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Habakkuk 2:11

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Habakkuk 2:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
Habakkuk 2:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Habakkuk 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Because thou hast plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder thee, because of men`s blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all that dwell therein.
9Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!
10Thou hast devised shame to thy house, by cutting off many peoples, and hast sinned against thy soul.
11For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it.
12Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!
13Behold, is it not of Jehovah of hosts that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?
14For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.
← Habakkuk 2:10Habakkuk 2:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the stone shall cry out of the wall, etc.] Of their own house; some from among themselves, that truly feared God, seeing the evil practices done among them, and abhorring them, such as their covetousness, ambition, murders, excommunications, and anathemas, should cry out against them in their sermons and writings; such as were lively stones, eminent for religion and godliness, as Bernard, Wickliff, Huss, and others: and the beam out of the timber shall answer it; such as were of eminent note in things civil, as beams and rafters in the house; emperors and governors of provinces, who observed the complaints of godly ministers and people, answered to them, and checked the evil bishops and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“stone . . . cry out--personification. The very stones of thy palace built by rapine shall testify against thee (Luk 19:40). the beam out of the timber--the crossbeam or main rafter connecting the timbers in the walls. shall answer it--namely, the stone. The stone shall begin and the crossbeam continue the cry against thy rapine.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it - All things have a voice, in that they are . God’s works speak that, for which He made them Psalms 19:1 : “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Psalms 65:13 : “the valleys are clad with corn, they laugh, yea, they sing;” their very look speaks gladness. Cyril: “For the creation itself proclaims the glory of the Maker, in that it is admired as well made. Wherefore there are voices in things, although there are not words.” Man’s works speak of that in him, out of which and for which he made them. Works of mercy go up for a memorial before God, and plead there; great works, performed amid wrong and…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Shall cry out - As if it had a voice, it cries to God for vengeance. Answer it - Confirm the charge against thee. Habakkuk 2:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the stone: Gen 4:10; Jos 24:27; Job 31:38-40; Luk 19:40; Heb 12:24; Jam 5:3, Jam 5:4; Rev 6:10 beam: or, piece, or, fastening answer it: or, witness against it Habakkuk 2:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification