Habakkuk 1:2-4
Christian Standard Bible
Habakkuk’s First Prayer
2 How long,(A) Lord, must I call for help(B)
and you do not listen
or cry out to you about violence(C)
and you do not save?
3 Why do you force me to look at injustice?(D)
Why do you tolerate[a] wrongdoing?
Oppression and violence are right in front of me.
Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.
4 This is why the law is ineffective
and justice never emerges.
For the wicked restrict(E) the righteous;
therefore, justice(F) comes out perverted.
Footnotes
- 1:3 Lit observe, also in v. 13
Habakkuk 1:2-4
New American Standard Bible
2 (A)How long, Lord, have I called for help,
And You do not hear?
I cry out to You, “Violence!”
Yet You do (B)not save.
3 Why do You make me (C)see disaster,
And make me look at destitution?
Yes, (D)devastation and violence are before me;
(E)Strife exists and contention arises.
4 Therefore the (F)Law [a]is ignored,
And justice [b]is never upheld.
For the wicked (G)surround the righteous;
Therefore justice comes out (H)confused.
Footnotes
- Habakkuk 1:4 Or is ineffective; lit turns cold
- Habakkuk 1:4 Lit never goes forth
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