Habakkuk 2:14

KJV

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the earth {H776} shall be filled {H4390} with the knowledge {H3045} of the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068}, as the waters {H4325} cover {H3680} the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the earth will be as full of the knowledge of ADONAI's glory as water covering the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

American Standard Version

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:14 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within a book grappling with divine justice and impending judgment. It offers a glorious vision of the future, proclaiming that despite present turmoil and the rise of wicked empires, the earth will ultimately be filled with the intimate knowledge of the LORD's majestic glory, covering it as comprehensively and inescapably as the waters cover the sea. This verse serves as a beacon of hope, assuring God's ultimate triumph and the universal revelation of His character and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within God's direct response to Habakkuk's second lament. The prophet, deeply troubled by God's decision to use the wicked Babylonians (Chaldeans) to judge Judah, questions how a holy God could employ such an unrighteous instrument ([Habakkuk 1:12-17](/habakkuk/1-12-17 "Habakkuk 1:12-17 - Habakkuk's Second Lament")). In [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - The Lord's Answer"), God instructs Habakkuk to write down a vision that is for "an appointed time," assuring its certain fulfillment despite any delay ([Habakkuk 2:2-3](/habakkuk/2-2-3 "Habakkuk 2:2-3 - The Vision and Its Fulfillment")). Amidst pronouncements of woe against the oppressor, [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory") provides a stunning eschatological promise, transcending the immediate crisis and pointing to God's ultimate, universal triumph over all evil. It offers a future hope that grounds the present call to faith found in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Live by Faith").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BC, preceding the Babylonian exile. The prophet observes the rampant injustice, violence, and moral decay within Judah itself ([Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk 1:2-4 - Habakkuk's First Lament")). God's shocking revelation that He is raising up the swift and ruthless Babylonians to punish Judah ([Habakkuk 1:5-11](/habakkuk/1-5-11 "Habakkuk 1:5-11 - God's Response: The Babylonians")) deeply perplexes Habakkuk. The Chaldeans were a formidable, pagan empire known for their military might and cruelty, making God's choice of them as His instrument of judgment particularly challenging for the prophet to reconcile with divine righteousness. This historical backdrop of national crisis and existential questioning highlights the radical nature of the promise in [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory"), which projects beyond the immediate despair to a glorious future where God's ultimate reign is undeniably established.
* **Key Themes:** [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Ultimate Triumph**. Despite the apparent chaos and the rise of wicked empires, the verse asserts that God's plan will ultimately prevail, culminating in His universal recognition. Secondly, it speaks to the **Universal Revelation of God's Glory**. The knowledge of God's glory will not be confined to Israel but will permeate the entire earth, signifying a global acknowledgment of His majesty and authority. This contrasts sharply with the limited understanding and idolatry prevalent in Habakkuk's day. Finally, it provides a powerful message of **Eschatological Hope and Restoration**. The promise points to a future, often associated with the Messianic age or the new creation, where God's presence and character are fully manifested, bringing about a transformed world free from the injustices that plague the present age. This hope serves as an anchor for the righteous who live by faith, as declared in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Live by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ H3045):** This word implies more than mere intellectual understanding or factual information. It signifies an intimate, experiential, and relational acquaintance. When applied to God, it speaks of a deep, personal recognition of His character, attributes, and works, leading to worship and obedience. It is a knowing that transforms.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** Properly meaning "weight," this term figuratively refers to God's splendor, honor, majesty, and inherent worth. It encompasses His visible manifestation, His power, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. The "glory of the LORD" speaks to the full revelation of His divine essence and character.
* **cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_ H3680):** A primitive root meaning "to plump" or "fill up hollows," and by implication, "to cover" (for clothing or secrecy) or "to overwhelm." In this context, it emphasizes the complete and pervasive nature of the "knowledge of the glory of the LORD," suggesting that no part of the earth will be untouched or hidden from this universal revelation, just as no part of the seabed is left uncovered by water.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the earth shall be filled":** This opening phrase declares a future, certain reality. The "earth" (`ʼerets` H776) refers to the entire globe, indicating a universal scope. The verb "filled" (`mâlêʼ` H4390) emphasizes completeness and saturation, suggesting that this future state will be total and pervasive, leaving no corner untouched.
* **"with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD":** This specifies the content of what will fill the earth. It's not just any knowledge, but an intimate, experiential understanding (`yâdaʻ` H3045) of God's inherent majesty, weighty presence, and revealed character (`kâbôwd` H3519). The "LORD" (`Yᵉhôvâh` H3068) refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal One, whose character and redemptive plan will be universally recognized.
* **"as the waters cover the sea":** This powerful simile illustrates the *completeness* and *pervasiveness* of the promised reality. Just as the waters (`mayim` H4325) completely and inescapably cover every part of the sea (`yâm` H3220) bed, so too will the knowledge of the LORD's glory saturate the entire earth. It conveys an image of overwhelming, undeniable presence and revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:14 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing a vivid **Simile**. The comparison "as the waters cover the sea" is not merely illustrative but deeply emphatic, conveying the absolute totality and pervasiveness of the "knowledge of the glory of the LORD." This simile functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating for effect to underscore the future universal and undeniable manifestation of God's presence and character across the entire globe. The verse also serves as a powerful **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of a future event that transcends the immediate historical context of Habakkuk's lament. This prophetic utterance provides a definitive answer to the prophet's questions about divine justice, assuring that God's ultimate triumph will be undeniable and universally recognized.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:14 is a cornerstone prophecy that resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It speaks to the ultimate purpose of creation and redemption: the universal acknowledgment and worship of God's glory. This future state signifies the culmination of God's kingdom, where His reign is fully established, and all creation recognizes His supreme authority and majesty. It stands as a powerful counterpoint to the present reality of rebellion, injustice, and limited knowledge of God, promising a time when His truth will permeate every aspect of existence. This vision provides enduring hope, assuring believers that God's ultimate plan for His glory to fill the earth is certain, regardless of present circumstances or the apparent triumph of evil.

