Habakkuk 2:6

KJV

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall not all these take up {H5375} a parable {H4912} against him, and a taunting {H4426} proverb {H2420} against him, and say {H559}, Woe {H1945} to him that increaseth {H7235} that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth {H3513} himself with thick clay {H5671}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't all these take up taunting him and say about him, in mocking riddles, 'Woe to him who amasses other people's wealth! how long must it go on? and to him who adds to himself the weight of goods taken in pledge!

Berean Standard Bible

Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’

American Standard Version

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and that ladeth himself with pledges!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:6 initiates a series of "woes" pronounced against the Babylonian (Chaldean) empire, serving as a divine indictment against their insatiable greed, oppressive conquests, and unjust accumulation of wealth. The verse captures the scorn and ridicule that the plundered nations would heap upon Babylon, highlighting the ultimate futility and burdensome nature of riches acquired through violence and exploitation, which ultimately lead to divine judgment and self-destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal shift in the book of Habakkuk. Following Habakkuk's lament over God's apparent inaction against Judah's wickedness and then his perplexity at God's decision to use the even more wicked Babylonians as an instrument of judgment, God provides a profound answer in [Habakkuk 2:2-5](/habakkuk/2-2-5 "Habakkuk 2:2-5 - The Vision and the Just Live by Faith"). The Lord instructs Habakkuk to write down the vision plainly, assuring him that though it tarries, it will surely come. This vision reveals that the righteous will live by faith, while the arrogant and unjust will perish. [Habakkuk 2:6](/habakkuk/2-6 "Habakkuk 2:6 - The First Woe Against Babylon") then introduces the first of five "woes" (vv. 6-20), which are prophetic pronouncements of judgment against Babylon, often voiced by their victims. These woes systematically dismantle Babylon's perceived strength and expose the moral bankruptcy of their empire, demonstrating that God's justice will indeed prevail.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile of Judah. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly expanding its dominion, conquering nations like Assyria, Egypt, and Judah. Their military campaigns were characterized by brutal efficiency, widespread destruction, and the systematic plunder of conquered territories. Wealth, resources, and even populations were forcibly relocated to Babylon, contributing to its immense prosperity and architectural grandeur. The cultural norms of the time often glorified conquest and the accumulation of spoils as signs of divine favor and national strength. However, Habakkuk's prophecy challenges this worldview, asserting that God's universal moral order condemns such rapacious behavior, regardless of temporary success. The "parable" and "taunting proverb" reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice where conquered peoples would mock their fallen oppressors, a reversal of fortune that served as a public declaration of divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** [Habakkuk 2:6](/habakkuk/2-6 "Habakkuk 2:6 - The Woe Against Unjust Gain") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, affirming that God remains in control, even when His methods seem perplexing, and that He will ultimately judge all injustice, as seen in the broader context of [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - God's Answer and the Woes"). Another key theme is **The Folly and Burden of Ill-Gotten Gain**. The verse powerfully illustrates that wealth acquired through violence, oppression, and covetousness does not bring lasting security or blessing but becomes a debilitating weight, a "thick clay" that ultimately leads to ruin. This echoes the wisdom literature's warnings against unjust enrichment, such as in [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Ill-Gotten Wealth Dwindles"). Finally, the theme of **Universal Condemnation of Oppression** is evident, as the "all these" nations rise up to pronounce judgment, signifying that Babylon's actions were not merely against Judah but against humanity, incurring widespread scorn that mirrors divine disapproval.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection is a cry of lament or warning, often signifying impending judgment or sorrow. It functions as a prophetic curse, announcing the dire consequences that will befall the one to whom it is directed. In this context, it is a pronouncement of divine condemnation against the Babylonian oppressor.
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** This term refers to a pithy maxim, a proverb, or a figurative saying, often metaphorical in nature. Here, it signifies a mocking song or satirical discourse that the plundered nations will compose and recite against Babylon, highlighting their downfall and exposing their true character. It suggests a public shaming and a reversal of fortunes where the oppressed become the accusers.
* **Ladeth (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be heavy." In this context, it is used causatively, meaning "to make weighty" or "to burden." It vividly portrays the act of accumulating something that becomes a heavy, oppressive load. The imagery suggests that the very wealth Babylon amassed through injustice will become a crushing weight, a self-imposed burden that leads to their demise.
* **Thick clay (Hebrew, _ʻabṭîyṭ'_):** This is a unique and somewhat enigmatic term, often interpreted as "pledged goods" or "heavy debts," but here rendered as "thick clay." It powerfully symbolizes the oppressive nature of ill-gotten gain. Instead of solid foundation, this wealth is like heavy, sticky, unmanageable mud, which rather than supporting, drags one down. It suggests that the fruits of injustice are not true riches but a suffocating, debilitating burden that ultimately leads to ruin and spiritual bankruptcy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say,"**: This opening rhetorical question anticipates a resounding "Yes!" It introduces the collective voice of the nations oppressed by Babylon. The "parable" and "taunting proverb" signify a public, humiliating condemnation. It's a reversal of power, where the victims become the judges, articulating the divine sentence.
* **"Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long?"**: This is the core accusation, the first "woe." It directly condemns Babylon's predatory expansion and insatiable greed, characterized by seizing wealth, land, and people that do not rightfully belong to them. The interjection "how long?" expresses the exasperated cry of the oppressed, longing for an end to the injustice and for divine intervention.
* **"and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!"**: This concluding phrase provides a powerful metaphor for the consequence of unjust gain. The "thick clay" represents the heavy, burdensome, and ultimately destructive nature of wealth acquired through exploitation. Instead of being a source of strength or stability, this ill-gotten gain becomes a suffocating weight, a muddy, unstable mass that drags the oppressor down to ruin, symbolizing the futility and self-destructive nature of such accumulation.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 2:6 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly with the metaphor of "thick clay," which vividly portrays the burdensome and suffocating nature of ill-gotten gain. This image contrasts with true wealth, suggesting that unjust accumulation is not solid but a debilitating, muddy weight. The verse also employs **Rhetorical Question** ("Shall not all these take up...?") to elicit an affirmative and emphatic response, underscoring the certainty and universality of Babylon's condemnation. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in "parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him," where two similar phrases reinforce the idea of public ridicule and scorn. Furthermore, the repeated "Woe to him" introduces a series of **Laments/Oracles of Judgment**, a common prophetic device used to pronounce divine curses and highlight the inevitable downfall of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 2:6 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that unjust gain carries a divine curse and ultimately leads to ruin. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that even when the wicked seem to prosper, their ill-gotten gains become a self-inflicted burden, leading to a humiliating downfall. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true prosperity is not measured by accumulated wealth or power, especially when acquired through oppression, but by righteousness and adherence to God's moral law. The "woe" pronounced is not merely human scorn but a reflection of divine judgment against covetousness and exploitation, assuring the faithful that God sees and will act on behalf of the oppressed.

* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-Gotten Treasures Do Not Profit")
* [Jeremiah 22:13](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13 - Woe to Him Who Builds His House by Unrighteousness")
* [Micah 2:1-3](/micah/2-1-3 "Micah 2:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Devise Iniquity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 2:6 offers a timeless and sobering warning for individuals, corporations, and nations alike. It challenges us to critically examine the sources of our wealth and the methods by which we pursue gain. The "thick clay" serves as a potent metaphor for anything acquired unjustly—whether through exploitation, deceit, or covetousness—that ultimately becomes a spiritual and moral burden, rather than a blessing. True prosperity, according to biblical wisdom, is rooted in righteousness, generosity, and justice, not in the accumulation of "that which is not his." This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that values integrity over acquisition, trusting that God will provide for our needs and that His justice will ultimately prevail, even when it seems delayed. It encourages us to live with open hands, recognizing that all we have is from God, and to use our resources in ways that honor Him and bless others, rather than burdening ourselves with the heavy, suffocating weight of ill-gotten gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the systems I participate in, be "increasing that which is not mine" or "lading myself with thick clay" in subtle or overt ways?**
* **How does the concept of "ill-gotten gain" as a burden challenge my understanding of success and prosperity in today's world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my financial and professional practices align with God's principles of justice and righteousness?**
* **How can I advocate for justice and speak out against exploitation, reflecting the "parable and taunting proverb" of the oppressed?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "thick clay" in Habakkuk 2:6?**

Answer: The phrase "thick clay" (Hebrew: *ʻabṭîyṭ*) is a powerful and somewhat enigmatic metaphor in [Habakkuk 2:6](/habakkuk/2-6 "Habakkuk 2:6 - The Woe Against Unjust Gain"). While some scholars connect it to "pledged goods" or heavy debts, the most common and impactful interpretation is that it symbolizes the burdensome, suffocating, and ultimately destructive nature of wealth acquired through injustice and oppression. Instead of providing stability or security, this ill-gotten gain becomes like heavy, sticky mud that weighs down its possessor, dragging them towards ruin. It highlights the futility of building prosperity on a foundation of unrighteousness, much like building a house on [shifting sand rather than solid rock](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - Building on Sand"). The imagery conveys that such wealth, far from being a blessing, becomes a curse, leading to the downfall of those who accumulate it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:6, with its pronouncement of "woe" against those who unjustly accumulate wealth and oppress others, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse condemns the earthly kingdom of Babylon for its covetousness and violence, it implicitly points to the need for a perfect King and a righteous kingdom. Jesus, the true King, stands in stark contrast to the oppressive rulers of this world. He did not come to "increase that which is not His" through conquest, but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He bore the ultimate "thick clay" of our sin and the burden of God's wrath on the cross, becoming poor so that we, through His poverty, might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice for Our Riches")). Furthermore, the "taunting proverb" against the oppressor foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's justice, fully realized in Christ's victory over sin, death, and all oppressive powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus establishes a kingdom founded on righteousness, justice, and self-sacrificial love, where true wealth is found not in earthly accumulation but in spiritual riches and eternal life with Him ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through His Blood")).

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 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Isaiah 14:19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Jeremiah 50:13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Job 20:15

He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

Job 20:29

This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.

Jeremiah 29:22

And of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captivity of Judah which [are] in Babylon, saying, The LORD make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;