Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Although the fig tree {H8384} shall not blossom {H6524}, neither shall fruit {H2981} be in the vines {H1612}; the labour {H4639} of the olive {H2132} shall fail {H3584}, and the fields {H7709} shall yield {H6213} no meat {H400}; the flock {H6629} shall be cut off {H1504} from the fold {H4356}, and there shall be no herd {H1241} in the stalls {H7517}:

For even if the fig tree doesn't blossom, and no fruit is on the vines, even if the olive tree fails to produce, and the fields yield no food at all, even if the sheep vanish from the sheep pen, and there are no cows in the stalls;

Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls,

For though the fig-tree shall not flourish, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no food; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Commentary

Habakkuk 3:17 is a powerful verse found within a prayer or psalm of the prophet Habakkuk, expressing profound trust in God amidst impending devastation. It paints a stark picture of complete economic and agricultural collapse, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary declaration of faith.

Context of Habakkuk 3:17

The prophet Habakkuk lived in Judah during a turbulent period, likely just before the devastating Babylonian invasion (late 7th to early 6th century BC). The book of Habakkuk primarily records a dialogue between the prophet and God, where Habakkuk questions God's justice regarding the rampant wickedness in Judah and the impending judgment by an even more wicked nation, Babylon. Chapter 3 shifts from questioning to a magnificent prayer of faith and worship. Verse 17 depicts the worst-case scenario for an agrarian society: total failure of all crops and livestock, signifying famine and complete economic ruin. This was a very real and terrifying prospect for the people of Judah facing the might of the Babylonian army.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith Beyond Circumstances: The primary message is unwavering faith and joy in God, independent of external conditions or material prosperity. It challenges believers to find their ultimate security not in earthly provisions but in the Lord Himself.
  • God as the Ultimate Source: This verse underscores that God, not the abundance of the land or the health of the economy, is the true source of life, joy, and sustenance. It sets the stage for the powerful declaration in Habakkuk 3:18, where the prophet expresses his resolve to rejoice in the Lord despite these calamities.
  • Spiritual Resilience: Habakkuk 3:17 speaks to the human capacity for spiritual resilience when faced with overwhelming loss. It illustrates a choice to maintain hope and worship even when all seems lost, echoing themes found in passages like Paul's teaching on contentment in all circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "no meat" in "the fields shall yield no meat" refers to grain or produce, not animal flesh. The Hebrew word here, yฤ•bรปl (ื™ึฐื‘ื•ึผืœ), specifically denotes produce or yield from the land. The comprehensive list of failed crops (fig, vine, olive) and livestock (flock, herd) paints a vivid and complete picture of economic desolation, emphasizing the severity of the potential suffering.

Practical Application

Habakkuk 3:17 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today:

  • Trust in Adversity: It calls us to examine where our true security lies. In times of personal hardship, economic downturns, natural disasters, or global crises, this verse reminds us that our joy and strength should not be rooted in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging character of God.
  • Worship in Want: The prophet's example encourages us to cultivate a spirit of worship and gratitude even when facing lack or loss. It teaches that authentic faith perseveres and can find joy in God alone, even when all earthly comforts are stripped away.
  • Focus on the Eternal: By highlighting the transience of material possessions and the permanence of God, the verse encourages a shift in perspective towards eternal values and God's unfailing presence.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 5:17 (12 votes)

    And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, [which] thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

  • Joel 1:16 (9 votes)

    Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, [yea], joy and gladness from the house of our God?

  • Joel 1:18 (9 votes)

    How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

  • Amos 4:6 (7 votes)

    ยถ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Amos 4:10 (7 votes)

    I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 28:15 (6 votes)

    ยถ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

  • Deuteronomy 28:18 (6 votes)

    Cursed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.