Habakkuk 2:9

KJV

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} to him that coveteth {H1214} an evil {H7451} covetousness {H1215} to his house {H1004}, that he may set {H7760} his nest {H7064} on high {H4791}, that he may be delivered {H5337} from the power {H3709} of evil {H7451}!

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Woe to him who seeks unjust gain for his household, putting his nest on the heights, in order to be safe from the reach of harm.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster!

American Standard Version

Woe to him that getteth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the hand of evil!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 2:9 pronounces a severe judgment, a "woe," upon those who aggressively pursue unjust gain, specifically accumulating ill-gotten wealth for their own household. This verse condemns the deceptive belief that such material acquisition can establish an impregnable fortress of security, insulating them from the consequences of their actions or from divine judgment. It exposes the futility of seeking self-preservation through wicked means, highlighting the inevitable downfall that awaits those who elevate material security above righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Habakkuk is a unique prophetic dialogue between the prophet and God. Chapter 1 records Habakkuk's initial complaint about the rampant injustice within Judah and God's surprising response that He is raising up the ruthless Babylonians to execute judgment. Habakkuk then expresses his dismay at God using an even more wicked nation. Chapter 2 serves as God's detailed reply, beginning with the famous declaration that "the righteous will live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Live by Faith")). The remainder of chapter 2, from verse 5 onwards, contains a series of five "woes" (vv. 6-20) directed against the Chaldeans (Babylonians), articulating the specific sins for which they will be judged. These woes serve as divine pronouncements of retribution, demonstrating God's ultimate justice against pride, oppression, violence, drunkenness, and idolatry. Habakkuk 2:9 is the third of these woes, specifically targeting their insatiable greed and the false security derived from it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Habakkuk prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely late 7th century BCE, just before or during the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This was a time of significant political instability, with Judah caught between the declining Assyrian power and the ascendant Babylonians. The Chaldeans, known for their military might and expansionist policies, were conquering nations and accumulating vast wealth through plunder and tribute. Their culture was marked by a strong sense of self-reliance, imperial ambition, and often, brutal oppression of conquered peoples. The "house" (Hebrew: _bayith_) in this context refers not just to a physical dwelling but to the entire household, including family, possessions, and legacy, which was central to ancient Near Eastern identity and security. The concept of setting a "nest on high" would resonate with the practice of building fortresses or strongholds in elevated, seemingly impregnable locations, common in ancient warfare and a symbol of human attempts at self-preservation.

* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 2:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Unjust Gain and Greed**, condemning the aggressive pursuit and accumulation of wealth through exploitative or violent means, a practice rampant among the Babylonians. This echoes warnings found throughout the prophets against oppressing the poor and vulnerable for personal enrichment, as seen in [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor"). The verse also highlights the theme of **False Security**, exposing the delusion that material wealth or human strength can provide ultimate protection from consequences or divine judgment. The imagery of building a high nest speaks to a self-sufficient pride that rejects reliance on God, a theme explored in [Psalm 49:6-7](/psalms/49-6-7 "Psalm 49:6-7 - Riches Cannot Redeem"). Ultimately, this woe underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, affirming that God will inevitably bring justice against those who engage in such wickedness, regardless of their perceived power or security. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God's justice will prevail, as declared in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection is a prolonged form of "oh!" or "alas!" It functions as a lament or a cry of distress, but in prophetic literature, it often serves as a pronouncement of judgment or a curse. It signals impending doom or severe consequences for the actions described, acting as a divine indictment rather than a mere expression of sorrow.
* **Coveteth (Hebrew, _bâtsaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to break off," which extends to "plunder," "gain greedily," or "make dishonest gain." It implies an aggressive, often violent or unjust, acquisition of wealth or possessions. It's not merely a desire but an active, illicit pursuit and taking, often at the expense of others. The repetition with _betsaʻ_ (H1215) in the phrase "evil covetousness" intensifies this meaning, emphasizing the corrupt nature of the gain.
* **Nest (Hebrew, _qên'_):** Literally a bird's nest, but figuratively, it can refer to a dwelling, a chamber, or a secure place. In this context, it symbolizes a place of safety, security, or an established home/dynasty. The act of "setting his nest on high" signifies an attempt to build an impregnable, self-sufficient stronghold through ill-gotten gains, believing it will protect them from any threat.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house":** This opening clause pronounces a divine judgment upon the individual or nation (Babylon) characterized by a particularly wicked form of greed. The Hebrew phrase _bâtsaʻ betsaʻ raʻ_ (literally "gains evil gain") emphasizes the aggressive, unjust, and morally corrupt nature of the acquisition. This is not merely a desire but an active pursuit of wealth through illicit means, such as plunder, exploitation, or oppression. The phrase "to his house" signifies that this ill-gotten gain is accumulated for personal or familial benefit, intended to establish or enhance one's own security and legacy.
* **"that he may set his nest on high":** This clause reveals the motivation behind the covetousness. The imagery of a bird building its nest in a high, inaccessible place symbolizes the attempt to create a secure, elevated, and seemingly impregnable position. This "high nest" represents a perceived state of invulnerability, a fortress of wealth and power built through wicked means, designed to protect the individual or nation from any external threat or consequence. It speaks to a self-reliant pride that believes material accumulation can provide ultimate safety.
* **"that he may be delivered from the power of evil!":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, yet misguided, goal of this aggressive acquisition. The covetous individual believes that by accumulating vast wealth and establishing a secure "nest," they can escape or be rescued from "the power of evil." This "evil" (_raʻ_) can encompass various forms: the consequences of their own wicked actions, the judgment of God, or even the general misfortunes and dangers of life. It highlights a desperate attempt to achieve self-preservation and immunity through human means, rather than through divine protection or righteous living. The exclamation mark in the KJV emphasizes the prophet's strong condemnation and the futility of such a belief.

#### Literary Devices

Habakkuk 2:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the imagery of "setting his nest on high." This vivid metaphor compares the covetous person's attempt to secure themselves through ill-gotten gains to a bird building an inaccessible nest. It powerfully communicates the idea of seeking an elevated, impregnable position of safety and self-sufficiency, highlighting the perceived invulnerability that wealth can offer. The use of **Repetition** in "coveteth an evil covetousness" (Hebrew: _bâtsaʻ betsaʻ raʻ_) serves as a form of **Pleonasm** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and inherently wicked nature of this specific kind of greed. It's not just covetousness, but a particularly vile and active form of it. Finally, the entire verse is framed as a **Woe Oracle**, a common prophetic literary form (starting with "Woe to..."). This device functions as a pronouncement of divine judgment, signaling inevitable doom and condemnation for the actions described, thereby adding a solemn and authoritative tone to the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The theological core of Habakkuk 2:9 lies in its profound critique of human attempts to establish security apart from God, particularly through unjust means. It exposes the idolatry inherent in covetousness, where wealth becomes the object of trust and the perceived source of deliverance, usurping God's rightful place. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true and lasting security is found not in material possessions or human strength, but in a righteous relationship with the Creator. It challenges the notion that one can escape divine justice or the natural consequences of sin through accumulated power or riches. Instead, it affirms God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and His unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring that ill-gotten gains ultimately lead to ruin, not refuge.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")
* [Luke 12:15-21](/luke/12-15-21 "Luke 12:15-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Habakkuk 2:9 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to individuals and societies alike, urging us to scrutinize the source of our security and the nature of our ambitions. In a world that often equates wealth with safety and success, this verse serves as a stark reminder that material accumulation, especially when pursued through unethical or exploitative means, creates a false and ultimately fragile sense of invulnerability. It compels us to examine our own hearts: Do we subtly trust in our savings, our careers, or our possessions more than in God's provision and protection? Are we tempted to cut corners, exploit others, or compromise our integrity for financial gain, believing it will secure our future or insulate us from hardship? The "woe" is a warning that such a "high nest" built on greed is destined to fall, for true deliverance from evil comes not from human ingenuity or riches, but from God alone. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our values, prioritizing righteousness and trust in God over the deceptive allure of ill-gotten or excessively relied-upon wealth.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **In what ways might I be tempted to "covet an evil covetousness" in my own life, even subtly, by prioritizing gain over integrity?**
* **What are the "high nests" I might be trying to build for myself—sources of security that I trust in more than God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of true security and deliverance from life's "evil"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater reliance on God's provision and justice, rather than on material accumulation?**

