Habakkuk 2:4
New International Version
“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —

New Living Translation
“Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

English Standard Version
“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Berean Standard Bible
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—

King James Bible
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

New King James Version
“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

New American Standard Bible
“Behold, as for the impudent one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous one will live by his faith.

NASB 1995
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.

NASB 1977
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.

Amplified Bible
“Look at the proud one, His soul is not right within him, But the righteous will live by his faith [in the true God].

Christian Standard Bible
Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity. But the righteous one will live by his faith.

American Standard Version
Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him; but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Contemporary English Version
"I, the LORD, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me."

English Revised Version
Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Look at the proud person. He is not right in himself. But the righteous person will live because of his faithfulness.

Good News Translation
And this is the message: 'Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.'"

International Standard Version
"Notice their arrogance— they have no inward uprightness — but the righteous will live by their faith.

Majority Standard Bible
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—

NET Bible
Look, the one whose desires are not upright will faint from exhaustion, but the person of integrity will live because of his faithfulness.

New Heart English Bible
Look, if he holds back, my soul has no pleasure in him, but the righteous will live by faith.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, his soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

World English Bible
Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, a presumptuous one! His soul is not upright within him, "" And the righteous lives by his faith.

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, a presumptuous one! Not upright is his soul within him, And the righteous by his stedfastness liveth.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, his soul being inflated in him, was not straight: and the just one shall live by his faithfulness.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold, he that is unbelieving, his soul shall not be right in himself: but the just shall live in his faith.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, he who is unbelieving, his soul will not be right within himself; but he who is just shall live in his faith.

New American Bible
See, the rash have no integrity; but the just one who is righteous because of faith shall live.

New Revised Standard Version
Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For his soul does not delight in iniquity, but the righteous man shall live by faith.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his soul is not pleased with evil, and the righteous one shall live in the faith
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him; But the righteous shall live by his faith.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If he should draw back, my soul has no pleasure in him: but the just shall live by my faith.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Answers Again
3For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. 4Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright— but the righteous will live by faith— 5and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own.…

Cross References
Romans 1:17
For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11
Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

Hebrews 10:38
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

James 2:17-26
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. / You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. ...

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Philippians 3:9
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

Romans 3:28
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 4:5
However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. / Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.

Ezekiel 18:9
He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.

Psalm 37:3-5
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. / Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. / Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

his.

Job 40:11,12
Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him…

Daniel 4:30,37
The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? …

Daniel 5:20-23
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: …

but.

John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

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Desires Fail Faith Good Live Pleasure Presumptuous Pride Proud Puffed Right Righteous Soul Stedfastness Upright Within
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Desires Fail Faith Good Live Pleasure Presumptuous Pride Proud Puffed Right Righteous Soul Stedfastness Upright Within
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.














Look at the proud one
The Hebrew word for "proud" here is "עֻפְלָה" (uphlah), which conveys a sense of arrogance and self-reliance. In the context of Habakkuk, this pride is often associated with the Babylonians, who were known for their military might and oppressive conquests. Historically, pride is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to downfall, as seen in the accounts of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and others. This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of self-exaltation and the false security it brings.

his soul is not upright—
The term "upright" in Hebrew is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight or level. An "upright" soul is one that aligns with God's will and moral standards. The phrase suggests a moral and spiritual deficiency in the proud one, indicating a life not in harmony with God's righteousness. This reflects a broader biblical principle that true righteousness is not merely external but deeply rooted in one's inner being and relationship with God.

but the righteous
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which denotes someone who is just, lawful, and in right standing with God. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's covenant and commandments. This sets a contrast between the proud and the righteous, highlighting the different paths and outcomes of their lives. The righteous are those who seek to live according to God's standards, relying on His guidance and strength.

will live
The verb "live" in Hebrew is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to have life, to remain alive, or to flourish. In this context, it implies more than mere physical survival; it suggests a life that is spiritually vibrant and eternally secure. This echoes the biblical promise that those who trust in God will experience true life, both now and in the age to come. It is a life marked by peace, purpose, and fulfillment in God's presence.

by his faith—
The Hebrew word for "faith" is "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), which encompasses faithfulness, trust, and steadfastness. This phrase is pivotal, as it underscores the principle that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but through faith in God. This concept is foundational in both the Old and New Testaments, famously quoted in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11, emphasizing that faith is the means by which believers are justified and live out their relationship with God. It is a call to trust in God's promises and His character, even amidst uncertainty and trials.

