Habakkuk 3:1

KJV

¶ A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

A prayer {H8605} of Habakkuk {H2265} the prophet {H5030} upon Shigionoth {H7692}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is a prayer of Havakuk the prophet about mistakes:

Berean Standard Bible

This is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth:

American Standard Version

A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, set to Shigionoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:1 serves as the precise superscription to the final chapter of the prophetic book, introducing it as a profound prayer from the prophet Habakkuk, intended to be performed "upon Shigionoth." This verse immediately signals a shift in tone and content from the preceding dialogue and divine pronouncements, marking the beginning of Habakkuk's magnificent hymn of faith, worship, and trust in God's sovereign power and ultimate justice, even amidst impending national catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Habakkuk 3:1 functions as the formal introduction to the concluding chapter of the book of Habakkuk. The preceding two chapters establish a unique prophetic dialogue: Habakkuk's initial lament concerning injustice within Judah ([Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk's Lament Over Injustice")) is met by God's shocking revelation that He will use the ruthless Chaldeans (Babylonians) as His instrument of judgment ([Habakkuk 1:5-11](/habakkuk/1-5-11 "God's Response: The Rise of the Chaldeans")). This prompts Habakkuk's second, more profound complaint, questioning how a holy God could employ such a wicked nation ([Habakkuk 1:12-17](/habakkuk/1-12-17 "Habakkuk's Second Lament: Why Use the Wicked?")). Chapter 2 then delivers God's detailed response, emphasizing the principle that "the just shall live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Righteous Live by Faith")) and pronouncing a series of five woes against the oppressive Babylonians ([Habakkuk 2:6-20](/habakkuk/2-6-20 "Woes Against the Oppressor")). Chapter 3, therefore, is Habakkuk's climactic response of faith, a prayer-hymn that moves from initial fear to unwavering trust and joy in God, regardless of circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Habakkuk is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th century BCE, prior to the Babylonian exile. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the Near East, was in decline, and the rising power of Babylon (the Chaldeans) was becoming a formidable threat. Judah itself was plagued by internal corruption, violence, and injustice, as highlighted by Habakkuk's initial complaints. The prophet's concern reflects the anxiety of a nation facing imminent foreign invasion and the moral decay within its own borders. The mention of "Shigionoth" points to a cultural practice of setting prayers or poems to music, indicating that this prayer was not merely a private meditation but likely intended for public, liturgical performance, perhaps in the temple, to instruct and encourage the community.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse contributes to several overarching themes in Habakkuk. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **prophetic intercession and lament**, demonstrating that even God's chosen messengers wrestled with divine plans and brought their honest questions and fears before Him, ultimately finding solace and resolution in prayer. Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **faith amidst adversity**, which is central to the book, particularly the declaration in [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Just Shall Live by Faith"). Chapter 3 vividly illustrates how Habakkuk's faith triumphs over despair, culminating in a profound expression of trust despite impending devastation. Finally, the superscription hints at the theme of **divine sovereignty and justice**, as Habakkuk's prayer acknowledges God's past mighty acts and expresses confidence in His future intervention, even when His methods are inscrutable to human understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayer (Hebrew, _tᵉphillâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to intercede" or "to judge," this word signifies a solemn address to God, often involving supplication or intercession. In this context, it indicates that Habakkuk's composition is a direct, earnest communication with God, reflecting his deepest concerns and ultimate trust.
* **Habakkuk (Hebrew, _Chăbaqqûwq'_):** The prophet's name, possibly derived from a root meaning "to embrace," which could metaphorically suggest embracing God's will or wrestling with God's truth. This personal identification highlights the intensely personal nature of the prayer that follows, a profound spiritual journey from questioning to unwavering faith.
* **Shigionoth (Hebrew, _shiggâyôwn'_):** This term is likely a musical or liturgical instruction, indicating the style or tune for the prayer. Its root suggests "aberration" or "wandering," implying a passionate, emotional, or rhapsodic composition, perhaps with an irregular rhythm, akin to a lament or a dithyramb. This suggests the prayer was not a rigid, formal liturgy but a deeply heartfelt outpouring.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet":** This initial phrase immediately identifies the genre and author of the following chapter. It indicates that Chapter 3 is not merely a continuation of the dialogue or a prophetic oracle, but a direct, personal communication from Habakkuk to God. The designation "the prophet" emphasizes his divine calling and authority, yet also his human struggle and reliance on God through prayer. This sets a precedent for believers to bring their deepest concerns and questions before the Lord.
* **"upon Shigionoth":** This phrase serves as a musical or liturgical instruction, akin to superscriptions found in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 7:1](/psalms/7-1 "Psalm 7:1 - A Shiggaion of David")). While its precise meaning is debated, it generally refers to a passionate, emotional, or rhapsodic style of music or recitation, possibly characterized by strong emotion, irregular rhythm, or a wandering melody. This suggests that Habakkuk's prayer was intended to be sung or recited with deep feeling, reflecting the turbulent emotions of the prophet and the gravity of the impending judgment. It implies a public, perhaps communal, performance of this profound expression of faith.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:1 primarily functions as a **superscription**, a common literary device in biblical texts, especially in the Psalms and prophetic books. Its purpose is to provide essential contextual information: the **genre** (a prayer), the **author** (Habakkuk the prophet), and a **performance instruction** ("upon Shigionoth"). The use of "Shigionoth" itself is an example of **musical notation** or **liturgical direction**, indicating the emotional and perhaps rhythmic character of the subsequent prayer. This brief verse also employs **concision**, packing significant information into a few words, immediately setting the tone for the powerful and deeply emotional content of Chapter 3.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:1, though a brief superscription, carries significant theological weight by framing the entirety of Chapter 3 as a "prayer" from a "prophet." This immediately elevates the subsequent text beyond a mere lament or prophecy, transforming it into a model of profound, personal communion with God. It underscores the biblical truth that even those entrusted with divine revelation must engage in earnest supplication and worship, especially when confronted with challenging divine plans. The inclusion of "upon Shigionoth" further suggests that this prayer is not just a private outpouring but a public, perhaps musical, act of worship, demonstrating that faith and praise are appropriate responses even in times of national crisis and uncertainty. Theologically, it highlights the journey from questioning and fear to unwavering trust and joy in God's sovereignty, a journey accessible to all believers.

