Habakkuk 1:11

KJV

Then shall [his] mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, [imputing] this his power unto his god.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall his mind {H7307} change {H2498}, and he shall pass over {H5674}, and offend {H816}, imputing this {H2098} his power {H3581} unto his god {H433}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they sweep on like the wind, but they become guilty, because they make their strength their god."

Berean Standard Bible

Then they sweep by like the wind and pass on through. They are guilty; their own strength is their god.”

American Standard Version

Then shall he sweep by as a wind, and shall pass over, and be guilty, even he whose might is his god.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 1:11 reveals a pivotal moment in God's prophetic declaration concerning the Chaldeans (Babylonians). While God raises this formidable nation as an instrument of judgment against Judah, the verse exposes their inherent sin: their mind will change, becoming arrogant, as they attribute their military might and overwhelming success not to the true God who empowered them, but to their own strength or their pagan deities. This act of pride and idolatry incurs guilt upon them, foreshadowing their eventual downfall and underscoring the universal principle that even God's instruments of judgment are held accountable for their own wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 1:11 is strategically placed within the prophet's initial dialogue with God. The book opens with Habakkuk's lament over the rampant injustice and violence he witnesses in Judah ([Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's First Complaint")). God responds by announcing His shocking plan to raise up the fierce and ruthless Chaldeans to execute judgment upon His own people ([Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "God's Response: The Chaldeans")). Verses 7-10 vividly describe the terrifying power, swiftness, and predatory nature of this invading nation, highlighting their self-exaltation and disregard for other peoples. Habakkuk 1:11 then serves as a crucial turning point, shifting the focus from the Chaldeans' role as God's instrument to their own moral culpability. By revealing their sin of attributing divine power to themselves or their false gods, this verse sets the stage for Habakkuk's subsequent, profound complaint: how can a holy God use such an unholy people, and will He not judge them too ([Habakkuk 1:13](/habakkuk/1-13 "Habakkuk's Second Complaint"))?
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Habakkuk's prophecy is the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the Near East, was in decline, and a new power, the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans), was rapidly rising under leaders like Nabopolassar and later Nebuchadnezzar II. Judah found itself caught between these shifting powers, often aligning with Egypt or Babylon, leading to political instability and spiritual compromise. The Chaldeans were renowned for their military prowess, advanced siege warfare, and brutal efficiency. Culturally, they were polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods, chief among them Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon. Their worldview attributed military success to the favor and power of their own gods, a stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The act of "imputing power to his god" was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, where victorious nations credited their deities for their triumphs, often carrying off the defeated gods of their enemies as spoils.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 1:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that while God uses even wicked nations as instruments in His providential plan, He remains ultimately in control and holds them accountable for their actions and attitudes. Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive sin of **Pride and Arrogance**, especially when success leads to self-exaltation and a forgetting of God as the true source of power. The Chaldeans' "mind change" from instruments to self-glorifiers is a classic example. Thirdly, it addresses **Idolatry and Self-Worship**, as the Chaldeans attribute their power to false gods or, by extension, to their own strength and genius, effectively worshipping themselves. This is a direct affront to the one true God. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment on the Oppressor**, foreshadowing Babylon's eventual fall despite their temporary role as God's disciplinary rod. This sets up the grand theological tension that Habakkuk grapples with: how God's justice will ultimately prevail over all wickedness, even that of His chosen instruments, a theme resolved in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Just Shall Live by Faith") and the subsequent chapters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) This word, often translated as "spirit" or "wind," here refers to the inner disposition, attitude, or character. The phrase "his mind change" signifies a fundamental shift in their inner being, from being merely instruments of God's wrath to becoming arrogant and self-worshipping. It's a change in their moral and spiritual orientation.
* **change (Hebrew, _châlaph'_):** (H2498) A primitive root meaning "to slide by," "hasten away," "pass on," "spring up," or "pierce." In this context, it conveys the idea of altering, passing over, or renewing. When combined with "mind," it describes a profound alteration of their character and perspective, a transition from humble instruments to proud transgressors.
* **offend (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** (H816) This root means "to be guilty," "to be punished," or "to perish." The Chaldeans' actions of self-glorification and idolatry lead directly to their culpability before God. Their success does not grant them impunity; rather, their pride makes them guilty, deserving of punishment.
* **power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** (H3581) Referring to vigor, force, might, or ability. This word highlights the very thing the Chaldeans are misattributing. Their military strength and capacity for conquest, which were divinely permitted and even empowered, are wrongly credited to themselves or their false gods, demonstrating their profound spiritual blindness and arrogance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall his mind change":** This phrase indicates a transformation in the Chaldean's internal disposition. Having achieved immense military success and dominion, their initial focus on conquest shifts to an inflated sense of self-importance and invincibility. This is not a change for the better, but a hardening of heart and a descent into spiritual arrogance.
* **"and he shall pass over, and offend":** "Pass over" (Hebrew: `ʻâbar`, H5674) here implies passing beyond a boundary or limit, transgressing. Having changed their mind, they will cross the line of divine allowance and commit an offense. This offense (`ʼâsham`, H816) means they become guilty, incurring divine judgment for their actions, even though they were initially used by God. Their pride leads to their culpability.
* **"[imputing] this his power unto his god":** This is the core of their offense. The bracketed word "imputing" (supplied for clarity, the Hebrew implies "to put" or "to place") clarifies that the Chaldeans attribute their remarkable military might and successes ("this his power") to a false source. This "god" (Hebrew: `ʼĕlôwahh`, H433) could refer to their pagan deities like Marduk, or it could be a subtle reference to themselves, effectively making their own strength and strategic genius their "god." This act is the ultimate expression of their pride and idolatry, a direct rejection of Yahweh's sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 1:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very nation God raises to execute judgment becomes guilty of the same sin of pride and idolatry that Judah was judged for. This highlights God's universal standard of justice. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as the verse not only describes the Chaldeans' present sin but also subtly predicts their future downfall, which is elaborated upon in [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - The Oracle Against the Chaldeans"). The phrase "his mind change" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism** or **Personification**, attributing a moral shift to the collective entity of the Chaldean nation, as if it were a single individual capable of spiritual transformation. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Denunciation**, exposing the hidden sin of the oppressor even as they are at the height of their power, reinforcing the theme of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their destinies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 1:11 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God's use of a nation or individual does not absolve them of their own moral responsibility or exempt them from judgment for their sin. The Chaldeans, though instruments of divine wrath, fall prey to the universal human temptation of pride and idolatry, attributing their divinely-granted power to themselves or their false deities. This act is a direct challenge to God's absolute sovereignty and a demonstration of spiritual blindness. It underscores that all power, authority, and success ultimately originate from God, and to claim it for oneself or a created thing is a grave offense. This verse serves as a timeless warning against self-glorification and a call to humble acknowledgment of God as the sole source of all might and blessing.

