Habakkuk 2:16

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Habakkuk 2:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou art filled with shame, and not glory: drink thou also, and be as one uncircumcised; the cup of Jehovah`s right hand shall come round unto thee, and foul shame shall be upon thy glory.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou art filled with shame, and not glory: drink thou also, and be as one uncircumcised; the cup of Jehovah`s right hand shall come round unto thee, and foul shame shall be upon thy glory.
Habakkuk 2:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Habakkuk 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16Thou art filled with shame, and not glory: drink thou also, and be as one uncircumcised; the cup of Jehovah`s right hand shall come round unto thee, and foul shame shall be upon thy glory.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou art filled with shame for glory, etc.] This is said by the Lord to the man that gives his neighbour drink to intoxicate him, that he may draw him into uncleanness, and please himself with it; who, instead of being filled with the glory of the Lord, and the knowledge of it, as the earth is before said to be, such are filled with shameful doctrines and abominable practices, as those of the church of Rome are; and instead of seeking the glory of God, and the honour of their neighbours, they are satiated with the shameful spectacle of their apostasy, they have been the instruments of; and yet, instead of taking shame to themselves, as they ought to do, they glory in their shame; count it an…”
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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
“art filled--now that thou art fallen. "Thou art filled" indeed (though so insatiable), but it is "with shame." shame for glory--instead of thy former glory (Hos 4:7). drink thou also--The cup of sorrow is now in thy turn to pass to thee (Jer 25:15-17; Lam 4:21). thy foreskin--expressing in Hebrew feeling the most utter contempt. So of Goliath (Sa1 17:36). It is not merely thy "nakedness," as in Hab 2:15, that shall be "uncovered," but the foreskin, the badge of thy being an uncircumcised alien from God. The same shall be done to thee, as thou didst to others, and worse. cup . . . shall be turned unto thee--literally, "shall turn itself," namely, from the nations whom thou hast made to drink…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou art filled with shame for glory - Oppressors think to make themselves great by bringing others down, to fill themselves with riches, by spoiling others. They loved shame Hosea 4:8, because they loved that, which brought shame; they were filled with shame, in that they sated themselves with shamefulness, which was their shame within, before, in the just judgment of God, shame came on them from without Philippians 3:19. “Their glory was in their shame.” They shall be filled, yea, he says, they are already filled; they would satisfy, gorge themselves, with all their hearts’ desires; they are “filled to the full,” but with shame instead of glory which they sought, or which they already had.…”
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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
“Thou - O king of Babylon. Shall be turned - They turned the cup of pleasure about, God will carry the cup of indignation about also, and make them drink deep of it. Shameful spewing - Thou shalt be as much loathed as a shameful drunkard is in his vomit. Habakkuk 2:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“with shame for glory: or, more with shame than with glory, Pro 3:35; Isa 47:3; Hos 4:7; Phi 3:19 drink: Psa 75:8; Isa 49:26, Isa 51:21-23; Jer 25:26, Jer 25:27, Jer 51:57; Rev 18:6 and let: Isa 20:4, Isa 47:3; Nah 3:5 the cup: Jer 25:27-29 and shameful: Isa 28:7, Isa 28:8; Hos 7:5 Habakkuk 2:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification