Habakkuk 2:3

KJV

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the vision {H2377} is yet for an appointed time {H4150}, but at the end {H7093} it shall speak {H6315}, and not lie {H3576}: though it tarry {H4102}, wait {H2442} for it; because it will surely {H935} come {H935}, it will not tarry {H309}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the vision is meant for its appointed time; it speaks of the end, and it does not lie. It may take a while, but wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.

Berean Standard Bible

For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

American Standard Version

For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:3 provides a profound assurance from God to the prophet, affirming the absolute certainty and precise timing of His divine revelation, or "vision." Despite any perceived delay from a human perspective, the prophecy is destined to unfold at its divinely appointed moment, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness and calling His people to patient, steadfast endurance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is God's direct response to Habakkuk's second complaint in [Habakkuk 1:12-17](/habakkuk/1-12-17 "Habakkuk's Second Complaint - Why Does God Use the Wicked?"). The prophet, standing watch on his tower ([Habakkuk 2:1](/habakkuk/2-1 "Habakkuk 2:1 - The Prophet's Watch")), awaits God's answer regarding the impending judgment by the Babylonians and the apparent injustice of God using a more wicked nation to punish Judah. God's instruction in [Habakkuk 2:2](/habakkuk/2-2 "Habakkuk 2:2 - Write the Vision Clearly") to "write the vision, and make it plain upon tables" immediately precedes this verse, emphasizing the clarity and public nature of the coming revelation. Thus, [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision's Appointed Time") serves as the foundational promise guaranteeing the fulfillment of the entire vision God is about to unfold, which includes the pronouncements of woe against Babylon in [Habakkuk 2:6-20](/habakkuk/2-6-20 "Habakkuk 2:6-20 - Woes Against the Oppressor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Habakkuk prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BCE, just before the Babylonian invasion. The Assyrian empire had declined, and Babylon (Chaldea) was rising as the dominant world power. Judah was experiencing moral decay and social injustice, prompting Habakkuk's initial lament ([Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk 1:2-4 - Habakkuk's Initial Complaint")). The prospect of God using the ruthless Babylonians as His instrument of judgment was deeply perplexing and disturbing to the prophet, challenging his understanding of divine justice. In this context of national crisis and existential questioning, the concept of a "vision" (prophetic revelation) and an "appointed time" (a fixed, divine schedule) would have been crucial for the people to grasp, offering hope and a framework for understanding God's sovereign control amidst chaos.
* **Key Themes:** The book of Habakkuk grapples with several profound themes that [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision's Appointed Time") significantly reinforces. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God asserts His control over history and His precise timing, even when human events seem chaotic or unjust. The theme of **Divine Justice** is addressed not by immediate explanation of God's ways, but by the assurance that His ultimate plan, though delayed from a human perspective, will culminate in righteous judgment and vindication. Crucially, **Faith and Endurance** emerge as central virtues; the call to "wait for it" ([Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision's Appointed Time")) and the subsequent declaration that "the just shall live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Just Shall Live by Faith")) underscore the necessity of steadfast trust in God's word, even when its fulfillment is not immediately apparent. This verse, therefore, serves as a theological anchor, grounding the prophet and the people in the certainty of God's word amidst uncertainty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From the root _châzâh_ (to see), this term refers to a divine sight, a revelation, or an oracle. It signifies a communication from God, often through prophetic means, conveying His plans, purposes, and future events. In Habakkuk 2:3, it specifically refers to the prophecy God is revealing to Habakkuk concerning the judgment of Judah and Babylon, and ultimately, the triumph of God's righteous rule.
* **Appointed time (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** This word denotes a fixed time or season, a designated appointment, or a solemn festival. It carries the connotation of a precise, pre-determined moment, not subject to human manipulation or delay. Its use here emphasizes that God's prophetic word will unfold according to His sovereign, unalterable timetable, reinforcing the certainty of its fulfillment.
* **Wait (Hebrew, _châkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to adhere to" or "to await," this word implies a patient, expectant posture. It's not a passive waiting, but an active, hopeful endurance, clinging to the promise despite its apparent delay. The instruction to "wait for it" is a command for steadfast faith and perseverance in the face of prolonged anticipation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and pre-ordained nature of the prophecy. The "vision" (God's revealed plan) is not arbitrary or subject to human will, but is set for a specific, divinely determined "appointed time" (_môwʻêd_). This immediately addresses any human impatience or perception of delay, placing the unfolding of events squarely within God's sovereign schedule.
* **"but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:"**: This powerful declaration asserts the absolute certainty and truthfulness of the vision's ultimate manifestation. "At the end" refers to the culmination of the appointed time, when the prophecy will "speak" – it will burst forth, manifest clearly, and prove itself true. The phrase "and not lie" (from _kâzab_) emphatically guarantees its reliability; God's word is infallible and will never deceive or fail to come to pass.
* **"though it tarry, wait for it;"**: Here, the human perspective of delay is acknowledged ("though it tarry," from _mâhahh_, to hesitate or linger). This validates the prophet's (and the people's) experience of prolonged waiting. However, this acknowledgment is immediately followed by a command: "wait for it" (from _châkâh_). This is an imperative call to patient endurance, active faith, and steadfast hope, rather than despair or abandonment of the promise.
* **"because it will surely come, it will not tarry."**: This concluding affirmation powerfully reiterates the absolute certainty of the vision's fulfillment, resolving the tension created by the previous clause. The repetition of "surely come" (from _bôwʼ_, to come or go) and "it will not tarry" (from _ʼâchar_, to loiter or delay) serves as a divine guarantee. From God's perspective, there is no true delay; what appears as tarrying to humans is simply part of His perfect, unhurried, and inevitable unfolding of His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:3 is rich in literary artistry, effectively conveying its message of certainty and endurance. **Repetition** is a prominent device, particularly with the word "tarry" (Hebrew _mâhahh_ and _ʼâchar_). The phrase "though it tarry... it will not tarry" creates a powerful **antithesis** or **paradox**, highlighting the contrast between human perception of delay and God's absolute, on-time fulfillment. This repetition serves to emphasize the unwavering certainty of the vision's arrival. The **personification** of the vision, stating that "it shall speak, and not lie," imbues the divine revelation with an active, living quality, as if it is a witness that will testify to its own truthfulness when it comes to pass. The use of **imperative** mood in "wait for it" is a direct command, underscoring the urgency and necessity of patient faith. Finally, the overall structure of the verse moves from acknowledging perceived delay to an emphatic declaration of certain and timely fulfillment, creating a sense of **climax** and ultimate reassurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:3 stands as a foundational text for understanding divine timing, the reliability of God's prophetic word, and the call to patient faith. It teaches that God operates on a sovereign timetable that transcends human perception of time, ensuring that His purposes will be perfectly executed. This truth provides immense comfort and stability, reminding believers that even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises or when His intervention appears delayed, His word remains unfailingly true and will inevitably come to pass. The verse challenges us to cultivate a deep trust in God's wisdom and faithfulness, fostering a posture of active, hopeful waiting rather than anxious striving or despair. It underscores that the period of waiting is not empty, but a crucible for developing spiritual maturity and steadfast reliance on the Almighty.

* [Hebrews 10:37](/hebrews/10-37 "Hebrews 10:37 - The Coming One Will Not Tarry"): This New Testament passage directly quotes Habakkuk 2:3, applying its principle of certain fulfillment to the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the need for endurance.
* [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8-9 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - The Lord's Patience and Promise"): Peter reminds believers that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day," explaining that God's apparent delay in fulfilling His promises is due to His patience, not His slowness.
* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the Lord"): The psalmist exhorts, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD," echoing the theme of patient endurance and the benefits of waiting on God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:3 offers profound spiritual nourishment for every believer navigating life's uncertainties and the often-slow unfolding of God's purposes. In a world that prizes instant gratification and immediate results, this verse calls us to embrace a counter-cultural posture of patient endurance. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, not merely delayed, and that His promises are guaranteed. When we face personal trials, unanswered prayers, or societal injustices that seem to linger indefinitely, this passage encourages us not to lose heart. Instead, it invites us to anchor our hope in the unwavering faithfulness of God, trusting that what He has promised, He will surely perform. Our waiting is not passive idleness but an active, faith-filled expectation, a spiritual discipline that strengthens our character and deepens our reliance on the Lord. It teaches us to discern between our human perception of time and God's eternal perspective, fostering a peace that transcends our immediate circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vision" or promise from God are you currently waiting for, and how does the truth of God's "appointed time" impact your perspective?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "wait for it," and what practical steps can you take to cultivate greater patience and trust in God's timing?**
* **How does the certainty that God's word "will not lie" strengthen your faith when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **Considering the call to "wait for it," how can you actively and faithfully endure during seasons of prolonged anticipation, rather than becoming discouraged?**

### FAQ
**What does "the vision is yet for an appointed time" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that the divine revelation or prophecy God has given (the "vision") has a specific, pre-determined, and fixed time for its fulfillment. The Hebrew word for "appointed time" (_môwʻêd_) often refers to a set festival or a designated meeting time, emphasizing its certainty and precision. It means God has a perfect schedule for His plans to unfold, and they will not be early or late according to His divine calendar, even if they seem delayed from a human perspective. It assures that God's purposes will come to pass at the exact moment He has ordained.

**How can I "wait for it" when it feels like God is delaying or not answering?**

Answer: The instruction to "wait for it" is a call to active, patient endurance rooted in faith, not passive resignation. It means holding onto God's promises with unwavering confidence, even when their fulfillment is not immediately apparent. Practically, this involves continually reminding yourself of God's character (His faithfulness, sovereignty, and love), immersing yourself in His Word, praying consistently, and seeking community with other believers for encouragement. It's about trusting that God's timing is perfect and that His word "will surely come, it will not tarry" ([Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision's Appointed Time")). This kind of waiting is a spiritual discipline that strengthens your faith and deepens your reliance on God, as seen in passages like [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "vision" that is "for an appointed time" ultimately points to God's grand redemptive plan, culminating in the incarnation, death, resurrection, and glorious return of Christ. The first coming of Jesus, though long prophesied and seemingly delayed over centuries, occurred precisely "when the fullness of the time was come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Every prophecy concerning His birth, life, ministry, suffering, and triumph "spoke" and "did not lie," being meticulously fulfilled in Him, demonstrating that God's word is absolutely trustworthy ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")). Furthermore, the instruction to "wait for it" resonates deeply with the Christian hope in Christ's second coming. Believers are called to patiently endure, knowing that "He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" ([Hebrews 10:37](/hebrews/10-37 "Hebrews 10:37 - The Coming One Will Not Tarry"), a direct quote of Habakkuk 2:3 applied to Christ's return). This promise assures us that just as God fulfilled His word in Christ's first advent at the appointed time, so too will He fulfill His promise of Christ's glorious return, bringing full justice and establishing His eternal kingdom, proving that His word "will surely come, it will not tarry."

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

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Ezekiel 12:25

For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 102:13

Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.