Habakkuk 2:10

KJV

Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned [against] thy soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast consulted {H3289} shame {H1322} to thy house {H1004} by cutting off {H7096} many {H7227} people {H5971}, and hast sinned {H2398} against thy soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By scheming to destroy many peoples, you have brought shame to your house and forfeited your life.

Berean Standard Bible

You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life.

American Standard Version

Thou hast devised shame to thy house, by cutting off many peoples, and hast sinned against thy soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:10 delivers a scathing indictment against the oppressive nation, identified as the Chaldeans, for their ruthless expansion and violent conquests. The verse declares that their deliberate actions, intended to build an empire and secure glory, will instead result in profound disgrace for their dynasty, as they have not only caused immense suffering to countless people but have also intrinsically corrupted their own essence and destiny through their egregious sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:10 is part of a series of five "woes" (Habakkuk 2:6-20) pronounced by God against the oppressive Chaldean (Babylonian) empire. These woes serve as God's answer to Habakkuk's second complaint, where the prophet questions how a holy God could use a nation even more wicked than Judah to execute judgment. Following the foundational declaration that [the just shall live by his faith](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Just Live by Faith"), these woes systematically dismantle the oppressor's perceived strengths, revealing that their ill-gotten gains, violence, and idolatry will ultimately lead to their downfall and shame. Verse 10 specifically targets the destructive consequences of their ambition and the self-inflicting nature of their sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in the late 7th century BCE, as the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldeans) was rapidly rising to prominence, conquering vast territories, including Judah. Babylon's military campaigns were notoriously brutal, characterized by widespread destruction, mass killings, and forced deportations of conquered peoples, such as the exile of Judah's elite. The Chaldeans sought to establish a lasting legacy and secure their "house" (dynasty/empire) through military might and the spoils of war. However, this verse highlights a divine counter-narrative, asserting that such a foundation built on injustice and bloodshed would inevitably lead to their disgrace and ultimate ruin, a common theme in prophetic judgment against empires that defied God's moral order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Habakkuk and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores **Divine Justice and Accountability**, demonstrating that God holds nations and individuals responsible for their actions, particularly for violence, oppression, and pride, even if He uses them for a time, as seen in [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises the Chaldeans"). The theme of **Self-Inflicted Ruin** is prominent, as the oppressor's quest for glory through unjust means ultimately brings "shame to thy house," illustrating that sin is inherently self-destructive and carries its own consequences. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Cruelty and Oppression**, specifically the "cutting off many people," which points to the horrific human cost of empire-building through violence. Finally, it delves into the **Nature of Sin**, revealing that sin is not merely an external act against others or God but also a "sin against thy soul," corrupting the very essence and integrity of the perpetrator, a truth echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **consulted (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** From H3289, meaning "to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve." In this context, it implies a deliberate, intentional planning or bringing about. The Chaldeans did not accidentally incur shame; they actively purposed a path of aggression and conquest that inherently led to their disgrace. Their actions were not impulsive but calculated, making their eventual shame a direct consequence of their chosen strategy.
* **shame (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** From H1322, meaning "shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause)." This word denotes not just a subjective feeling of embarrassment but an objective state of disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation. It speaks to the ultimate failure and ignominy that would befall the Babylonian dynasty, despite its temporary military successes. Their legacy would be one of infamy rather than glory.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, meaning "properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)." Here, "soul" refers to the very self, life, essence, or being of the oppressor. To "sin against thy soul" means to inflict damage upon one's own inner being, integrity, and ultimate destiny, demonstrating that sin is not only an outward transgression but an inward corruption that leads to self-destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast consulted shame to thy house":** This clause indicts the oppressor for deliberately planning and executing actions that, contrary to their intent of building a glorious empire, would inevitably bring disgrace and ruin upon their own dynasty and legacy. The "house" represents their royal line, their empire, and their reputation. Their violent conquests and oppressive policies were, in God's eyes, a calculated strategy for their own humiliation.
* **"by cutting off many people":** This specifies the means by which they consulted shame. "Cutting off" (H7096, _qâtsâh'_) implies destruction, eradication, or severe reduction, referring to the brutal massacres, deportations, and subjugation of numerous nations and ethnic groups. This phrase highlights the immense human cost and widespread suffering caused by the Chaldean empire's expansionist policies, which God identifies as the direct cause of their impending disgrace.
* **"and hast sinned [against] thy soul":** This final clause emphasizes the profound, self-destructive nature of their sin. Beyond the external consequences of their actions on others and their own reputation, their cruelty and injustice constituted a direct offense against their own inner being, integrity, and spiritual well-being. Their sin was not merely a tactical error but a moral corruption that would lead to their own ultimate condemnation and ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The phrase "Thou hast consulted shame to thy house" is a vivid **idiom**, implying that the oppressor actively planned and brought about their own disgrace, rather than it being an accidental outcome. This highlights the intentionality of their destructive path. The concept of "cutting off many people" serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **synecdoche**, representing the vast scale of their brutal conquests, massacres, and forced displacements that characterized the Babylonian empire's expansion. Finally, "and hast sinned against thy soul" utilizes **personification** or a strong **metonymy**, attributing an action ("sinned") directly against one's own inner being ("soul"), emphasizing the inherent self-destructive nature of sin and its capacity to corrupt the very essence of the perpetrator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:10 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that actions of injustice and violence, though they may seem to yield temporary power or gain, ultimately lead to self-destruction and divine judgment. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, revealing that He holds nations and individuals accountable for their treatment of others. The oppressor's attempt to build a lasting legacy through bloodshed is exposed as a futile endeavor, destined to end in shame because it fundamentally violates God's moral order. This verse serves as a profound warning that true enduring strength and honor are found in righteousness, not in ruthless ambition or the exploitation of the vulnerable.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 50:1-51:64](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecies Against Babylon"): These extensive prophetic passages detail Babylon's ultimate destruction and humiliation as a direct consequence of their pride, idolatry, and brutal oppression of God's people and other nations.
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation"): "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." This proverb directly aligns with the idea that the Chaldeans' sin brought "shame to thy house," illustrating that unrighteousness degrades and ultimately brings disgrace upon a people or nation.
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"): "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." This New Testament principle succinctly captures the essence of Habakkuk 2:10, emphasizing the inescapable consequences of one's actions, particularly those of injustice and violence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:10 offers a timeless and sobering reflection on the nature of power, justice, and the consequences of human actions. For individuals and nations alike, it serves as a stark reminder that true and lasting honor is never built upon the suffering or exploitation of others. Any gain achieved through injustice, violence, or a disregard for human dignity is ultimately a "consultation of shame" upon oneself, leading to an inevitable downfall. This verse challenges us to examine our own ambitions and methods: Are we building our "house" (our lives, careers, families, or communities) on principles of righteousness and compassion, or are we, perhaps subtly, "cutting off" others through our pride, greed, or indifference, thereby "sinning against our own soul"? It calls us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when injustice seems to prevail, and to align our lives with His righteous character, knowing that only what is built on truth and love will endure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might individuals or groups today "consult shame" upon themselves by pursuing power or gain through unjust means?**
* **How does the concept of "sinning against thy soul" challenge our understanding of sin as merely an external act, emphasizing its internal, self-destructive impact?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that our personal pursuits and collective endeavors are founded on justice and compassion, rather than leading to self-inflicted disgrace?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice, as revealed in verses like Habakkuk 2:10, empower us to respond to present injustices?**

