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
English Standard Version
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 O Lord, (A)how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you (B)“Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 (C)Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction (D)and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 (E)So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
(F)For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted.
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
