Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.

HABAKKUK 1:11KJV
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Habakkuk 1:11 (KJV)

What does Habakkuk 1:11 mean?

Habakkuk 1:11 describes how a powerful invader, after achieving victory, becomes proud and credits his own god for his success, crossing boundaries and committing offenses. The verse shows a shift in the invader’s attitude, as he moves from conquest to arrogance, attributing his power to his deity rather than to the true God.

In context, the prophet Habakkuk is recording God’s answer about the rise of the Babylonians (Chaldeans), who will be used as an instrument of judgment. This verse highlights the Babylonians’ pride and spiritual blindness: after their victories, they become self-assured and idolatrous, failing to recognize God’s sovereignty.

The Hebrew behind Habakkuk 1:11

  • mind (רוּחַ, ruach): This word often means “spirit” or “wind,” but here it is understood as the invader’s attitude or inner drive. The change in “mind” signals a shift in the conqueror’s heart from action to arrogance.
  • offend (אָשַׁם, asham): This word means “to be guilty” or “to offend.” The verse emphasizes that the invader’s prideful actions are not just political but morally wrong, crossing into guilt before God.
  • power (כֹּחַ, koach): This word means “strength” or “ability.” The invader credits his own strength to his god, missing the point that all power ultimately comes from the true God.
  • god (אֱלוֹהַּ, eloah): This word refers to a deity or god. The invader attributes his success to his own god, showing a lack of recognition for the God of Israel.

Why Habakkuk 1:11 matters

  • Habakkuk 1:11 clarifies that the Babylonians’ victories are not a sign of their god’s power, but rather part of God’s larger plan, and their arrogance will eventually bring judgment on themselves.
  • The verse highlights the danger of pride after success, especially when people or nations forget the true source of their strength.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Habakkuk, which wrestles with why God allows wicked people to prosper temporarily, and reassures that God remains in control even when events seem unjust.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H2098 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Psalms 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
  • Psalms 68:28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

“change” Hebrew H2498 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
  • Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
  • Psalms 102:26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

“offend” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Jeremiah 50:7 All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

“god” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.