* [Psalm 7:1](/psalms/7-1 "Psalm 7:1 - A Shiggaion of David")
* [Psalm 90:1](/psalms/90-1 "Psalm 90:1 - A Prayer of Moses")
* [Jonah 2:1](/jonah/2-1 "Jonah 2:1 - Jonah's Prayer from the Fish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk 3:1 invites us into the intimate spiritual journey of a prophet who grappled with the perplexing ways of God, yet ultimately found solace and strength in prayer. This verse validates the authenticity of bringing our raw emotions, questions, and even laments directly to God. It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic relationship that involves wrestling with difficult realities and waiting on the Lord. The instruction "upon Shigionoth" suggests that this prayer was meant to be expressed with passion and perhaps even musicality, reminding us that worship, in all its forms, is a vital component of navigating life's storms. In our own lives, when faced with overwhelming circumstances, injustice, or uncertainty about God's plans, we are called not to despair but to pray, to lament, and ultimately, like Habakkuk, to find our joy and strength in the Lord, regardless of external conditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Habakkuk's example of bringing his questions and fears to God in prayer encourage you in your own prayer life?**
* **What does the phrase "upon Shigionoth" suggest about the emotional nature of our worship, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when His plans are unclear or seem contrary to your expectations?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "upon Shigionoth"?**

Answer: The phrase "upon Shigionoth" (Hebrew: *al shigyonot*) is a musical or liturgical instruction, indicating the style or tune to which Habakkuk's prayer was to be sung or recited. The singular form, *shiggaion*, is also found in the superscription of [Psalm 7:1](/psalms/7-1 "Psalm 7:1 - A Shiggaion of David"). While its precise meaning is debated among scholars, it is generally understood to refer to a passionate, emotional, or rhapsodic composition, perhaps characterized by strong emotion, an irregular rhythm, or a "wandering" melody. This suggests that Habakkuk's prayer was not a rigid, formal liturgy but a deeply heartfelt outpouring to God, reflecting the prophet's turbulent inner state and his fervent plea for God's mercy and power. It implies the prayer was intended for public performance, perhaps with musical accompaniment, to express intense emotion and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 3:1, by introducing a prophet's prayer of faith amidst impending judgment, foreshadows the ultimate prayer and trust found in Jesus Christ. While Habakkuk's prayer is a response to the threat of earthly judgment, it points to the greater judgment and salvation accomplished through Christ. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, also engaged in profound prayer, particularly in the face of suffering and divine judgment, as seen in His agonizing prayer in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"). His submission to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, embodies the ultimate embrace of divine sovereignty, far surpassing Habakkuk's fervent trust. The "Shigionoth" style of passionate outpouring finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's deep anguish and triumphant cry of "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")). Through Christ, the "just shall live by his faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Righteous Live by Faith")) is fully realized, as faith in His atoning work is the means by which humanity is reconciled to God and delivered from eternal judgment, leading to an everlasting joy that transcends all earthly circumstances, echoing the prophet's final declaration of joy in [Habakkuk 3:18](/habakkuk/3-18 "Habakkuk 3:18 - Yet I Will Rejoice in the Lord").

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 86:1

¶ A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy.

Psalms 86:17

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Psalms 90:1

¶ A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Psalms 90:17

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Psalms 7:1

¶ Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Psalms 7:17

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.