Habakkuk 2:2-20
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
King James Version
God's assurance that the vision of judgment will certainly come at the appointed time, quoted in Hebrews about Christ's return.
Fulfillment References
Romans 1:17 Galatians 3:11 Hebrews 10:37-38
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalTwo summits. 'The just shall live by his faith' (2:4) — the verse Paul makes the heart of the gospel (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38): righteousness and life come by faith, fulfilled in the Lord Jesus. And 'the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea' (2:14) — the consummation, when all know the glory of God in the face of Christ. The vision waits for its appointed time: 'it will surely come' (cf. Heb. 10:37).
JewishGod's answer to the prophet's complaint — the righteous live by their faithfulness, the proud fall, and the earth will be filled with God's glory; the vision is sure though it tarries.
Catholic'The just shall live by faith' read of justification and perseverance; the earth filled with God's glory at the consummation.
ProtestantHabakkuk 2:4 is the Reformation's cornerstone (Rom. 1:17) — the just live by faith; justification by faith alone, fulfilled in Christ.
AcademicHab. 2:4 (cited thrice in the NT) and its Qumran pesher (1QpHab) are heavily studied; the meaning of 'emunah' (faith/faithfulness) is debated.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.