* [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - The Earth Full of the Knowledge of the Lord")
* [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - All the Earth Filled with God's Glory")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:14 offers a profound wellspring of hope and a challenging call to action for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice, suffering, and spiritual darkness. In an age where evil seems to proliferate and God's presence can feel obscured, this verse provides an unwavering assurance of His ultimate triumph. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary and that God's sovereign plan will culminate in a glorious future where His character and power are universally recognized. This truth should anchor our faith, enabling us to persevere with an eternal perspective, knowing that every act of righteousness and every declaration of the Gospel contributes to the spreading of His knowledge. It compels us not only to long for this future but to actively participate in God's mission today, living lives that reflect His glory and sharing the good news that introduces others to the "knowledge of the glory of the LORD."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the earth being "filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD" challenge or comfort your perspective on current global events and injustices?**
* **What does it mean for *you* personally to be "filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD"? How can you pursue a deeper, more intimate acquaintance with God's character and majesty in your daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual or part of a community, contribute to the spread of God's knowledge and glory in your sphere of influence today, anticipating this future fulfillment?**
* **How does the certainty of this prophecy strengthen your faith and encourage perseverance when facing personal trials or societal brokenness?**

### FAQ

**When will the prophecy of Habakkuk 2:14 be fulfilled?**

Answer: The fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:14 is understood to be both progressive and ultimate. In one sense, the spread of the Gospel throughout history, through the church's mission, represents a partial and ongoing fulfillment, as more people come to know God through Jesus Christ ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). However, the comprehensive and universal nature of the prophecy, where the knowledge of God's glory covers the earth "as the waters cover the sea," points to a future, eschatological fulfillment. This ultimate realization is widely associated with the return of Christ, the establishment of His millennial kingdom, and ultimately, the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence and glory will be fully and undeniably manifested to all creation ([Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23-24 "Revelation 21:23-24 - God's Glory as the Light of the New Jerusalem")).

**What is the difference between "knowledge" and "glory" in this verse, and why are both important?**

Answer: In Habakkuk 2:14, "knowledge" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) refers to an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding of God, not merely intellectual assent. It implies a deep acquaintance with His character, His ways, and His truth. "Glory" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd*) refers to God's inherent majesty, splendor, weight, and revealed presence. It is the visible manifestation of His divine attributes. Both are crucial because the verse promises that the earth will not just have intellectual facts *about* God, but will be saturated with a profound, personal recognition *of* His awe-inspiring presence and character. It's a holistic understanding and experience of who God truly is, leading to universal worship and reverence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme revelation of the "glory of the LORD." The Gospel of John declares that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, God's glory is not merely observed but intimately known. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly revealed the Father's character, love, and righteousness, making the "knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" accessible to humanity ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of God's Glory")). The Great Commission, given by Christ, is the means by which this knowledge is currently spreading throughout the earth, as His disciples are sent "to make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, the full and universal realization of this prophecy awaits Christ's glorious return, when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, Habakkuk's vision of a world saturated with God's glory is intrinsically tied to the reigning Lordship of Jesus Christ.

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

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Zechariah 14:8

¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Zechariah 14:9

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Psalms 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.