For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This promise isn't just about a future hope; it emphasizes the depth and extent of God's glory filling the earth, just as the vast waters comprehensively cover the seafloor. It signifies that God's knowledge will be not only universal but also profound, far beyond superficial acquaintance.
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes after Habakkuk has questioned God about the impending Babylonian invasion, lamenting the injustice and cruelty that will be unleashed. God's answer, revealed through visions, foretells the destruction of Babylon and other oppressive nations, but also promises a future time when the whole earth will be filled with God's glory. This vision of universal knowledge of God serves as a powerful counterpoint to the immediate devastation Habakkuk fears.
Habakkuk uses a powerful image to describe the future spread of God's knowledge. What makes this comparison so impactful?
Habakkuk 2:14 paints a picture of God's glory filling the earth with a depth and breadth comparable to the oceans.
The Immensity of God's Presence
The phrase 'as the waters cover the sea' isn't just about quantity; it speaks to the sheer, overwhelming presence of God's glory. Think about the vastness of the ocean – it's deep, it stretches beyond the horizon, and it's an essential part of our planet. This imagery suggests that God's knowledge and presence will not be a shallow, fleeting thing, but a profound reality that permeates every corner of creation. It's a glory that is not contained but overflows, leaving no part of the earth untouched.
A Universal Impact
This isn't just a localized phenomenon. The comparison to the sea emphasizes the universality of this future filling. Just as water covers the entire surface of the sea, God's glory will eventually be known and experienced by all people, in all places. It points to a time when the knowledge of God's character, power, and love will be undeniable and all-encompassing.
Habakkuk's prophecy comes after some intense judgments. How does this vision of glory connect to the preceding pronouncements?
Habakkuk's vision of the earth being filled with God's glory doesn't arise in a vacuum. It follows God's pronouncements of judgment against the wicked and oppressive nations, particularly Babylon.
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God's Ultimate Purpose
The destruction of earthly powers and the judgment of sin are not God's final word. Instead, they serve as a stage-setting for something far grander: the universal acknowledgment of His glory. The crushing of human pride and the downfall of tyrannical empires make way for the ultimate reign of God's truth and presence. The 'glory of the LORD' will be made known through His decisive actions, demonstrating His power and righteousness in contrast to the futility of human rebellion.
The Gospel's Advance
Many commentators see this promise as pointing towards the spread of the Gospel. The 'knowledge of the glory of the LORD' is advanced through the proclamation of His salvation. As the nations are humbled and worldly powers fall, the way is cleared for the message of God's kingdom to spread, filling the earth with His truth and grace, much like the cleansing and life-giving waters of the sea.
Understand the original words
da'at · Hebrew Noun
The experiential, relational, and intellectual apprehension of God; more than just head knowledge, it implies an intimate knowing of God's character and requirements.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s essence, splendor, presence, and weightiness; the outward demonstration of His divine character.
Habakkuk's prophecy, delivered before the destruction of Jerusalem, frames the coming judgment not as an end, but as a stage towards a future when God's glory will universally fill the earth, a hope that extends beyond the exile to the Messianic age and beyond.
c. 627-586 BC— this verse
Prophet Habakkuk's Ministry
Habakkuk prophesied during a tumultuous period, likely in the late 7th century BC, grappling with the moral and spiritual state of Judah amidst the rising power of Babylon.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
This decisive battle saw the Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, defeat the Egyptian and Assyrian forces, establishing Babylonian dominance over the region.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II besieged Jerusalem and deported a significant portion of its population, including King Jehoiachin, to Babylon, a major blow to the Judean kingdom.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces completely destroyed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, leading to the second and most devastating deportation of Judeans to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great, an event that marked a significant shift in regional power and foreshadowed the eventual return of the exiles.
This passage is a direct echo of Habakkuk's words, promising a future where the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord, emphasizing universal peace and understanding.
Psalm 72:19This psalm speaks of God's glory filling the whole earth, mirroring Habakkuk's vision and highlighting the ultimate hope for God's presence and reign throughout the world.
Jeremiah 31:34This verse offers a similar promise about a future covenant where all people will know the Lord, providing a parallel to Habakkuk's prophecy of the earth being filled with divine knowledge.
Revelation 11:15This New Testament passage describes the establishment of God's kingdom and Christ's reign, which is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God's glory.
barnesHabakkuk 2:14: "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord - Habakkuk modifies in a degree the words of Isaiah which he embodies, marking that the destruction of Babylon was a stage only toward the coming of those good things which God taught His people to long for, not their very coming. All the world should be then full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lo…
clarkeHabakkuk 2:14: "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
For the earth shall be filled - This is a singular and important verse. It may be first applied to Babylon. God's power and providence shall be widely displayed in the destruction of this city and empire, in the humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 4:37 , and in the captivity and restoration of his people. See Newcome, and see Isaiah 11:9 . Secondly. It may be applied to the…
This promise isn't just about a future hope; it emphasizes the depth and extent of God's glory filling the earth, just as the vast waters comprehensively cover the seafloor. It signifies that God's knowledge will be not only universal but also profound, far beyond superficial acquaintance.
This verse comes after Habakkuk has questioned God about the impending Babylonian invasion, lamenting the injustice and cruelty that will be unleashed. God's answer, revealed through visions, foretells the destruction of Babylon and other oppressive nations, but also promises a future time when the whole earth will be filled with God's glory. This vision of universal knowledge of God serves as a powerful counterpoint to the immediate devastation Habakkuk fears.
This verse comes after Habakkuk has questioned God about the impending Babylonian invasion, lamenting the injustice and cruelty that will be unleashed. God's answer, revealed through visions, foretells the destruction of Babylon and other oppressive nations, but also promises a future time when the whole earth will be filled with God's glory. This vision of universal knowledge of God serves as a powerful counterpoint to the immediate devastation Habakkuk fears.
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." — This promise isn't just about a future hope; it emphasizes the depth and extent of God's glory filling the earth, just as the vast waters comprehensively cover the seafloor. It signifies that God…
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Last reviewed October 2026