(4) Behold his soul. . . .--Better, Behold his soul within him is puffed up, it is not upright. The soul of the Chaldaean invader is inflated with pride, self-dependence ousting from his mind all thoughts of God. It is therefore unsound and distorted. Habakkuk leaves the inference "and therefore it shall die" to be imagined, and hastens to the antithesis, "But the righteous man shall live by his faith." The word live is emphatic. The reward promised to patient waitings on God is life--deliverance from destruction. How far the promise extends, and whether it includes that aspiration after future life which is plainly expressed by many Hebrew poets and prophets, we cannot determine. The student must be cautioned against such renderings as "he that is righteous-by-faith shall live," or, "he that is justified-by-faith shall live," which have been suggested by the Pauline quotations Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11. If the adjective could be taken in this close collocation with the substantive, "he that is consistent in-his-confidence shall live" would be the only possible rendering. Thus whatever force we assign to St. Paul's citation, here, at least, the words have no doctrinal significance. Their ethical importance is, however, undeniable. (See Introduction 4)

Verse 4. - § 6. The great principle is taught that the proud shall not continue, but the just shall live by faith. The prophecy commences with a fundamental thought, applicable to all God's dealings with man. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him; literally, behold, puffed up, his soul is not upright in him. This is a description of an evil character (especially of the Chaldean) in opposition to the character delineated in the following hemistich. One who is proud, presumptuous, thinks much of himself, despising others, and is not straightforward and upright before God, shall not live, shall not have a happy, safe life; he carries in himself the seeds of destruction. The result is not expressed in the first hemistich, but may be supplied from the next clause, and, as Knabenbauer suggests, may be inferred from the language in Hebrews 10:38, 39, where, after quoting the Septuagint rendering of this passage, Ἐὰν ὑποστείληται οὐκ εὐδοκεῖ ἡ ψυχή μου ἐν αὐτῷ, the writer adds, "But we are not of them that shrink back (ὑποσταλῆς) unto perdition." Vulgate, Ecce, qui incredulus est, non erit recta anima ejus in semetipso, which seems to confine the statement to the case of one who doubts God's word. But the just shall live by his faith. The "faith" here spoken of is a loving trust in God, confidence in his promises, resulting in due performance of his will. This hemistich is the antithesis to the former. The proud and perverse, those who wish to be independent of God, shall perish; but, on the other hand, the righteous shall live and be saved through his faith, on the condition that he puts his trust in God. The Hebrew accents forbid the union, "the just by faith," though, of course, no one can be just, righteous, without faith. The passage may be emphasized by rendering, "As to the just, through his faith he shall live." This famous sentence, which St. Paul has used as the basis of his great argument (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; comp. Hebrews 10:38), in its literal and contextual application implies that the righteous man will have perfect trust in God's promises and will be rewarded by being safe in the day of tribulation, with reference to the coming trouble at the hands of the Chaldeans. When the proud, greedy kingdom shall have sunk in ruin, the faithful people shall live secure. But the application is not confined to this circumstance. The promise looks beyond the temporal future of the Chaldeans and Israelites, and unto a reward that is eternal. We see how naturally the principle here enunciated is applied by the apostle to teach the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. The LXX. gives, Ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεώς μου ζήσεται ι,ε. "by faith in me." The Speaker is God. St. Paul omits μου. Habakkuk gathers into one sentence the whole principle of the Law, and indeed all true religion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Look at
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the proud one;
עֻפְּלָ֔ה (‘up·pə·lāh)
Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6075: To swell, be elated

his soul
נַפְשׁ֖וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

is not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

upright—
יָשְׁרָ֥ה (yā·šə·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous

but the righteous
וְצַדִּ֖יק (wə·ṣad·dîq)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

will live
יִחְיֶֽה׃ (yiḥ·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive

by his faith—
בֶּאֱמוּנָת֥וֹ (be·’ĕ·mū·nā·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 530: Firmness, steadfastness, fidelity


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OT Prophets: Habakkuk 2:4 Behold his soul is puffed up (Hab Hb)
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