Habakkuk 2:13

KJV

Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, is it not of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} that the people {H5971} shall labour {H3021} in the very {H1767} fire {H784}, and the people {H3816} shall weary {H3286} themselves for very {H1767} vanity {H7385}?

Complete Jewish Bible

so that people toil for what will be burned up, and nations exhaust themselves to no purpose. Isn't all this from ADONAI-Tzva'ot?

Berean Standard Bible

Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain?

American Standard Version

Behold, is it not of Jehovah of hosts that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:13 delivers a powerful pronouncement of divine judgment against the futility of human endeavors built on injustice and oppression. It reveals that the immense toil and destructive conquests of nations, particularly the Babylonian empire, are ultimately orchestrated and rendered meaningless by the sovereign hand of the LORD of hosts. Despite their grand achievements and seemingly unassailable power, their efforts are likened to laboring in fire, leading only to exhaustion and utter vanity, because they are not aligned with God's righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:13 is embedded within the second chapter of Habakkuk, specifically as part of the third "woe" (Habakkuk 2:12-14) pronounced by God against the Chaldeans (Babylonians). The prophet Habakkuk has questioned God's use of a wicked nation to punish His own people [Habakkuk 1:1-4](/habakkuk/1-1-4 "Habakkuk's Complaint"), and God's response includes a vision detailing the Babylonians' eventual downfall. The preceding verse, [Habakkuk 2:12](/habakkuk/2-12 "Habakkuk 2:12 - Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed"), sets the stage by condemning the act of building a city "with bloodshed" and establishing a town "by iniquity." Verse 13 then elaborates on the ultimate futility and divine judgment upon such ill-gotten gains and oppressive labor, emphasizing that these efforts, no matter how grand, are destined for destruction and emptiness. The subsequent verse, [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of the Glory of the LORD"), provides a stark contrast, proclaiming that the earth will ultimately be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, implying that God's righteous kingdom will endure long after human empires built on injustice crumble.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Habakkuk's prophecy is the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonians were renowned for their military might, their brutal conquests, and their impressive building projects, such as the reconstruction of Babylon, including its massive walls, temples, and the famous Hanging Gardens. These monumental achievements were often accomplished through forced labor, the plundering of conquered nations, and immense bloodshed. The people referred to in the verse are likely the various subjugated nations and peoples forced into labor by the Babylonians, as well as the Babylonians themselves, whose relentless efforts to expand their empire and build their capital were driven by insatiable ambition and pride. The verse captures the essence of an empire that believed its might and achievements were solely its own, failing to recognize the divine hand that ultimately governs all human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Habakkuk and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that even the rise and fall of mighty empires like Babylon are ultimately under the control of the "LORD of hosts." This challenges the notion that human power is absolute and reinforces God's ultimate authority over history and nations, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men"). Another key theme is the **Futility of Unrighteous Labor and Wealth**, highlighting that achievements gained through injustice, violence, and pride are inherently unstable and ultimately lead to "vanity" or emptiness. This resonates with the wisdom literature, particularly [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity"), which repeatedly declares the emptiness of human striving apart from God. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Retributive Justice**, implying that the very "fire" (destruction and oppression) that Babylon inflicted upon others will consume their own efforts, leading to their exhaustion and downfall. This principle of divine recompense is pervasive throughout Scripture, where those who sow injustice will reap destruction ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Hebrew, _yâgaʻ'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to gasp," conveys the idea of being utterly exhausted, to tire, or to toil with immense effort. It speaks to the strenuous, often oppressive, and relentless work involved in the Babylonians' conquests and building projects, suggesting a profound and debilitating weariness.
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** A primitive word for fire, used literally or figuratively. In this context, "fire" can symbolize intense effort, destructive power, or the consuming nature of their own actions. It suggests that their labor is not only arduous but also self-destructive, as if their very efforts are being consumed by a destructive flame.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _rîyq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to empty," this term signifies emptiness, worthlessness, or something done to no purpose. It implies that despite the immense effort and apparent grandeur of their achievements, the ultimate outcome for the Babylonians will be utterly devoid of lasting value, meaning, or profit, leading only to futility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts":** This opening phrase functions as a rhetorical question, emphatically asserting that the subsequent declaration is a direct decree and sovereign act of God. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sebaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation, armies, and heavenly bodies, signifying that no human empire, however mighty, can escape His ultimate control and judgment. It declares that the futility of Babylon's efforts is not accidental but divinely ordained.
* **"that the people shall labour in the very fire":** This clause describes the intense, arduous, and perhaps self-destructive nature of the labor undertaken by the nations, particularly the Babylonians. "Labour in the very fire" can be understood as working with extreme intensity, as if in a consuming blaze, or that their efforts are themselves consumed by fire, symbolizing destruction or futility. It highlights the immense, exhausting effort expended in their conquests and building projects, which were often achieved through violence and oppression.
* **"and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?":** This parallel clause reinforces the outcome of their intense labor. The "people" here can refer to the Babylonians themselves or the oppressed nations forced into their service. To "weary themselves for very vanity" means that all their strenuous efforts, their conquests, and their grand constructions will ultimately amount to nothing. They will exhaust themselves for something that is empty, fleeting, and utterly without lasting purpose or profit, a testament to the ultimate meaninglessness of endeavors not aligned with God's righteous will.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("is it not of the LORD of hosts?") which serves to emphasize the undeniable truth and divine origin of the subsequent declaration. This question is not seeking an answer but rather affirming God's absolute sovereignty over the destinies of nations. The verse also features strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in its two main clauses: "the people shall labour in the very fire" and "the people shall weary themselves for very vanity." Both phrases convey the same core idea of intense, exhausting effort leading to ultimate futility, reinforcing the message through repetition and varied imagery. **Symbolism** is evident in the use of "fire," which can symbolize the destructive nature of their actions, the intense heat of their oppressive labor, or the consuming judgment that will ultimately devour their achievements. Finally, there is a profound sense of **Irony** in the verse. The Babylonians, who prided themselves on their strength and their ability to build a vast empire through conquest, are depicted as exhausting themselves for nothing, their grand projects ultimately proving to be mere "vanity." Their perceived strength becomes their undoing, a testament to the ultimate futility of human pride and ambition apart from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:13 is a profound theological statement on the nature of human power, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate futility of unrighteous ambition. It asserts that all human endeavors, no matter how grand or seemingly successful, if built upon injustice, violence, and self-aggrandizement, are ultimately subject to God's judgment and will prove to be empty and without lasting value. The "LORD of hosts" is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of history, ensuring that even the most powerful empires cannot escape the consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a timeless warning that true and enduring success is not found in material accumulation or worldly power gained through oppression, but in alignment with God's righteous character and purposes. It underscores the biblical principle that what is done apart from God's will, or in opposition to it, is ultimately destined for destruction and meaninglessness.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD builds the house")
* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit")
* [Isaiah 55:2](/isaiah/55-2 "Isaiah 55:2 - Why spend money on what is not bread?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:13 offers a penetrating challenge to individuals and societies alike, urging us to critically examine the foundations and ultimate aims of our labor. In a world that often values material success, power, and visible achievements above all else, this verse reminds us that the true measure of our efforts lies not in their outward grandeur but in their alignment with divine righteousness. Are we, like the Babylonians, expending our energy and resources on pursuits that, though seemingly impressive, are ultimately "labouring in the very fire" and will lead to "vanity"? This could manifest in relentless pursuit of wealth, status, or influence through unethical means, or in building a life focused solely on fleeting earthly pleasures without regard for eternal values. The verse calls us to consider whether our ambitions are rooted in justice, compassion, and a desire to honor God, or if they are driven by pride, greed, and a willingness to exploit others. It encourages us to invest our lives in endeavors that possess eternal significance, that contribute to God's kingdom, and that are built on principles of integrity and truth, knowing that only such efforts will truly endure and bring lasting fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fires" in my life or society that consume immense energy but may ultimately lead to "vanity"?**
* **How does my daily labor and my long-term ambitions align with God's righteous will, or do they risk being built on unstable, unrighteous foundations?**
* **In what ways might I be pursuing temporary gains at the expense of eternal value, and how can I reorient my efforts towards what truly endures?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean all hard work is futile?**