* [Isaiah 10:12-15](/isaiah/10-12-15 "God's Judgment on Assyria's Pride")
* [Daniel 4:30-33](/daniel/4-30-33 "Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and Restoration")
* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Warning Against Forgetting God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 1:11 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for individuals and nations alike: success, power, and achievement, when not rightly attributed to God, can become the very instruments of our spiritual downfall. The Chaldeans' sin was not merely their brutality, but their arrogance in claiming divine power for themselves or their false gods. In our own lives, when we experience breakthroughs, accomplishments, or periods of strength, it is easy for our "mind to change"—to shift from gratitude and dependence on God to self-sufficiency and pride. We might subtly "impute our power unto our god," whether that god is our intellect, our hard work, our wealth, our status, or even our religious devotion, rather than acknowledging that "every good and perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God as the Giver of All Good Gifts")). This verse calls us to a radical humility, reminding us that true strength lies not in our own might, but in our humble reliance on the Almighty. It demands that we constantly examine our hearts, ensuring that all glory, honor, and praise for our abilities and successes are directed back to the one true God, lest we, like the Chaldeans, "offend" and incur guilt through our pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to attribute success or strength to myself rather than to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset of humility and constant acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, even in moments of personal or collective triumph?**
* **What "gods" (e.g., career, reputation, comfort, ideology) might I be implicitly crediting for my power or achievements, instead of the true God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my "mind" does not "change" from grateful dependence to self-exalting pride?**

### FAQ
**Who is "his" in Habakkuk 1:11, and what does it mean for "his mind [to] change"?**

Answer: The "his" in Habakkuk 1:11 refers to the Chaldean (Babylonian) nation, personified as a single entity. The phrase "his mind change" signifies a profound shift in their character and disposition. Initially, they are depicted as God's chosen instrument for judgment, a fierce and swift force raised up by divine decree ([Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises the Chaldeans")). However, as they achieve overwhelming success and power, their internal orientation shifts from being mere tools to becoming arrogant and self-sufficient. Their "mind" (Hebrew: `rûwach`, spirit or disposition) changes from a state of being used by God to one of self-glorification, where they forget their divine origin and attribute their might to themselves or their pagan deities. This change marks their transition from being instruments of justice to becoming objects of future judgment.

**Why does God allow a wicked nation like the Chaldeans to be His instrument, only to judge them later?**

Answer: This question is central to the entire book of Habakkuk and a profound theological challenge. God's use of the Chaldeans, despite their wickedness, demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use any means, even unrighteous ones, to accomplish His righteous purposes. He uses them as a "rod of anger" to discipline Judah for their sins ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")). However, God's use of them does not condone their sin. Habakkuk 1:11 clarifies that the Chaldeans' own pride and idolatry make them guilty (`ʼâsham`, H816). God holds all nations accountable to His universal moral law. While He might temporarily permit or even employ wicked agents for His purposes, He ultimately judges them for their own wickedness, pride, and disregard for Him. This is a testament to God's perfect justice, which extends to both His people and the nations that oppress them, ensuring that no sin goes unpunished ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 1:11, though describing the judgment of a pagan nation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Chaldeans' sin of attributing their power to themselves or their false gods stands in stark contrast to the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied humility and attributed all His power and works to the Father. Unlike the Chaldeans who "offended" by their pride, Christ "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Furthermore, the verse's foreshadowing of judgment upon the proud and idolatrous Chaldeans points to Christ as the ultimate and righteous Judge. All earthly powers that exalt themselves against God will ultimately be brought low by Him who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The Chaldeans' false gods and self-worship are utterly vanquished by the resurrected Christ, who alone is worthy of all power, glory, and dominion ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Thus, Habakkuk 1:11, by exposing the futility and guilt of human pride and idolatry, implicitly magnifies the supremacy of Christ, who is the true source of all power and the only one to whom all glory is rightly due, calling humanity to abandon false gods and self-exaltation and instead find true life and strength in Him ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:20

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:

Daniel 5:3

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

Jeremiah 4:11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Jeremiah 4:12

[Even] a full wind from those [places] shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.

Daniel 4:30

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 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: