Habakkuk 1:16-17

1:16 Because of his success he offers sacrifices to his throw net

and burns incense to his dragnet;

for because of them he has plenty of food,

and more than enough to eat.

1:17 Will he then continue to fill and empty his throw net?

Will he always destroy nations and spare none?


tn Heb “therefore.”

sn The fishing implements (throw net and dragnet) represent Babylonian military might. The prophet depicts the Babylonians as arrogantly worshiping their own power (sacrifices…burns incense, see also v. 11b).

tn Heb “for by them his portion is full [or, “fat”].”

tn Heb “and his food is plentiful [or, “fat”].”

tn Or “therefore.”

tn Heb “Will he then empty his throw net?” The words “continue to fill and” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

tn Or “continually.”

tn Heb “kill.”

tn Or “without showing compassion.”