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!

HABAKKUK 2:6KJV
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Habakkuk 2:6 (KJV)

What does Habakkuk 2:6 mean?

Habakkuk 2:6 describes how many people will speak out against a powerful wrongdoer, using mocking sayings and proverbs to condemn him, especially for gaining wealth or goods that do not belong to him and burdening himself with what is compared to “thick clay.” The verse highlights a coming judgment on those who profit unjustly, questioning how long such wrongdoing will continue.

In this verse, the prophet Habakkuk is recording God’s words about the future downfall of the Babylonian empire, which had been oppressing other nations. The “parable” and “taunting proverb” are ways the conquered peoples will express their scorn and pronounce “woe” on Babylon for its greed and unjust gain. The image of loading oneself with “thick clay” suggests taking on a heavy, useless burden through dishonest means.

The Hebrew behind Habakkuk 2:6

  • “Parable” (מָשָׁל, mashal): This word often means a proverb, story, or saying that teaches a lesson, usually with a pointed or ironic twist. Here, it signals that the nations will use memorable sayings to mock Babylon’s downfall.
  • “Taunting” (מְלִיצָה, melitsah): This word refers to a mocking or biting speech, emphasizing the scorn and ridicule aimed at the oppressor.
  • “Woe” (הוֹי, hoy): This is a strong cry of distress or warning, often used by prophets to announce coming trouble or judgment.
  • “Ladeth” (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word means to make heavy or to burden. In this context, it suggests that the wrongdoer is weighed down by the very things he has unjustly gained.
  • “Clay” (עָבַט, abot): This word can mean thick mud or pledges/debts. The phrase “thick clay” may point to the idea of being bogged down by debt or worthless gain, not just physical clay.

Why Habakkuk 2:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that those who gain wealth unjustly will eventually be exposed and shamed by the very people they oppressed, showing that injustice is not ignored forever.
  • The use of proverbs and taunts highlights how the downfall of the proud is not just a private matter but becomes a lesson and warning to others.
  • The image of being weighed down with “thick clay” or debt connects to the wider theme in Habakkuk of the emptiness and self-destructiveness of greed and exploitation.

Where else these words appear

“taunting” Hebrew H4426 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

“proverb” Hebrew H2420 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
  • Judges 14:16 And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
  • 2 Chronicles 9:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

“parable” Hebrew H4912 · used in 39 verses

  • Numbers 23:7 And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.
  • Proverbs 26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

“Woe” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
  • Ezekiel 13:3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!