### FAQ

**What does "Thou hast consulted shame to thy house" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the oppressive nation (the Chaldeans/Babylonians) deliberately planned and carried out actions that, contrary to their intention of gaining glory and building a powerful empire, would ultimately bring profound disgrace and ruin upon their own dynasty and legacy. Their violent conquests and oppressive policies were, in God's eyes, a calculated strategy that would inevitably lead to their own humiliation and destruction.

**Who is "thou" in this verse, and what did they do to "cut off many people"?**

Answer: "Thou" refers to the Chaldean (Babylonian) Empire, which God had raised up to judge Judah but would also judge for its own wickedness. To "cut off many people" refers to their brutal military campaigns, characterized by widespread destruction, mass killings, and forced deportations of conquered populations. This was a hallmark of their empire-building, and the verse highlights the immense human suffering caused by their ruthless ambition.

**What does it mean to "sin against thy soul"?**

Answer: To "sin against thy soul" means to commit acts of sin that are inherently self-destructive, damaging one's own inner being, integrity, and ultimate destiny. It's not just an offense against others or God, but an act that corrupts the very essence of the perpetrator, leading to spiritual and moral decay, and ultimately, divine condemnation. It underscores that sin has profound internal consequences for the one who commits it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:10, with its pronouncement of shame and self-destruction upon the oppressor, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's righteous kingdom over all forms of human injustice and the self-defeating nature of sin. The Chaldeans sought to build an enduring "house" through violence, but their efforts were destined for disgrace because they opposed God's justice. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King, builds an eternal "house"—His Church and His Kingdom—not through conquest and bloodshed, but through self-sacrificial love and righteousness. He is the one who truly "cuts off" the power of sin and death, not people, by offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the Chaldeans "sinned against their soul" through their cruelty, Christ, though sinless, bore the full weight of humanity's sin upon His own soul, experiencing separation from God so that we might be reconciled (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His suffering on the cross, which appeared to be ultimate shame, was in fact the means by which He secured eternal glory and victory over all evil, demonstrating that true power is found in humble obedience and sacrificial love, completely subverting the world's oppressive ways (cf. [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Ultimately, Christ's return will bring the final and decisive judgment upon all who have built their empires on injustice, ensuring that every "house" founded on unrighteousness will indeed experience eternal shame, while His righteous kingdom will stand forever (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

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

Nahum 1:14

And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, [that] no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

2 Kings 9:26

Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take [and] cast him into the plat [of ground], according to the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 10:7

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him [them] to Jezreel.

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.

Proverbs 1:18

And they lay wait for their [own] blood; they lurk privily for their [own] lives.

Isaiah 33:11

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, [as] fire, shall devour you.

Numbers 16:38

The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates [for] a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.