Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own— for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The nations who suffer under this oppressor will compose "enigmas" and "taunts" against him, revealing that true lasting gain comes not from accumulating wealth that isn't yours, but from something far deeper. The phrase "ladeth himself with thick clay" is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that ill-gotten wealth is not treasure, but a heavy burden that ultimately weighs down the soul, burying it under sin and sin's consequences.
Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own— for how long?— and loads himself with pledges!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Habakkuk questions God about the prevalence of injustice and violence, the Lord reveals that He is raising up the Babylonians to enact judgment. This verse introduces the first of five "woes" from a taunting song that the conquered nations will sing against their oppressor. The song highlights the oppressor's insatiable greed and exploitative nature, declaring doom upon them.
Imagine a song sung not of celebration, but of condemnation. In Habakkuk's vision, the oppressed nations themselves rise up to mock their tormentor.
This passage presents a prophetic 'song' or 'taunt' that the nations, once victims of a rapacious empire (likely Babylon), will sing against their oppressor. It’s a dramatic reversal, where those who were once silent in fear now find their voice to condemn.
A Mocking Melody
The wording is powerful: 'Shall not all these take up a parable against him, with scoffing and riddles?' This isn't just a simple complaint; it’s a deep-seated, mocking denunciation. The enemies of the oppressor will turn his own methods of cruelty and greed into a public spectacle of shame. This highlights God's ultimate justice, where even the victims will participate in declaring the downfall of the wicked.
The 'Woe' of Greed
The core of the taunt is the 'Woe' pronounced against the one who 'heaps up what is not his own' and 'loads himself with pledges.' This speaks to insatiable greed and exploitation, a relentless pursuit of wealth and power at the expense of others. The phrase 'how long?' echoes the cry of the oppressed, questioning the duration of this injustice, but here it's framed within the taunt, anticipating the end of such a reign.
What does it mean to 'heap up what is not his own'? It's more than just stealing; it's a spiritual and personal weight that crushes the soul.
The phrase 'heaps up what is not his own' and 'loads himself with pledges' paints a vivid picture of accumulation through unjust means. This isn't about simple wealth, but wealth acquired through exploitation, oppression, and deceit.
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Not Truly 'His'
The commentary highlights that ill-gotten wealth is never truly 'his.' It belongs to those from whom it was taken, and ultimately, it belongs to God. The oppressor gains possession but not legitimate ownership. This wealth becomes a burden, a heavy load that weighs down the soul.
The 'Thick Clay' Metaphor
The 'thick clay' is a powerful metaphor. It suggests something heavy, sticky, and suffocating. Commentators suggest it represents not just the literal pledges and wealth, but the accumulated sins and the oppressive weight of one's own transgressions. This 'clay' buries the soul, preventing it from rising towards God, and secures a future reckoning.
The Question of 'How Long?'
The interjected 'how long?' in the taunt isn't just the cry of the victim; it's part of the condemnation. It questions the duration of the oppressor's perceived impunity. It implies that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite, and the heavy burden of ill-gotten gain guarantees a final judgment.
Understand the original words
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
A term of judgment, lamentation, or condemnation often used by prophets to announce coming divine wrath upon those who persist in wickedness.
mashal · Hebrew Noun
A derogatory poem, song, or discourse intended to mock or shame an opponent or oppressor, often highlighting the irony of their downfall.
melitsah · Hebrew Noun
Deliberate mockery or derision often aimed at those who lack moral integrity; in Scripture, it often represents the arrogant dismissal of God’s truth.
chidah · Hebrew Noun
A challenging or obscure statement, often used in prophecy to reveal a deeper truth or divine judgment that the arrogant fail to perceive.
Habakkuk's prophecy unfolds against the backdrop of the brutal and rapacious expansion of the Babylonian Empire. The 'woe' pronounced in this verse is directed at the oppressive nature of this empire, a power that amassed wealth and dominion through violence, setting the stage for its eventual downfall and the eventual return of God's people.
c. 627-605 BC
Chaldean Power Ascends
The Chaldeans, under Nabopolassar, rise to power, breaking away from Assyrian dominance and establishing Babylon as a major empire. This period marks the beginning of their expansion.
c. 605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar II, leading the Chaldean forces, decisively defeats the Egyptians and Assyrians, securing Babylonian hegemony over the Near East. This victory solidifies their empire and opens the door for further conquests.
c. 605-597 BC
Babylonian Conquests and Deportations
Following Carchemish, the Babylonians launch campaigns into Judah and surrounding regions. This period sees initial incursions and the first major deportation of Jewish leaders and skilled workers to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel.
597 BC
First Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem falls to Nebuchadnezzar II. King Jehoiachin is deposed and exiled to Babylon, along with a significant portion of the population and temple treasures. This event profoundly impacts the Jewish people.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar returns and utterly destroys Jerusalem and its Temple. The remaining population is largely exiled to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
c. 550-539 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Under Cyrus the Great, the Persian Empire rapidly expands, eventually posing a threat to the Babylonian Empire. This growing power signals a potential shift in regional dominance.
This passage also speaks to the futility of ill-gotten gains, stating that riches acquired unjustly will be abandoned before their time, echoing the woe pronounced on those who hoard what is not theirs.
Ezekiel 28:16Similar to the taunt against the oppressor in Habakkuk, this verse describes the fall of the King of Tyre, highlighting how his excess and injustice led to his downfall and becoming an object of scorn.
Luke 12:16-21Jesus' parable of the rich fool illustrates the same theme of accumulating earthly wealth without regard for God, warning that such riches provide no true security and can lead to spiritual ruin.
Matthew 23:12This verse from Jesus' teachings directly parallels the idea of reversals in status and fortune, stating that 'whoever exalts himself will be humbled,' a principle clearly at play when the oppressor's taunt becomes a song of his own downfall.
Proverbs 28:20This proverb warns against the haste to be rich, stating that a
barnesHabakkuk 2:6: "Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!"
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him? - Nebuchadnezzar gathered, Daniel 3:4-5 , "all people, nations, and languages, to worship the golden image which he had set up." The second Babylon, pagan Rome, sought to blot out the very Chr…
clarkeHabakkuk 2:6: "Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!"
Shall not all these take up a parable against him - His ambition, derangement, and the final destruction of his mighty empire by the Persians, shall form the foundation of many sententious sayings among the people. "He who towered so high, behold how low he is fallen!" "He made…
The nations who suffer under this oppressor will compose "enigmas" and "taunts" against him, revealing that true lasting gain comes not from accumulating wealth that isn't yours, but from something far deeper. The phrase "ladeth himself with thick clay" is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that ill-gotten wealth is not treasure, but a heavy burden that ultimately weighs down the soul, burying it under sin and sin's consequences.
After Habakkuk questions God about the prevalence of injustice and violence, the Lord reveals that He is raising up the Babylonians to enact judgment. This verse introduces the first of five "woes" from a taunting song that the conquered nations will sing against their oppressor. The song highlights the oppressor's insatiable greed and exploitative nature, declaring doom upon them.
After Habakkuk questions God about the prevalence of injustice and violence, the Lord reveals that He is raising up the Babylonians to enact judgment. This verse introduces the first of five "woes" from a taunting song that the conquered nations will sing against their oppressor. The song highlights the oppressor's insatiable greed and exploitative nature, declaring doom upon them.
"Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,
“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—
for how long?—
and loads himself with pledges!”" — The nations who suffer under this oppressor will compose "enigmas" and "taunts" against him, revealing that true lasting gain comes not from accumulating wealth that isn't yours, but from something f…
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Last reviewed October 2026