discern God's voice amidst the noise of the world.

to see what He will say to me
This phrase highlights the expectation of divine communication. It underscores the belief that God speaks to His people and that His guidance is available to those who seek it. The emphasis on "to see" suggests that God's messages can be perceived and understood, encouraging believers to be attentive to the ways God communicates, whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances.

and how I should answer
The phrase "how I should answer" reflects a readiness to respond to God's revelation. It implies a dialogue between the prophet and God, where listening is followed by a thoughtful response. This encourages believers to not only seek God's guidance but also to be prepared to act upon it, aligning their lives with His will.

when corrected
The word "corrected" indicates a willingness to receive divine discipline or instruction. In Hebrew, the root "תוֹכַחַת" (tokhachath) refers to reproof or correction. This reflects a humble and teachable spirit, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our own. It serves as a reminder that correction is a part of spiritual growth and maturity, and that God's discipline is an expression of His love and desire for our well-being.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) The Tower.--The practice of ascending a high place to secure an extensive view suggests the figure here. (See 2Kings 9:17; 2Samuel 18:24.) In a yet bolder metaphor Isaiah represents himself as appointing a watchman, who brings reports from his tower. We need not suppose that Habakkuk literally betook himself to a solitary height to wait for a revelation. Balaam, the heathen soothsayer, did so (Numbers 23:3), but his conduct throws no light on the customs of the Jewish prophets.

What he will say unto me.--Better, what He will say in me, and what answer I shall make to my complaint: i.e., of what solution of the perplexities I am deploring, Jehovah shall make me the mouthpiece.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 1-3. - § 5. The prophet, waiting for an answer to his expostulation, is bidden to write the oracle in plain characters, because its fulfilment is certain. Verse 1. - Habakkuk speaks with himself, and, mindful of his office, waits for the communication which he confidently ex-poets (Jeremiah 33:3). I will stand upon my watch (Isaiah 21:6, 8). As a watchman goes to a high place to see all around and discern what is coming, so the prophet places himself apart from men, perhaps in some secluded height, in readiness to hear the voice of God and seize the meaning of the coming event. Prophets are called "watchmen" (comp. Ezekiel 3:17; Ezekiel 33:2, 6; Micah 7:4). The tower; i.e. watch tower, either literally or metaphorically, as in the first clause. Septuagint, πέτραν, "rook." What he will say unto me; quid dicatur mihi (Vulgate); τί λαλήσει ἐν ἐμοί, "what he will speak in me" (Septuagint). He watches for the inward revelation which God makes to his soul (but see note on Zechariah 2:0). When I am reproved; ad arguentem me (Vulgate); ἐπὶ τὸν ἔλεγχόν μου (Septuagint); rather, to my complaint, referring to his complaint concerning the impunity of sinners (Habakkuk 1:18-17). He waits till he hears God's voice within him what answer he shall make to his own complaint, the expostulation which he had offered to God. There is no question here concerning the reproofs which others levelled against him, or concerning any rebuke conveyed to him by God - an impression given by the Anglican Version.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I will stand
אֶעֱמֹ֔דָה (’e·‘ĕ·mō·ḏāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

my guard post
מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֣י (miš·mar·tî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

and station
וְאֶֽתְיַצְּבָ֖ה (wə·’eṯ·yaṣ·ṣə·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 3320: To set or station oneself, take one's stand

myself on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the ramparts.
מָצ֑וֹר (mā·ṣō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4692: Something hemming in, a mound, a siege, distress, a fastness

I will watch
וַאֲצַפֶּ֗ה (wa·’ă·ṣap·peh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

to see
לִרְאוֹת֙ (lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

what
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

He will say
יְדַבֶּר־ (yə·ḏab·ber-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to me
בִּ֔י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

and how
וּמָ֥ה (ū·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

I will answer
אָשִׁ֖יב (’ā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

my reproof.
תּוֹכַחְתִּֽי׃ (tō·w·ḵaḥ·tî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8433: Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof

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OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand at my watch (Hab Hb)