Habakkuk 3:16

KJV

¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

KJV (with Strong's)

When I heard {H8085}, my belly {H990} trembled {H7264}; my lips {H8193} quivered {H6750} at the voice {H6963}: rottenness {H7538} entered {H935} into my bones {H6106}, and I trembled {H7264} in myself, that I might rest {H5117} in the day {H3117} of trouble {H6869}: when he cometh up {H5927} unto the people {H5971}, he will invade them with his troops {H1464}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I heard, my whole body trembled, my lips shook at the sound; weakness overcame my limbs, my legs gave way beneath me. But I wait calmly for the day of trouble, when it comes upon our assailants.

Berean Standard Bible

I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us.

American Standard Version

I heard, and my body trembled, My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entereth into my bones, and I tremble in my place; Because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, For the coming up of the people that invadeth us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Habakkuk 3:16 vividly portrays the prophet's profound physical and emotional collapse upon hearing God's terrifying revelation of impending judgment, specifically the coming Chaldean invasion. Overwhelmed by the divine pronouncement, Habakkuk describes a visceral reaction of trembling, quivering, and a deep internal decay, yet paradoxically expresses a desire or resolve to find spiritual rest and stability amidst the foreseen day of trouble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic emotional response within Habakkuk's magnificent prayer and prophetic vision found in [Habakkuk chapter 3](/habakkuk/3 "Habakkuk's Prayer and Vision"). Following his initial lament and God's surprising answer concerning the rise of the Chaldeans as instruments of divine judgment in [Habakkuk 1](/habakkuk/1 "Habakkuk's Initial Complaint and God's Response"), and the subsequent series of woes against the oppressor in [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "God's Response and Woes Against the Oppressor"), chapter 3 shifts to a powerful hymn. In this hymn, Habakkuk recounts God's past acts of salvation and displays of power, building to a terrifying yet awe-inspiring glimpse into future judgment. The "voice" Habakkuk hears in this verse is the divine pronouncement of this judgment, particularly the detailed vision of the Lord's coming in judgment, which causes his extreme physical distress, culminating his dialogue with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Habakkuk's prophecy is the late 7th century BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Assyrian Empire was in decline, and the Babylonian (Chaldean) Empire was rapidly rising to prominence. Judah, caught between these powers, was experiencing moral and spiritual decay, leading to social injustice and idolatry. God's shocking revelation to Habakkuk was that He would use the ruthless Chaldeans to punish His own people, Judah ([Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "God Raises Up the Chaldeans")). The cultural context of the ancient Near East understood invasion as a terrifying, destructive force, bringing famine, slaughter, and exile. Habakkuk's physical reactions are a culturally comprehensible expression of profound terror and anguish in the face of such a devastating, divinely ordained event.
* **Key Themes:** Habakkuk 3:16 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the **Profound Awe and Fear of God's Majesty and Justice**. Habakkuk's visceral reactions—trembling, quivering lips, and the sensation of "rottenness" in his bones—illustrate the overwhelming terror and reverence one experiences in the direct presence or revelation of God's holy power and impending judgment. It is not merely a fear of punishment, but a deep spiritual and physical response to the raw, uncontainable might of the Almighty, as described earlier in [Habakkuk 3:3-15](/habakkuk/3-3-15 "God's Awesome Power Displayed"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Anticipation of Divine Judgment**. The prophet clearly foresees the coming "day of trouble" when the invading army will "invade them with his troops," directly referencing the historical [Babylonian conquest of Judah](/jeremiah/25-9 "Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion of Judah"), an event revealed as God's righteous judgment against His people's sin. Finally, the phrase "that I might rest in the day of trouble" introduces the theme of **Finding Rest and Trust Amidst Turmoil**, despite the intense fear. This suggests Habakkuk's desire or intention to cultivate spiritual peace and stability in God even when chaos erupts, echoing the foundational truth that [the just shall live by his faith](/habakkuk/2-4 "The Just Shall Live by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trembled (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, a primitive root meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)." This word emphasizes the severity of Habakkuk's physical and emotional agitation, indicating a profound, uncontrollable shaking that stems from deep-seated fear and awe in response to the divine voice.
* **rottenness (Hebrew, _râqâb'_):** From H7538, meaning "decay (by caries); rottenness (thing)." When Habakkuk states "rottenness entered into my bones," it vividly portrays a deep, internal decay or weakness. This is not literal decay but a powerful metaphor for a complete loss of strength, vitality, and inner stability, as if his very skeletal structure, the foundation of his being (see H6106, `ʻetsem` for "bones" extending to "body" and "selfsame"), is disintegrating under the weight of the revelation.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From H5117, a primitive root meaning "to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative... to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc." In this context, "that I might rest" (H5117) signifies Habakkuk's desire to find a settled, quiet, and stable state of being, a spiritual composure or peace, despite the overwhelming terror and the impending "day of trouble." It implies a deliberate act of entrusting himself to God's sovereignty, seeking inner tranquility even when external circumstances are chaotic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the cause and effect: Habakkuk's auditory reception of the divine "voice" (likely the prophetic revelation of judgment in the preceding verses of chapter 3) elicits an immediate, visceral bodily reaction. His "belly" (H990, `beṭen`, referring to the inner being, the seat of emotions) trembles (H7264, `râgaz`), indicating a deep, gut-wrenching fear. His "lips" (H8193, `sâphâh`, the instrument of speech) quivered (H6750, `tsâlal`, meaning to tinkle or chatter), suggesting a loss of control over his speech, perhaps from fear or awe, rendering him speechless or stammering.
* **"rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself,"** This intensifies the physical and psychological impact. The metaphor of "rottenness" (H7538, `râqâb`) entering his "bones" (H6106, `ʻetsem`, the core of his physical being) depicts a profound internal decay, a complete loss of strength and inner stability. The repetition of "trembled" (H7264, `râgaz`) but now "in myself" emphasizes that the shaking is not merely external but deeply internal, affecting his very essence and willpower. He is utterly undone by the weight of the divine word.
* **"that I might rest in the day of trouble:"** This clause presents a crucial purpose or outcome. Despite the overwhelming fear and physical collapse, Habakkuk expresses a desire or intention to "rest" (H5117, `nûwach`)—to find a settled, quiet, and stable state—when the "day of trouble" (H3117, `yôwm` of H6869, `tsârâh`, meaning tightness or distress) arrives. This is not a passive resignation but an active seeking of spiritual peace and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of impending devastation.
* **"when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops."** This final clause clarifies the specific nature of the "day of trouble." "He" refers to the Chaldean oppressor, the instrument of God's judgment. "Cometh up unto the people" and "invade them with his troops" (H1464, `gûwd`, to crowd upon, attack) explicitly describes the brutal military invasion that God had revealed would befall Judah. This concrete imagery grounds Habakkuk's abstract fear in the terrifying reality of the coming historical event.

#### Literary Devices
Habakkuk 3:16 is rich in **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, vividly conveying the prophet's extreme emotional and physical state. The descriptions of a "trembling belly," "quivering lips," and "rottenness entered into my bones" are powerful, visceral images designed to evoke a sense of profound terror and physical collapse. The phrase "rottenness entered into my bones" is a striking example of **Metaphor**, representing not literal decay but a complete internal weakening and loss of strength. The repetition of "trembled" (once for the belly, once for "in myself") serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the pervasive and deep-seated nature of Habakkuk's fear. The structure of the verse, moving from the immediate physical reaction to the internal decay, and then to the desired spiritual posture in the face of the coming invasion, demonstrates a form of **Climactic Progression**, building the intensity of Habakkuk's experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Habakkuk 3:16 profoundly illustrates the awe-inspiring and terrifying nature of encountering God's holy justice and sovereign plan. The prophet's extreme physical reaction is not merely fear of personal harm, but a deep, reverential trembling before the majesty of a God who is both loving and righteous, capable of using even wicked nations to accomplish His purposes. This response underscores the biblical truth that a proper understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness and power in judgment, should evoke a profound sense of humility and awe. Yet, amidst this overwhelming fear, Habakkuk's resolve to "rest in the day of trouble" demonstrates a faith that transcends circumstances, finding its anchor in God's ultimate control. This paradox of fear leading to rest is a testament to the transformative power of divine revelation, preparing the believer to endure hardship by trusting in God's unfailing sovereignty and goodness, even when His ways are mysterious and painful.

* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Reaction to God's Holiness")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "God Our Refuge and Strength in Trouble")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Peace that Transcends Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Habakkuk's experience in this verse offers a profound model for believers navigating a world fraught with uncertainty, injustice, and impending difficulties. His visceral reaction reminds us that it is natural and even appropriate to feel fear, dread, or dismay when confronted with the harsh realities of life, suffering, or even the difficult truths of God's Word concerning judgment. However, like Habakkuk, our fear is not meant to paralyze us but to humble us and drive us to a deeper, more profound trust and reliance on God. His trembling was a necessary preparation, a spiritual recalibration that allowed him to seek and find "rest" in God's sovereignty, even as the storm gathered. This verse encourages us to cultivate a robust faith that, despite internal turmoil and external chaos, can find peace and stability in God, knowing that He is ultimately in control, and that His purposes, though often mysterious, are always just and good. It calls us to a posture of active trust, resting in God's character and promises, rather than succumbing to despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when confronted with difficult truths about God's judgment or the harsh realities of life?**
* **What does "resting in the day of trouble" practically look like in your own life when faced with fear or uncertainty?**
* **In what ways can a healthy fear of God's majesty and justice lead to deeper trust and spiritual stability, rather than despair?**

### FAQ
**What does Habakkuk mean by "rottenness entered into my bones"?**

Answer: This vivid phrase is a powerful metaphor for Habakkuk's complete physical and emotional collapse. It does not mean literal decay, but rather a profound internal weakening, as if his very skeletal structure—the foundation of his physical being and strength—was disintegrating. It conveys an overwhelming sense of dread, a loss of inner stability and vitality, in response to the terrifying divine revelation of impending judgment. It signifies that the fear was not superficial but penetrated to the deepest core of his being, leaving him utterly undone.

**What is the "voice" that Habakkuk heard?**

Answer: The "voice" (Hebrew: `qôwl`, H6963) refers to the divine revelation or pronouncement that Habakkuk had just received, particularly the detailed vision of God's awesome power and His coming in judgment described in [Habakkuk 3:3-15](/habakkuk/3-3-15 "God's Theophany and Judgment"). It is the sound of God's majestic and terrifying presence, revealing His sovereign plan to use the Chaldeans as an instrument of judgment against Judah. This divine communication was so overwhelming that it evoked an extreme, visceral reaction from the prophet.

**How can one "rest in the day of trouble" when experiencing such profound fear?**

Answer: Habakkuk's desire to "rest" (Hebrew: `nûwach`, H5117) amidst his terror is a profound expression of faith. It doesn't imply a lack of fear, but rather a spiritual posture of finding peace, stability, and quiet confidence in God's sovereignty, even when external circumstances are chaotic and terrifying. This rest is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's ultimate control and goodness, a deliberate choice to anchor one's soul in Him despite the storm. It's about finding inner tranquility and spiritual composure by entrusting oneself to God's plan, knowing that He is faithful even in judgment, as seen in [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "God Our Refuge and Strength in Trouble").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 3:16, with its portrayal of profound fear giving way to a desire for rest amidst impending judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "day of trouble" that terrified Habakkuk foreshadows the ultimate "day of the Lord" and the final judgment, which Christ Himself will execute ([Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "The Lamb's Wrath")). However, unlike Habakkuk, who trembled at the *prospect* of judgment, believers in Christ find their rest and peace not by merely enduring judgment, but by being delivered *from* it through Christ's atoning work. Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly bore the full weight of God's wrath and judgment on the cross, experiencing a depth of suffering and abandonment that far surpasses Habakkuk's visceral fear ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Therefore, the rest Habakkuk longed for is perfectly realized in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through faith in Him, we are assured of peace with God, even amidst the world's tribulations, because He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Peace in Christ")). The terrifying "voice" of judgment that shook Habakkuk now speaks of grace and salvation to those who are in Christ, allowing us to face any "day of trouble" with a peace that transcends understanding ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Peace that Transcends Understanding")), knowing our ultimate rest is secure in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Promise of Rest for God's People")).

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 23:9

¶ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

Daniel 10:8

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Habakkuk 3:2

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

Jeremiah 45:3

Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.

Jeremiah 45:5

And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;