Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

HABAKKUK 2:5KJV
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Habakkuk 2:5 (KJV)

What does Habakkuk 2:5 mean?

Habakkuk 2:5 describes a person who is never satisfied, whose greed and ambition drive him to take more and more, gathering nations and people to himself like death or the grave that never has enough. The verse uses the image of someone corrupted by wine and pride, always reaching beyond his home, never content with what he has.

In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk is speaking God's message about the coming judgment on the Babylonians, who are known for their conquests and insatiable appetite for power. The verse paints a vivid picture of their restless ambition, comparing it to the grave (Sheol) and death, both of which never stop claiming more. This sets the stage for the warnings and woes that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Habakkuk 2:5

  • "transgresseth" (וּאַף כִּי־הַיָּיִן בּוֹגֵד, H898, boged) means to act treacherously or be unfaithful. Here, it suggests that wine leads to reckless or untrustworthy behavior, possibly hinting at the Babylonians’ excess and lack of restraint.
  • "proud" (הִיא גֶּבֶר יָהִיר, H3093, yahiyr) means arrogant or haughty. This word highlights the attitude of the person or nation described—full of self-importance and unwilling to be contained.
  • "hell" (שְׁאוֹל, H7585, sheol) refers to the grave or the realm of the dead. The comparison shows just how endless and consuming this desire is, like a grave that never stops taking in more.
  • "satisfied" (שָׂבַע, H7646, sava) means to be filled or content. The verse stresses that no matter how much is gathered, this person or nation is never truly satisfied, always wanting more.

Why Habakkuk 2:5 matters

  • Habakkuk 2:5 clarifies that the root problem is not just outward conquest, but an inner restlessness and pride that can never be satisfied, no matter how much is gained.
  • The verse connects the Babylonians’ actions to a universal human tendency toward greed and ambition, making the warning broader than just one nation.
  • This verse sets up the following “woes” in Habakkuk, showing why judgment is coming: the endless appetite for more is both destructive and self-defeating.

Where else these words appear

“proud” Hebrew H3093 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

“home” Hebrew H5115 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

“enlargeth” Hebrew H7337 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“transgresseth” Hebrew H898 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
  • Proverbs 13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
  • Jeremiah 5:11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.