Habakkuk 2:2

KJV

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} answered {H6030} me, and said {H559}, Write {H3789} the vision {H2377}, and make it plain {H874} upon tables {H3871}, that he may run {H7323} that readeth {H7121} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI answered me; he said, "Write down the vision clearly on tablets, so that even a runner can read it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:2 records the LORD's direct instruction to the prophet Habakkuk, commanding him to inscribe the divine revelation clearly and publicly. This command comes as God begins to answer Habakkuk's profound questions concerning the prevalence of injustice in Judah and the impending judgment by the Babylonians. The verse emphasizes the authoritative nature, clarity, and urgent purpose of God's message, ensuring it is accessible and prompts a swift response from all who encounter it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 2:2 is the pivotal response from God following Habakkuk's lament and his posture of waiting for a divine answer, as described in [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's Complaint About Injustice") and [Habakkuk 1:12-17](/habakkuk/1-12-17 "Habakkuk's Complaint About God's Use of Babylon"). The prophet had "stood upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me" ([Habakkuk 2:1](/habakkuk/2-1 "Habakkuk Waits for God's Answer")), indicating an eager anticipation for God's revelation. This verse marks the beginning of God's comprehensive answer, which extends through the rest of chapter 2, culminating in the declaration of the righteous living by faith and a series of "woes" against the wicked. The command to write the vision sets the stage for the enduring nature and future fulfillment of the prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BCE, just before the Babylonian exile. The nation was experiencing internal moral decay, idolatry, and social injustice, prompting Habakkuk's initial complaint. God's answer reveals His intention to use the Babylonians, a fierce and seemingly more wicked nation, as His instrument of judgment, which further perplexed the prophet. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public inscriptions on tablets (often clay, stone, or wood) were common for laws, decrees, treaties, and significant prophecies. Making a message "plain upon tables" ensured its public accessibility, permanence, and authoritative status, much like a royal decree or a legal document that everyone was expected to know and obey.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes central to the book of Habakkuk and broader biblical theology. The theme of **Divine Revelation and Clarity** is paramount, as God explicitly commands that His message be made "plain," emphasizing its understandability and public nature. This contrasts with obscure or hidden prophecies, underscoring God's desire for His people to grasp His will. The phrase "that he may run that readeth it" introduces the theme of **Urgency and Action**, implying that the message is so clear and compelling that it prompts a swift response—whether it be to proclaim it, flee from impending judgment, or act in accordance with its truth. Furthermore, this command to record the vision serves as a foundational element for the theme of **Endurance and Faith**, particularly as the vision's fulfillment might be delayed, as indicated in [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time"). The written word provides a steadfast anchor for the righteous, who are called to live by faith, a pivotal truth articulated in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Just Shall Live by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From the root _châzâh_ (to gaze, perceive), this word refers to a sight (mentally), a dream, revelation, or oracle. In this context, it signifies the divine communication received by Habakkuk, a prophetic message from God concerning His plans and purposes, particularly regarding the impending judgment and the ultimate triumph of His justice. It is not merely a personal insight but a divinely revealed truth.
* **Write (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** A primitive root meaning to grave, by implication, to write, describe, inscribe, or prescribe. This imperative command emphasizes the necessity of recording God's revelation for permanence, accuracy, and public dissemination. The act of writing ensures that the message is preserved beyond the prophet's immediate utterance, making it accessible to future generations and providing a verifiable record of God's word.
* **Plain (Hebrew, _bâʼar'_):** A primitive root meaning to dig, by analogy, to engrave, and figuratively, to explain or declare. When applied to writing, it means to make clear, distinct, or legible. The command to "make it plain" implies that the vision should be inscribed in such a way that it is easily readable and understandable, even by someone quickly passing by, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring the message's impact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD answered me, and said":** This clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. It signifies that God is directly responding to Habakkuk's earnest inquiry and lament, validating the prophet's concerns and affirming that God is attentive to His people's cries. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) underscores His covenant faithfulness and sovereign control.
* **"Write the vision":** This is a direct, imperative command to Habakkuk. It emphasizes the importance of documenting God's revelation, not merely speaking it. The act of writing ensures the preservation, accuracy, and public accessibility of the prophecy, making it an enduring testimony for all who would encounter it.
* **"and make [it] plain upon tables":** This further specifies the manner of writing. "Plain" (H874, _bâʼar'_) means to make clear, distinct, or legible. "Tables" (H3871, _lûwach_) refers to writing surfaces, likely stone, wood, or clay tablets, commonly used for public decrees or important records. This instruction ensures that the message is not only recorded but also displayed prominently and legibly, accessible to a wide audience and leaving no room for misinterpretation.
* **"that he may run that readeth it":** This is perhaps the most debated and evocative phrase. It suggests that the message, being so clear and accessible, can be grasped quickly and acted upon swiftly. Interpretations include: (1) The reader understands it so rapidly that they can "run" to proclaim it to others; (2) The message is so urgent that it compels the reader to "run" in response, either to flee from impending judgment or to swiftly obey its commands; or (3) The message is clear enough to be read "on the run" by someone passing by. All interpretations highlight the clarity, urgency, and compelling nature of God's word.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:2 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the direct commands "Write" and "make it plain," which underscore the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions to Habakkuk. **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "that he may run that readeth it." While literally referring to physical running, it metaphorically conveys the idea of swift comprehension, urgent proclamation, or rapid response to the divine message. This vivid imagery suggests the compelling power of God's clearly communicated word. Furthermore, the act of inscribing on "tables" serves as **Symbolism** for permanence, public declaration, and the authoritative nature of God's revelation, akin to the tablets of the Law given to Moses. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Discourse**, presenting God's direct and unambiguous communication to His prophet, contrasting with the prophet's earlier laments and setting a new tone of divine clarity and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:2 profoundly articulates God's character as a God who communicates clearly and purposefully with humanity. It underscores the divine imperative for revelation to be not only given but also preserved and made accessible, ensuring that His will and plans are understood by all. This command highlights the intrinsic value and enduring power of the written Word of God as a reliable anchor for faith, especially when circumstances are perplexing or the fulfillment of promises seems delayed. The "running" aspect speaks to the inherent urgency of God's truth, demanding a swift and decisive response from those who encounter it, whether in proclamation, obedience, or preparation for future events. This divine communication serves as both a warning and a source of hope, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to ultimate justice.