### FAQ

**What does "set his nest on high" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "set his nest on high" is a powerful **metaphor** for building a position of perceived invulnerability and security through ill-gotten gains. Just as a bird builds its nest in a high, inaccessible place to protect its young and itself from predators, the covetous individual or nation attempts to establish an impregnable fortress of wealth and power. This "high nest" represents a self-reliant attitude, a belief that accumulated riches can insulate them from the consequences of their actions, from divine judgment, or from the general "power of evil" ([Habakkuk 2:9](/habakkuk/2-9 "Habakkuk 2:9 - Woe to the Covetous")). It highlights the futility of trusting in human-made security apart from God.

**Is this "woe" primarily for ancient Babylon, or does it have relevance for today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Habakkuk 2:9 is the oppressive Babylonian Empire, the "woes" pronounced by God through Habakkuk are fundamentally **timeless moral and theological principles**. The sin of covetousness, the pursuit of unjust gain, and the false sense of security derived from material wealth are universal human temptations. Therefore, this "woe" serves as a perpetual warning for all individuals and nations across history who prioritize greed and self-sufficiency over righteousness and trust in God. It reminds us that God's justice is not limited to one historical period but applies to all who engage in such practices, as seen in the broader biblical condemnation of greed in passages like [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "evil" in the Bible?**

Answer: The "evil" (_raʻ_) mentioned in Habakkuk 2:9, from which the covetous person seeks deliverance, is multifaceted. It refers to the negative consequences, suffering, or judgment that naturally follow wicked actions. Biblically, "evil" encompasses moral wickedness, the suffering it causes, and the divine retribution for it. The covetous believe their wealth can protect them from the **consequences of their own evil deeds** (e.g., social unrest, divine wrath) or from external misfortunes. However, the "woe" itself signifies that their actions will ultimately bring about the very "evil" (judgment, ruin) they sought to escape. This highlights a key biblical theme: sin leads to destruction, and no human effort can ultimately thwart God's justice or the inherent consequences of unrighteousness, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Proverbs 13:21 - Evil Pursues Sinners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Habakkuk 2:9, with its condemnation of covetousness and false security, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human attempts at self-salvation and God's provision of true deliverance in Jesus Christ. The "woe" pronounced upon those who seek to "set their nest on high" through ill-gotten gain underscores humanity's inherent desire for security and escape from "the power of evil." Yet, this verse reveals the futility of such efforts when pursued apart from God. Jesus, however, did not build a "nest on high" through worldly power or wealth; instead, He "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He perfectly embodied righteousness, never coveting or seeking unjust gain, but rather living a life of perfect obedience and self-giving love. The deliverance from "the power of evil" that the covetous desperately sought is precisely what Christ accomplished through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He conquered sin, death, and the power of the evil one ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, true security and ultimate deliverance are not found in accumulating earthly treasures, which moth and rust destroy ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), but in trusting in the finished work of Christ, who offers eternal life and a secure hope that transcends all earthly vulnerabilities ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He alone is the true refuge and stronghold, the one who delivers us from the ultimate "power of evil" and establishes us in an eternal "house" not built by human hands ([2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Heavenly Dwelling")).

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 49:16

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 22:13

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

Jeremiah 22:19

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.