Answer: No, this verse does not suggest that all hard work is futile. Instead, it specifically condemns labor that is built on injustice, oppression, and a disregard for God's righteous standards. The "futility" and "vanity" described here are the result of efforts that are self-serving, violent, or aimed at building a kingdom apart from God. Legitimate, ethical, and God-honoring labor is affirmed throughout Scripture as good and purposeful, as seen in passages like [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord"). The key distinction is the foundation and purpose of the labor: is it for self-glory and unrighteous gain, or for God's glory and the good of others?

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:13, with its pronouncement of the futility of human labor built on unrighteousness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the fleeting kingdoms of this world and the eternal, righteous kingdom established by Jesus Christ. The Babylonians "labour[ed] in the very fire" for "vanity," building an empire through bloodshed and oppression that ultimately crumbled. In profound contrast, Jesus's work was entirely righteous and eternally enduring. He did not build His kingdom through conquest or forced labor, but through self-sacrifice and humble service, culminating in His death on the cross and resurrection. His labor was not for "vanity" but for the eternal salvation of humanity, as He declared, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). While human empires built on pride and injustice are consumed by their own destructive "fire," Christ's work is a "fire" that purifies and refines, leading to eternal life ([1 Corinthians 3:13-15](/1_corinthians/3-13-15 "The Fire Will Test Each One's Work")). The "LORD of hosts" who declared the futility of Babylon's efforts is the same God who exalted Christ, giving Him "a name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "God Exalted Jesus")), ensuring that His kingdom, unlike all earthly ones, will never pass away ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "An Everlasting Dominion")). Thus, Habakkuk 2:13 foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's enduring, righteous work over all human striving for empty glory.

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

Jeremiah 51:58

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

Isaiah 50:11

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass [yourselves] about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks [that] ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Isaiah 41:5

The isles saw [it], and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

Isaiah 41:8

But thou, Israel, [art] my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

Malachi 1:4

Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Psalms 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.