* [Deuteronomy 6:9](/deuteronomy/6-9 "Write Them on the Doorposts of Your House")
* [Revelation 1:19](/revelation/1-19 "Write the Things Which You Have Seen")
* [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Take a Large Scroll and Write on It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:2 offers timeless principles for believers today, particularly concerning the communication and reception of God's truth. First, it underscores the paramount importance of **clarity in sharing the Gospel and biblical principles**. Just as God commanded Habakkuk to make the vision "plain," we are called to present divine truth in an understandable, unambiguous, and accessible manner, removing unnecessary barriers to comprehension. This applies to preaching, teaching, personal evangelism, and even how we live our lives as testimonies. Second, the phrase "that he may run that readeth it" instills a sense of **urgency in our mission and response**. God's word is not meant for passive contemplation but for active engagement. Upon understanding, we are compelled to act swiftly—to share the good news, to obey His commands, or to prepare for His return. This urgency should fuel our passion for discipleship and evangelism, recognizing the critical nature of the message we bear. Finally, the command to "write the vision" reminds us of the **enduring power and reliability of the written Word of God**. In a world of shifting truths and fleeting trends, the Bible remains our constant, verifiable source of divine revelation. We are encouraged to continually engage with Scripture, internalizing its truths so that they become a steadfast guide and a source of hope, enabling us to "run" the race of faith with endurance and purpose, even when the path is unclear or the wait is long.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you called to make God's truth "plain" and accessible to others?**
* **What does "running" with the message of God look like in your daily life, and what might be hindering your swift response?**
* **How does the permanence of God's written Word in the Bible provide you with stability and hope in uncertain times?**
* **Are there any "visions" or promises from God that you need to "write down" or internalize more deeply to sustain your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "make it plain upon tables" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Making it plain upon tables" refers to inscribing the divine message on durable writing surfaces like stone, wood, or clay tablets in large, clear, and legible characters. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such inscriptions were often placed in public areas, gates, or temples, making them easily visible and accessible to anyone passing by. This ensured that the prophecy was not only preserved accurately but also widely disseminated and understood by the general populace, emphasizing its public and authoritative nature. It was akin to a public decree or a monument bearing a significant message.

**What are the main interpretations of "that he may run that readeth it"?**

Answer: This phrase has two primary interpretations, both highlighting the clarity and urgency of the message. The first interpretation suggests that the vision is written so clearly that a person can read and grasp its meaning quickly, even if they are "running" past it or reading it hastily. Once understood, the reader is then spurred to "run" and proclaim the message to others, emphasizing swift evangelism or declaration. The second interpretation focuses on the compelling nature of the message itself: upon reading and understanding the profound truth of God's impending judgment or promises, the reader is compelled to "run" in response—either to flee from the coming judgment, to swiftly obey God's commands, or to act with urgency in light of the revelation. Both interpretations underscore the immediate and impactful nature of God's clearly communicated word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:2, with its emphasis on a clear, written, and urgently proclaimed vision, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "vision" that Habakkuk was commanded to record foreshadowed the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan, fully unveiled in Christ. Jesus Himself is the living Word, the perfect embodiment and "plain" manifestation of God's truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). The Gospel, the good news of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection, is the most profound "vision" made "plain" for all humanity. It is a message so clear and compelling that it demands an urgent response, echoing the "running" of the reader. Indeed, the Great Commission commands believers to "go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "The Great Commission")), a divine imperative to "run" with the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. The enduring truth of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, recorded in the Scriptures, serves as the steadfast anchor for the righteous who live by faith, fulfilling the principle laid out in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Just Shall Live by Faith"), which is famously quoted in the New Testament to describe salvation through faith in Christ ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "The Righteous Live by Faith"), [Galatians 3:11](/galatians/3-11 "No One Is Justified by the Law"), [Hebrews 10:38](/hebrews/10-38 "The Righteous Will Live by Faith")). Thus, the clarity, urgency, and enduring nature of the vision in Habakkuk 2:2 ultimately point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the ultimate divine revelation that spurs humanity to faith and action.

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 30:8

¶ Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 1:19

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Deuteronomy 31:22

¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.